Buying guide for best water trampolines
If you owned a trampoline when you were younger, you were automatically the most popular kid on the block. Trampolines offer hours of unplugged entertainment and exercise, and there’s no better place to practice your backflips. Unless, of course, you happen to have a water trampoline.
Water trampolines take all the enjoyment of a regular trampoline and combine it with open water, whether it be a lake or a large pond. These products give you much more freedom to move, jump, and flip than a traditional trampoline because if you bounce a little too hard, you end up in the water instead of on the unforgiving ground.
Water trampolines or water bouncers (essentially springless trampolines) generally measure 10 to 17 feet in diameter and use padded outer rings for safety. They also have inflatable, buoyant bodies and trick features like ladders, ramps, and slides. Our guide outlines everything you need to consider before buying a water trampoline.
Key considerations
Trampolines are all about having fun outdoors, but it’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be until you’re flying through the air. With that in mind, here are a few safety-first considerations.
Construction material
For a water trampoline to be safe, it needs to be strong, waterproof, and flexible. That’s why quality water trampolines are made from mold- and mildew-resistant PVC plastic polymer. There are many varieties of PVC, but if you see terms like “1,000-denier PVC,” “28-gauge PVC,” or “K80 PVC,” you’re on the right track.
Water trampolines don’t usually feature nets, as flying off into the water is half the fun. Keep an eye out for padded nylon collars or foam outer rings, though, as they provide extra cushioning if you happen to miss your jump.
Size
The size of a water trampoline determines how many budding acrobats it can fit. The smallest trampolines typically have a bouncing surface that’s 10 feet in diameter, and these models are designed with a single jumper in mind. There are options measuring 17 feet across and larger, however, and while you can technically fit more people on bigger trampolines, remember that the risk of injury increases exponentially with more occupants.
Warranty
Warranty protection is an important consideration when investing in a water trampoline. Options range from one-year limited warranties that solely cover manufacturing defects to complete lifetime guarantees that include free repair or replacement no matter the damage. You might pay more for a lifetime warranty up front, but if you have a big family or you plan to use the trampoline often, it will likely be worth it.
For your safety
Trampolines offer a fantastic and enjoyable way to exercise, but they can be unsafe for young children. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons does not recommend trampolining for children younger than six years old.
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Features
Water trampolines differ from their land-based cousins in several ways, the most notable being their ability to float. Here are a few other specific features that can make a water trampoline even more fun.
Slide
What’s better than a water slide? A slide attached to a water trampoline, of course! Not only do slides offer another way to dismount your trampoline in style, many can be moved anywhere around the ring for extra convenience.
Ladder
Due to the height of their inflatable rings, water trampolines can be difficult to mount, particularly if they’re wet. Integrated ladders, ropes, or boarding platforms make the process much easier, and they help you avoid flipping the whole trampoline over trying to scramble aboard. Your fellow bouncers will thank you.
Anchor connectors
A water trampoline can turn into a sailboat quicker than you can say, “Ahoy!” All it takes is a light breeze. To prevent this, seek out trampolines with anchor connectors installed. These can be secured to anchors, docks, weights, boats, other trampolines, or anything else to keep your summer fun from floating away.
Pump
Unless you have lungs of steel, you’re going to need a pump to fill your water trampoline with air. Powered air compressors are the quickest way to accomplish this, but some trampolines come with their very own hand pumps. Depending on the design, water trampolines can take anywhere from five to 20 minutes to fully inflate.
Expert Tip
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Price
Water trampolines are not cheap, with the most reasonable examples costing around $800. As size increases and features pile on, prices roughly double for solid family-sized units. There are water trampolines on the market costing upward of $5,000, but they’re absolutely massive, feature-packed, and most commonly found on resorts.
Springless water bouncers, however, are generally more attainable due to their diminutive size and relative simplicity. Small, single-occupancy water bouncers start at around $200 and go up from there.
Tips
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Place your water trampoline or bouncer in water measuring six feet or deeper. Anything more shallow than that and you run the risk of injury when making big jumps.
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High-quality water trampolines are made from durable PVC with rust-proof springs, which means they don’t necessarily have to be disassembled and tucked away when not in use. Storing your trampoline in a dry place is never a bad idea, though, and can extend the life of your product.
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Your water trampoline’s PVC may stretch after a week or so of being blown up. Remember to top off the air if the ring feels soft or you aren’t getting the proper amount of bounce.
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Water trampoline bouncing surfaces are permeable, meaning water will flow through them without causing damage. During the winter, though, heavy snow can build up and stretch the springs. Clear excess snow off with a shovel or broom to prevent wear and tear.
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Trampoline covers may sound like a good idea, but they can actually trap in moisture that causes mildew or sagging. We recommend going without a cover and simply cleaning off your water trampoline periodically. If you do purchase a cover, remove it from time to time to let the trampoline air out.
Did you know?
Some water trampolines come with PVC repair kits that include patches, fabric, and adhesive along with an instruction manual. Failing parts like springs will likely need complete replacement, however.
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Other products we considered
Outside of our core recommendations, we found a couple water trampolines and bouncers deserving of recognition. The Popsport Inflatable Water Bouncer offers everything you want in a water bouncer in a small, portable size, including PVC construction, built-in carry handles, two color choices, and add-on options like slides and ladders. On the other end of the spectrum lies the Island Hopper 25-Foot Giant Jump Water Trampoline. This commercial-grade unit has everything you could possibly want and more in a water trampoline, but its size and price make it unrealistic for the majority of shoppers.
FAQ
Q. Are water trampolines and water bouncers the same thing?
A. While water trampolines and water bouncers are similar, it’s a common misconception that they’re the same thing. Water trampolines, like standard trampolines, have springs that connect the jumping surface to the supporting frame. Conversely, the jumping surface of water bouncers is connected directly to the structure itself without the use of springs. Water bouncers are also usually smaller than water trampolines.
Q. Do I need to wear a life jacket to use a water trampoline?
A. A life jacket is not legally required on water trampolines. However, life jackets are highly recommended for younger people or inexperienced swimmers. Additionally, public swimming areas may require them.
Q. Can I use a water trampoline on land?
A. You can use a water trampoline on land, but only on flat, even surfaces such as lawns. That being said, a water trampoline will be significantly less bouncy than a standard trampoline on land because the floatation tube absorbs much of the energy.
Q. Can I use a regular trampoline on water?
A. While it may be tempting to use a standard trampoline in the water, it will quickly sink without an inflatable outer ring.
