Ready to set up your first water trampoline? Getting it right is important -- lest you wind up with a potential puncture, or unsafe trampoline. Here's how to do it! We're using a RAVE Sports water trampoline for this guide.
Water Trampoline Setup Instructions
Before setting up, it's important to verify you've got all required components. Carefully cut open the box (or boxes) your trampoline came in, taking care not to accidentally puncture the trampoline.
Your trampoline's documentation should include a packing list. Carefully lay all components out, and verify each part against the packing list.
Once you've verified all necessary parts are included, it's time to begin the setup!
1. Roll Out Trampoline Tube, Locate Inflation Valve
Inspect both sides of the tube for any obvious damage, including punctures or tears.
Once the tube's been laid out, locate the inflation valve cover. This trampoline model uses a gray Halkey-Roberts valve with a screw-on cap.
Remove the cap or cover from the valve, and ensure the pressure relief is closed. On this model, it must be rotated 1/3rd of a turn clockwise to lock it closed.
2. Attach Pump, Partially Inflate Tube
Attach your trampoline's inflation pump (sold separately) to the valve, and inflate the trampoline tube to about 85%. Partial inflation is required to complete the rest of the setup.
3. Attach Anchor Harness to Tube
The anchor harness should be placed in the center of the trampoline tube, with the ends spread outward, toward the ring. Ensure the anchor point in the middle of the harness is facing down.
Attach the four ends of the anchor harness to its corresponding attachment points on the tube.
NOTE: Depending on your trampoline model, some ends of the anchor harness may be shorter or longer than others. Refer to your trampoline's manual to verify which ends attach to which points on the tube.
4. Attach Ladder to Trampoline
The ladder's canvas straps have carabiners attached to the ends. Attach each carabiner to the fabric straps attached to the trampoline tube.
5. Attach Jump Surface to Tube
Roll out the jump surface so it's flat. Before installing it, inspect the surface for any tears. Lay the jump surface across the tube, so the metal clips on the jump surface roughly align with the metal clips on the tube.
This water trampoline model uses W-shaped clips on the jump surface, and triangular clips on the tube. In this case, two springs attach to each jump surface "W" clip. The opposite ends of both springs attach to separate clips on the tube -- one spring end for each tube clip.
NOTE: It's recommended to install the jump surface springs in each cardinal direction, first: One set of springs north, south, and east, then west. This will make it easier to stretch the jump surface when installing the rest of the springs in each of the four quadrants.
6. Fully Inflate The Trampoline
Once the jump surface's springs are all installed, fully inflate the trampoline. When fully inflated, the trampoline tube should feel about as firm as a basketball.
7. Install Spring Pad Cover
Lay the spring pad cover atop the jump surface.
Align the cover so the slits in the cover align with the mounting points for the cover on the tube.
Loop the spring cover's bungee cords through the slits in the cover. Pull the cords' ends through the spring clips on the tube. Then secure the cords to adjacent spring clips via the cords' plastic clips. Adjust the bungee cords, drawing them tight to give tension to the spring cover. This will prevent the cover from shifting during use.
7. Lift & Carry Trampoline to Water
Your trampoline is ready to be deployed! With the help of at least 3 others, lift the trampoline up and carry it to the water. Take care not to drag the underside of the trampoline tube across rocks or debris in shallow water near the shoreline.
8. Attach Mooring, Anchor Bag (& Enjoy!)
Your trampoline should be secured with vertical mooring line and weighted anchor bag (available here, and here) before use. Once it's secured, jump on and enjoy your new water trampoline!
(Don't Forget, Safety First)
Once inflated and deployed, your water trampoline will sit relatively high above the water line. It may be difficult to small children to climb back on after jumping off -- so always make sure they're protected from drowning with a proper life jacket.
