- How to Anchor a Water Trampoline
- How to Choose the Right Water Trampoline
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you are looking for the perfect water trampoline at the best price, contact us.
*Note: The following are general guidelines for anchoring your water trampoline. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific information relating to the model/brand of trampoline you have.
1. How to Anchor a Water Trampoline: Get the Best Bounce for Your Buck
Water Trampolines: The Best Bounce for Your Buck
The following steps are general guidelines to follow when anchoring your water trampoline. Specific guidelines may vary depending on your particular brand of trampoline.
Step 1: Choose a Good Location:
Choosing a good location is an important step in the anchoring process. Make sure you look for a location that meets the following criteria:
- A spot that is the most protected from the wind
- A location that has sufficient water depth. It should be at least 8 feet* (2.44 metres) deep
- All parts of the water trampoline need to be free from any obstructions (including docks, boats, etc.) in all directions
- Do not put it in a navigable water way - it needs to be free of traffic
Selecting the right location will help you make the most of your trampoline.
*Most recommendations from manufacturers regarding water depth is approximately 8 feet.
Step 2: Get the Proper Anchoring Weight
You will need a minimum of 150-200 lbs. (68-91kg) of anchor weight for your water trampoline. Larger water trampolines or trampolines on larger bodies of water may require more anchor weight.
Bell anchors are not a good option because they are easily dragged, especially if your body of water has a flat, sandy bottom. Screw-type or more permanent toggle-type anchors may be necessary in more extreme conditions.
Step 3: Attach a Heavy-Duty Shock Cord:
Trampolines such at the Aqua Jump Eclipse will come with an anchor connecting system
You should attach a heavy-duty shock cord to the anchor line to help absorb vertical movements of trampoline caused by waves and normal use. Many water trampolines such as the Aqua Jump Eclipse will include an Anchor Connecting System.
NOTE: You should carefully follow the instructions included with your anchor connecting system.
Step 4: Check with Local Authorities Before You Anchor Your Water Trampoline
It is advisable that you check with your local authorities to find out if there are any specific anchoring restrictions in your area before you set up your water trampoline.
Step 5: Set Your Anchor in Place
Set up your anchor in the location that you have selected for your trampoline. Make sure you use a float on your anchor line so that you can easily locate it.
Step 6: Attach Your Anchor Line
This will depend on your trampoline or water bouncer design. For example most Watertrampolines use an anchoring bridle designed with a swivel in the center of the trampoline and most Water bouncers will have a single attachment point underneath.
The following is the mooring diagram for Aquaglide's Recoil Tramp 17.0.
For the Aqua Jump Eclipse, as another example, you need to attach the anchor line securely to the open loop of the swivel on the rope harness on the underside of the trampoline.
On the Aqua Jump 120, you need to connect the anchor line directly to the ring that is located opposite the ladder on the inside of the tube.
Step 7: Adjust the Length of the Anchor Line
Adjust length of anchor line so that it is approximately 1-2 feet (0.3-0.7 meters) longer than the depth of the water.
If you use the RAVE Sports anchor connector shock cord, it will give you 2 feet (0.7 meters) of stretch to absorb waves and any vertical bouncing motion. To stop your trampoline from flipping over in high wind conditions, do not exceed 3 feet (1 meter) of total slack in the anchor line.
NOTE: It is recommended that you maximize your anchor holding power by using more anchor weight or a different type of anchor and minimize your anchor line length. This is because more slack will improve your anchor holding performance, but too much slack may allow your water trampoline to stand on edge and flip over in strong winds.
2. How to Choose the Right Water Trampoline
Choose the right water trampoline for your needs
When selecting a water trampoline, you can choose between an actual water trampoline or a bouncer.
When you are selecting a water trampoline or bouncer, you want to get one that is right for your situation. You'll want to choose one that is:
- Suitable for your location
- The right size for the number of people that will be using it
- Durable enough for the amount of use that it will get
- Suitable for the age of your users
Below are some great options to choose from. These trampolines and bouncers can be purchased as a "Park" and will include two attachments such as a slide, log or blast style bag.
Rave Bongo 13 Water Bouncer (13' Bouncer)
Features:
- Lightweight, portable, medium-sized bouncer with a
- 13-foot diameter
- Jump Mat Size: 107" (8'11")
- Jump Mat Area: 66 sq ft.
- Designed for two adults or four children.
- RAVE Bongos do not have springs; rather, the bounce surface connects directly to the inflatable tube.
