trampolines

[carolineizzy]

We have just bought a 14ft trampoline and need it up for tomorrow (birthday party!) However it arrived with no instructions so does anyone have any tips on constructing it. Thanks

[Gnu]

Start with the frame/legs - there may be 8 pieces that form a circle, with the legs joining adjacant pieces together.

The important part is the springs.  Start by putting 4 springs to stretch the mat and spaced equally around the frame.  Before you do anything else, check that the number of rings on the mat between each spring match the number of holes round the frame.  There should be a tool to help put the springs in, it is easiest to attach the springs to the mat first, then pull them towards the frame with the tool and drop them into the hole.

Then put springs roughly half way between the ones you've already placed.

Keep on putting springs half way between the ones that are already there until you've put them all in.  You end up walking round the trampoline about 8 times, but it also means that the mat is evenly tensioned throughout the process.

[jake-the-peg]

My tip is get one of these if you haven't done so already

http://www.sim64.co.uk/trampolines-safety-nets.html

apparently 50% of injuries actually occur whilst children re being supervised

http://www.rospa.com/playsafety/info/34_trampolines.htm