Buying guide for best trampoline ladders

Kids love trampolines. They always have. They love jumping on them, tumbling on them, falling down on them, and just about anything else they can do on them. They’re not the only ones, either. Plenty of adults get a kick out of them, too.

A potential issue with any trampoline is how people are going to get on it. To save money, many trampoline manufacturers don’t include ladders or steps with their trampolines. If they do, they jack the price up more than they need to. If you’ve ever tried to put a footstool out in the yard to assist in getting on and off a trampoline, you know it’s not a very good option.

Mechanics are fond of saying you need the right tool for the right job, and this is true for other things, too. The best and safest way to get on and off a trampoline is to use a ladder that is designed and built to work with that trampoline.

Walking down a ladder by facing away from it, as if you’re on a flight of stairs, is a well-known safety hazard. Be sure to educate all trampoline users on the right way to ascend and descend the ladder.

Key considerations

Size

The size of a trampoline ladder reflects the width of the ladder, its physical height, and the diameter of the pipes in its construction. Bigger is stronger, but unfortunately, bigger doesn’t always fit in tight spaces.

Trampolines have different heights, from 32 to 42 inches — even higher in some cases. A 42-inch ladder will be too tall for a trampoline that is 35 inches off the ground. If you’re not sure how high your trampoline is, measure it from the top of the rail the springs are attached to down to the ground. You need a ladder built for that height.

Weight capacity

Ladders are rated by how much weight they can support. It’s tempting to save money by choosing a small, lightweight ladder for the kids. Just remember that kids grow. Pretty soon that “money saver” will be too flimsy for their increasing weight, and you’ll have to shell out for a stronger ladder. It’s better to get the stronger ladder upfront so you don’t end up spending money on two different ladders.

Number of steps

Trampoline ladders usually have two or three steps or rungs, but some have four steps. More steps translate to less distance between each step. That makes it easier for small children to climb the ladder. The height of the trampoline will also influence how many steps you need on your ladder.

Features

Adjustable height

Many ladders are built to be used only with a specific trampoline height. The only way to “adjust” them is to increase the angle the ladder is at with respect to the trampoline. On a taller trampoline, the ladder might be nearly vertical. On a shorter trampoline, the feet of the ladder might be further out from the edge.

However, some ladders are actually height adjustable. That doesn’t mean you can move them up and down every time you use them. It means there are bolts with holes drilled for different heights. Once the bolts are in place, you should dispense with any further adjustments.

Steps

Wide, flat steps are a great choice. They’re the easiest on the soles of your feet as well as the ones least likely to cause you to slip. They are typically made from some form of tough, UV-resistant plastic

Round rungs or steps are cheaper than flat ones. They’ll be made from the same metal material as the side rails, which reduces production costs at the factory. If price is an important issue, you can consider getting a ladder with these kinds of rails. Just be warned, they can be hard on your feet when you put your weight on them.

Steps or rungs need to have some kind of non-slip or non-skid surface. Trampolines and ladders that stay out in the yard can be covered with rain or mildew, making them very slippery if they don’t have some kind of rubberized coating. Whether you get round steps or flat ones, make sure they have a non-slip coating.

Material and coating

Steel tubing is the material of choice for most trampoline ladders. The main difference is whether it is galvanized steel or powder-coated steel. Either coating option will protect it from rust and the sun’s UV rays. The only difference, from a functional standpoint, is that powder coating allows the manufacturers to offer it in various colors such as black or gray, whereas galvanized steel is what it is; there are no color choices.

Hook latches

All trampoline ladders have hooks to fit over the side rails of the trampoline. Some hooks have rubberized coatings or covers to keep the ladder from slipping. The best ones have latches that fasten under the rail. These prevent the hooks from coming off the rails — a nice safety feature that is worth spending a few extra dollars to get.

Leg bottoms or bar

The bottom of the ladder is just as important as the top of it. Since a trampoline is a piece of outdoor equipment, your ladder is, too. When you step on the ladder, if the ladder's sides end in straight tubes, your weight will drive them into the ground. This is especially true in areas that receive a lot of rain that keeps the ground soft. It won’t be as much of a problem in desert areas and other warm, dry climates, but it can still happen.

Remember: the ladder may not weigh very much, but you add significantly to its weight when you climb it. If the ladder isn’t fully supported at both ends, your weight could be too much for the hooks at the top. Ladders that have a bar all the way across the bottom don’t suffer from this problem.

Spring mat

Some trampoline ladders come with storage bags for your shoes. You shouldn’t wear shoes when you’re bouncing on a trampoline, but you need somewhere to store them while you’re on it. Ladders that have a mat at the top covering the springs often come with hanging mesh bags for shoes. The mat on the top also gives you something comfortable to sit on while you’re putting your shoes back on.

Trampoline ladder prices

Trampoline ladders under $30 are considered to be in the low-price range. These are plain, galvanized steel ladders with round rungs or very narrow steps. They aren’t height adjustable and may not be rated for a lot of weight.

Ladders in the $30 to $40 range constitute the middle price range. They typically have higher-quality materials, powder coating, wider steps, and better weight capacity.

Over $50 is where you’ll find high-end prices and the best quality. You’ll also find ladders with good manufacturer protections in this group. Safety features like hook latches are found here, too.

Tips

• Always climb the ladder while facing it. Come down the ladder in the same way.
• When climbing up or down, always maintain a three-point contact with the ladder: both hands and at least one foot.
• Never carry anything in your hands while you’re on a ladder.

Trampoline ladders that are used on a daily basis should be replaced every two years. Ladders that are used on a weekly basis should be replaced every three years.

FAQ

Q. Can I let my ladder hang from the hooks without the feet touching the ground?
A. No. The weight capacity of trampoline ladders is based on the feet being firmly on the ground.

Q. What is the best angle for a trampoline ladder?
A. Most ladders, including trampoline ladders, work best at a 70- or 75-degree angle.

Q. How often should the ladder be cleaned?
A. Dirt and grime create an additional layer of material between you and the rungs of the ladder. When it rains or gets wet, that layer turns to slippery mud. Clean it off after each rain or when there is dew on the ground.