9 Tips on Making a Trampoline Bounce Better

There are few things more disappointing than a trampoline that barely bounces. Whether your trampoline is brand new and underwhelming, or it used to bounce well and has lost its spring over time, there are real, practical things you can do to improve it.

As a parent who has watched my own kids spend hours on our backyard trampoline — and troubleshot every bounce problem imaginable — I can tell you that most bounce issues come down to a handful of fixable causes. This guide covers all of them, from quick maintenance fixes to more significant upgrades, along with safety guidance to keep your kids protected while they jump.

Why Trampolines Lose Their Bounce

Before you can fix a bounce problem, it helps to understand what creates bounce in the first place. A trampoline works through a simple energy transfer: when a jumper lands on the mat, the springs stretch and store potential energy. When they release, that energy propels the jumper upward. The quality and efficiency of this energy transfer determines how bouncy your trampoline feels.

Bounce deteriorates for several reasons:

• Spring fatigue — springs lose elasticity over time, especially with heavy or frequent use. Rusty springs are particularly inefficient at storing and releasing energy
• Mat wear and sagging — a stretched or sagging mat absorbs energy rather than returning it, dramatically reducing bounce
• Dirty or debris-laden mat — accumulated dirt, leaves, and debris add weight and reduce mat responsiveness
• Incorrect setup — a trampoline on uneven ground or with improperly tensioned springs won’t bounce evenly or efficiently
• Too many springs missing — even one missing or broken spring creates an uneven bounce pattern and reduces overall performance

9 Ways to Make Your Trampoline Bounce Better

1. Clean the mat thoroughly

This is the first and easiest step — and it makes more difference than most people expect. Accumulated debris adds weight to the mat, which increases the energy required to generate bounce. A clean mat is a more responsive mat.

Remove all debris by hand, then sweep the mat with a soft brush. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and warm water, scrub gently, and allow the mat to dry completely before anyone jumps. Never jump on a wet mat — it can be slippery and the extra weight temporarily reduces bounce anyway.

2. Inspect and replace worn or rusty springs

Springs are the engine of your trampoline’s bounce. Over time, springs lose their elasticity — they stretch out and can no longer return to their original coiled position efficiently. Rusty springs are doubly problematic: corrosion reduces elasticity and adds friction that absorbs energy.

Check every spring individually. Signs that springs need replacing include:

• Visible rust or corrosion
• Springs that are visibly stretched or elongated compared to others
• Any spring that feels loose or rattles when moved
• Uneven bounce (often caused by a few degraded springs pulling the mat unevenly)

Replace all worn springs at once rather than individually — mismatched springs create uneven tension across the mat. Order replacements directly from your trampoline manufacturer to ensure the correct size and tension rating.

3. Lubricate the springs

If springs are in good condition but slightly stiff or squeaky, lubrication can help. Use a silicone-based lubricant — not WD-40, which attracts dirt and can actually damage rubber components over time. Apply lubricant to the hooks at each end of the spring and the spring coils themselves.

Lubrication reduces friction in the spring mechanism, allowing energy to transfer more efficiently and improving both bounce quality and spring longevity.

4. Check and adjust mat tension

A sagging mat is one of the most common bounce killers. When the mat stretches beyond its optimal tension, it absorbs kinetic energy rather than returning it. Check mat tension by pressing firmly in the centre — the mat should resist with some firmness and spring back quickly.

If your mat feels loose or sags significantly when you stand on it, check that all springs are properly attached at both ends with no gaps. If the mat itself has stretched beyond its useful life, replacement is the most effective solution. Most trampoline manufacturers sell replacement mats for their models.

5. Level the trampoline

A trampoline on uneven ground creates uneven spring tension across the mat, which produces an uneven, inefficient bounce. Even a slight slope makes a noticeable difference in bounce quality — and on a steep slope, it also creates a safety hazard as jumpers can drift toward one side.

Place the trampoline on flat, level ground. If your yard is sloped, consider a rubber mat or trampoline levelling kit designed for uneven surfaces. Some trampolines have adjustable leg extensions for this purpose.

6. Add more springs

More springs generally means more bounce — but only if you add the correct springs for your trampoline model. Adding springs increases the mat’s tension and the amount of stored energy available for each bounce.

This is most effective on older trampolines that came with fewer springs than their frame can accommodate, or on trampolines where several springs have been removed and not replaced. Check your trampoline’s manual or manufacturer website to find the recommended spring count and whether additional springs can be safely added.

7. Upgrade to higher-quality springs

If your trampoline came with standard springs — particularly if it was a budget model — upgrading to higher-quality springs is one of the most effective ways to improve bounce. Better springs are made from higher-grade steel with tighter coiling and more consistent tension, which translates directly into better energy return.

Look for springs with a higher gauge steel rating and a longer coil length — longer springs generally produce a softer, higher bounce than shorter ones. Contact your trampoline manufacturer first to ensure upgraded springs are compatible with your frame.

8. Improve your jumping technique

This one surprises people — but your jumping technique has a significant effect on how high you bounce, independent of the trampoline itself. Better technique means more efficient energy transfer.

