Did you know direct sunlight can cut your trampoline’s lifespan? It’s a silent but powerful force that slowly degrades the very materials designed to keep your kids happy and your backyard lively.
Without the right protection, the sun’s UV rays can break down fabrics, dry out plastics, and even weaken steel frames over time. That’s why protecting your trampoline from sun exposure isn’t optional if you want it to last.
From UV-resistant covers to clever shade solutions, we’ll explore the best ways to keep your trampoline cooler and stronger for the long haul.
How the Sun Damages Your Trampoline
Let’s take a closer look at the ways sunlight attacks every part of your trampoline, and why proactive protection is so critical.
The Silent Threat of UV Rays
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear from trampoline owners is that as long as their trampoline “looks okay,” it’s safe. Unfortunately, the sun has a way of breaking things down long before you can see the damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the invisible enemy to poor quality trampolines.
On a trampoline, this silent damage shows up in the elasticity of your jumping mat and the strength of your safety net. What once felt supportive and springy can lose its bounce as UV rays slowly eat away at the fibers holding everything together. And while we often focus on the soft parts, don’t underestimate the heat: We’ve measured steel frames and springs in direct sunlight hitting temperatures well over 120°F, hot enough to burn skin and stress metal joints.
What Parts of a Trampoline Suffer Most in the Sun?
If you’ve ever touched a sun-baked trampoline in the middle of summer, you’ve felt firsthand how heat and UV rays take their toll. The mat, the enclosure net, the padding, the springs, and even the steel frame. Akrobat’s jump mats breath well and do not heat up, but the pads do heat up in hot weather.
They’re all vulnerable.
The jumping mat starts to lose its stretch. The netting can fray or tear. The padding that’s meant to cushion falls may harden or crack. And yes, even the frame itself can suffer fatigue from the expansion and contraction that heat cycles bring.
7 Proven Ways to Protect Your Trampoline from Sun Damage
Now that we’ve seen how the sun quietly but steadily breaks down a trampoline, the next question is: what can you do about it?
1. Use a UV-Resistant Trampoline Cover
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your trampoline is with a fitted UV-resistant cover. When your trampoline isn’t in use, a cover shields the mat, springs, and padding from the sun’s relentless rays, helping preserve their strength and color. Think of it like sunscreen for your trampoline, except it doesn’t wear off after a few hours.
It’s key to understand the difference between a weather cover and a sunshade canopy. A weather cover is designed to go directly over the trampoline mat and fasten tightly to the frame with bungees on Akrobat brand to block sun, rain, and debris when the trampoline isn’t being used. A sunshade canopy, on the other hand, is an overhead structure that allows jumping underneath while filtering sunlight.
🔗Find Akrobat’s Best Trampoline Covers Here
2. Install a Trampoline Sunshade or Canopy
For families who want protection while jumping, a trampoline sunshade or canopy is a good option but must be installed high enough to not be hit while jumping.. These shades are designed to filter up to 99% of UV rays, providing shade that keeps the jumping surface cooler and prevents sunburns during summer fun. As a bonus, many kids love the way a canopy creates a fort-like feeling; it transforms the trampoline into a cozy, shaded play zone.
But for teens or athletes who like higher jumps and flips, you’ll want to measure the clearance carefully. Some sunshades sit higher than others, so check the specifications.
3. Move the Trampoline into the Shade
If you’ve got natural shade in your yard (like large trees or a nearby fence) moving your trampoline into a shaded spot is a practical, no-cost solution. Less direct sun exposure means slower UV degradation and a cooler mat.
One thing to watch out for: natural shade often comes with natural debris. So, pairing a weather cover with your shaded setup can prevent leaves, sap, or bird droppings from accumulating on the mat.
4. Apply a UV Fabric Protectant Spray
Another layer of defense is applying a UV fabric protectant spray to your trampoline’s safety net, and padding. These sprays work much like fabric sunscreen, adding extra UV-blocking power on top of any factory-applied coatings. You can find them on Amazon.
We recommend reapplying the spray at least once per season, or more often if you live in a high-sun area. You can tackle this as a simple DIY project.
5. Create a DIY Tarp Shade Solution
If you’re handy and want a budget-friendly option, a DIY tarp shade can be a great project. We’ve seen families use a heavy-duty tarp, a grommet kit, and bungee cords to create a makeshift canopy over their trampoline. By securing the tarp to nearby posts or a custom frame, you can create a shade cover without spending hundreds on branded accessories.
However, here’s a critical safety note: never let water pool on top of a tarp. A single inch of water across a 12-foot trampoline tarp can weigh over 200 pounds. That weight can bend poles, stretch tarps, or even collapse the setup.
6. Upgrade to Trampolines Built for Sun Resistance
Of course, the best defense is starting with a trampoline that’s engineered to withstand sun exposure. Our trampolines are crafted with hot-galvanized steel frames coated in zinc, UV-certified jump mats, and thick padding that’s resistant to cracking and fading. Every component is built to last, even under relentless sun.
Many customers ask, “Do warranties cover UV damage?” That’s a smart question and the answer is yes, with Akrobat trampolines. We stand behind our products with an industry-leading lifetime frame warranty and warranties covering mats, springs, and pads against UV-related degradation.
A lot of brands don’t quite give you that sense of security.
For families who don’t want to replace worn-out parts every year, investing in premium materials upfront simply makes sense.
🏆Best Pick for Heavy Jumpers: 14ft x 10ft Primus Challenger Above Ground Trampoline
7. Maintain and Inspect Regularly
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of regular maintenance. Before each season, and ideally every few months, inspect your trampoline for cracking, fading, brittleness, or loose connections. Catching sun damage early can prevent more costly failures later.
Staying ahead of wear-and-tear keeps your trampoline stronger for the long run.
Combining Sun and Rain Protection
Basically, both sun and rain can be enemies for trampolines.
Sunlight and moisture team up to break down the materials, which means mats get weaker, frames rust up, and your trampoline just won’t last as long, no matter how good it is. You definitely need to think about protecting it from the sun, but don’t forget that keeping it dry is just as key for making sure it sticks around.
One area many owners overlook is drainage underneath the trampoline, especially for in-ground models. If water collects under the jumping mat or inside the pit, it creates a warm, damp environment that speeds up corrosion, mold, and mildew.
Even for above-ground trampolines, water pooling is a concern. A flat cover that collects rainwater can sag and strain the frame.
Use angled covers or install drainage aids to keep water flowing away from your trampoline, not pooling on top or underneath it. Sloped covers, center support poles, and breathable materials all help shed water efficiently. When you combine effective sun protection with thoughtful water management, you’re doubling the defenses and giving your trampoline the best possible life.
Choosing the Right Sun Protection Strategy for You
Maybe it’s a UV-resistant cover to shield it when not in use. Maybe it’s a canopy that keeps the kids shaded while they jump. Maybe it’s relocating the trampoline under a tree, applying a UV fabric protectant, or investing in premium materials designed to endure sun exposure from the start.
The most effective approach? A combination. A cover alone can only do so much. A canopy without proper drainage could invite problems. But together; covers, canopies, shade, protectants, and high-quality construction, you’re giving your trampoline the best defense possible against the elements.
Our jump mats deliver superior UV protection and airflow. Our padding is thicker, stronger, and longer-lasting. And we back it all with industry-leading warranties because we believe families deserve trampolines that aren’t just fun today, but also durable for years to come.
Shop AkrobatUSA and find your best trampolines to make memories with for the summer!