Akona Exuma 20 Ultimate Water Trampoline
Features:
- 20’ Diameter
- 13’ Jump Surface
- 21 cm Spring
- 31 Oz 1000D x 1000D/28x26 0.9MM Reinforced PVC SS rings & D-rings
- Lower priced, long-lasting trampoline
- Bar/spring construction and heat welded seams
-
Akona has the highest PVC, which allows for a higher bounce and a stronger product
Aqua Jump Eclipse
Features:
- No metal frame, springs attach directly to the trampoline
- Bigger jump surface, lighter and easier to set up than competitive models
- Easy climb boarding ladder, high-speed inflator and anchor connector
- Easily inflated with the high speed inflator in about 15 minutes
- Sets up in less than 1 hour
- Safety pad covers springs
- Made from heavy gauge, UV resistant, anti mold/mildew, fabric reinforced PVC
- Commercial Quality; used by resorts and camps everywhere
- Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer's defects
Aquaglide Recoil 17 Water Trampoline
Features:
- Superior bouncing performance for larger families with teenagers or adult friends
- Rigid Octane frame, stainless springs, a C-Deck boarding platform, and a 4-way anchor bridle
- Fully welded, reinforced Duratex™ construction for years of worry-free residential use
- Capacity: 3-4 dependent upon activity
- Limited 3-year warranty
- Dimensions: L 17′ x W 17′ x H 3′
- Min Water Depth: 8 ft
3. Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a bouncer and a water trampoline?
The main difference between a water trampoline and a bouncer is that water trampolines have springs and, therefore, have more bounce than bouncers. The jump surface on a bouncer is connected directly to the tubing with a rope or welded on depending on the model.
2. How deep of water do you need for water trampolines?
The depth of water you need will depend on the model. For most models you will need at least 10 feet (3.1 meters) of water for all the parts of your trampoline including the attachments.
3. What is the best type of weighted anchor to use for anchoring in weedy or mucky bottoms?
Concrete anchors are the best type to use in weedy or mucky bottoms. A minimum of 150-200 lbs. (68-91kg) of anchor weight is recommended for most applications; however larger trampolines on larger bodies of water may require additional weight.
A good option is to use at least two, 150 lb. precast anchors. If you have a larger trampoline, then use four anchors. You can use cinder blocks as well, but you will need make sure the weight is adequate.
4. Is a septic tank cover a good option to use as a weighted anchor?
Yes, you can use a septic tank cover as long as there is enough weight to the lid.
5. Can you use a bell anchor?
Do not use a bell anchor, as they can be dragged. Larger, flat bottom anchors and more permanent anchors work best.
6. In what type of conditions would you need to use Screw-type or more permanent toggle- style anchors?
Some people will have more permanent style anchors put in when they are making a dock. You don’t want to use a screw-in type of anchor in fully sand lakebeds because you need this type of anchor to be able to grip.
7. What do you use to attach your anchor to your water trampoline?
We would always recommend using either the rave anchor connector line or the Aquaglide Mooring connectors to attach a trampoline. Aquaglide vertical mooring line has a 3,000 lb. (1360kg) break strength and includes a heavy-duty bungee, one-foot mooring rope, line float.
8. Are there special precautions you should take if you have a sudden drop-off underwater?
If you have a drop off, your anchors could possibly slip or get pulled over the drop and then float. To prevent this from happening, you can tie off your anchors to the shore or dock so they can't move too much.
9. How do you set up a water trampoline if the water is too deep to walk in with it?
If you can’t walk into the water with your inflatable, you can still set up your trampoline in the water. It does make it more difficult, but it can be done. You can also do it off the side of a dock. Bouncer styles are easier for this type of location because you do not have to install springs.
10. If you have a very windy location, are there special precautions you should take when anchoring your trampoline?
If your location is extremely windy, then you should tie a safety line to to the shore and add lots of extra weight.
11. If there are strong currents, are there special precautions you should take for anchoring?
If you have strong currents, then you should also tie a safety line to the shore and add lots of extra weight.
12. Are there any regulations about where you can put a trampoline?
You can’t put your water trampoline in marked channels. It is a good idea to check with your local authorities for any other regulations.
13. What should you use to inflate your boucers and water trampolines?
Bouncers and Water Trampolines require about 3psi of pressure and most pumps used for towables or air beds are not strong enough. Air compressors are not advised as they are low volume and too high pressure.
We recommend a high volume 3psi pump. This will ensure your investment is inflated to the correct pressure without damage. These pumps also include the correct attachment to connect to the unit's valve.
14. Do lots of waves mean that you need a heavier anchor weight?
If there are lots of waves, you will want more weight for your anchor. In addition, you should have more bungee to the line so that the trampoline can float up and down more without lifting your anchors.
15. Should you check your anchor periodically to make sure that it is still connected securely?
Yes, you want to make sure the connection point hasn’t come loose or that the anchor line is not worn.
16. Once you set up your trampoline, can you leave it in place all season?
Yes. Water trampolines are designed to be left out all season long. If, however, you are expecting bad weather, you should bring it in and attach it to your dock, or even better, you should take it right out of the water.
Why Choose Cottage Toys for Your Water Trampolines
"Best selection, best prices, best quality. This store has great customer service. I always leave very thrilled with my purchase. The Lakefield store in the summer is like a candy store for fun on the water."
- John, Peterborough Landscape Supply