• Jump in the centre — the centre of a round trampoline has the most consistent spring tension and produces the best bounce. Jumping off-centre wastes energy
• Bend your knees on landing — a controlled, slightly bent-knee landing stores energy in the mat more efficiently than a stiff-legged landing
• Use your arms — raising your arms as you jump upward adds momentum and extra height
• Time your bounce — let the mat’s natural rebound power your next jump rather than forcing it. Fighting the mat’s timing reduces efficiency

9. Consider a trampoline upgrade

Sometimes, the honest answer is that the trampoline itself is the problem — not the maintenance or technique. Budget trampolines often use low-quality springs and mats that simply can’t produce a satisfying bounce, regardless of how well maintained they are.

If you’ve addressed all the maintenance issues and the bounce is still disappointing, a higher-quality replacement may be the best investment. Rectangular trampolines consistently outperform round ones for bounce quality, as they distribute spring tension evenly across the entire mat rather than concentrating it in the centre.

Round vs Rectangular: Which Bounces Better?

If you’re considering a new trampoline and maximum bounce is a priority, the shape matters significantly. Rectangular trampolines distribute spring tension evenly across the entire mat surface, producing a consistent, powerful bounce whether you’re in the centre or near the edges. This is why gymnasts and serious athletes use rectangular trampolines.

Round trampolines concentrate bounce toward the centre of the mat. They’re safer for young children as the curved shape naturally directs jumpers toward the middle, but the bounce is less powerful and less consistent than a rectangular equivalent.

For families with children who are learning to jump and just want fun, round trampolines are perfectly fine. For older children and teens who want maximum bounce and airtime, a rectangular trampoline makes a noticeable difference.

Trampoline Safety While Maximising Bounce

It’s worth being clear about this: a bouncier trampoline is a more powerful trampoline, and more power requires more careful safety practice. As you improve your trampoline’s bounce, revisit these safety fundamentals:

• One jumper at a time — multiple jumpers dramatically increases injury risk, especially as bounce increases. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one jumper at a time
• Always use the safety enclosure net — ensure it’s in good repair and properly attached to the frame
• Check the padding — the spring padding around the edge should fully cover all springs and hooks. Replace if torn or damaged
• No somersaults without proper supervision — as bounce improves, children will attempt more ambitious jumps. Somersaults and backflips carry significant injury risk without proper training and supervision
• Set a weight limit — check your trampoline’s maximum weight rating and enforce it. Overloading accelerates spring and mat wear and creates safety risks
• Inspect before every use — a quick visual check of springs, mat, and net before jumping takes 30 seconds and catches problems before they cause injuries

When to Replace Rather Than Repair

Maintenance and upgrades can extend the life of a trampoline significantly — but there comes a point when replacement is the safer and more economical choice. Consider replacing your trampoline if:

• The frame is bent, cracked, or shows structural damage
• The mat has multiple tears or the weave is breaking down
• More than 20% of springs need replacement at the same time
• The trampoline is more than 8–10 years old and showing widespread wear
• Bounce quality remains poor after addressing all maintenance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wetting a trampoline make it bouncier?

Temporarily, yes — a wet mat is slightly heavier and creates more resistance, which can produce a more powerful rebound. However, jumping on a wet trampoline is significantly more dangerous due to the slipping risk. We strongly advise against deliberately wetting a trampoline mat for bounce purposes. The safety risk is not worth the marginal improvement.

Can I cross the springs to make it bouncier?

Crossing springs — attaching them diagonally across the frame rather than straight — can produce a slightly stiffer, more intense bounce. However, it creates uneven weight distribution, accelerates spring wear, and can compromise the structural integrity of the trampoline. We don’t recommend it. The safety risks outweigh the bounce improvement.

How often should trampoline springs be replaced?

Most trampoline springs last 3–5 years with regular family use. In outdoor environments with exposure to rain and humidity, rust can accelerate this timeline. Inspect springs annually and replace any that show rust, stretching, or loss of tension. Replace all springs simultaneously if more than a few are degraded — mismatched springs create uneven bounce.

Why does my new trampoline not bounce well?

New trampolines sometimes need a “break-in” period — the springs and mat need repeated use to loosen up and reach their optimal elasticity. Give it a few weeks of regular use before drawing conclusions. If bounce remains poor after break-in, the issue is likely spring quality. Budget trampolines often use low-grade springs that simply don’t perform well regardless of condition.

Does trampoline size affect bounce?

Yes. Larger trampolines generally bounce better because they have longer springs (which store more energy) and a larger mat surface (which allows more efficient energy distribution). A 14-foot trampoline will almost always outbounce a 10-foot trampoline of equivalent quality.

Sources and References

Last verified April 2026.

• American Academy of Pediatrics. Trampoline Safety in Childhood and Adolescence. healthychildren.org. Updated 2024.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Trampoline Safety. cpsc.gov.
• Hooke’s Law and trampoline physics — adapted from standard physics education materials.

Parenting Pod | parentingpod.com | Last updated April 2026