Are you planning to buy a new trampoline with a safety net or a replacement safety netting for your trampoline?
Well, you are in the right place.
In this review, I will help you understand the best netting material for you and your kids.
Before you dive into the many different types of safety netting available for your trampoline,it is important that you understand what constitutes a net.
What is a net?
According to the Merriam-Webster.com, a net is “an open- meshed fabric twisted, knotted, or woven together at regular intervals” and netting as ”material consisting of spring , rope wire, etc., that are woven together with spaces left in between…. Material that is used to make nets”.
Netting material selections for your trampoline
The most important component of a safety net is the type of material .Netting material defines or contributes some of the most important qualities of a net.
This usually includes the tensile strength, working load limit, resistance to various environmental factors such as UV rays, heat, fire, mold rot, abrasive contacts etc.
Most trampolines are located outdoor. The material that is used to make the safety nets should therefore be protected from disintegration due to UV sunlight exposure.
As for the material of trampoline safety nets, they are normally made of Polyethylene or polyester.
Trampoline safety netting made from Polyethylene (PE)
Trampoline safety nets can be made from high quality soft polyethylene.
Polyethylene is the most common plastic that is used to make the trampoline safety netting.
It is a type of polymer that is thermoplastic, this means that it can be melted to liquid and remolded to a solid state.
It is chemically synthesized from ethylene, a compound that is usually made from petroleum or natural gas.
It is then woven thick for durability while soft to avoid skin burns when jumpers slide against the safety net into the jumping mat.
Below are the characteristics of PE trampoline safety net
1.Chemical resistant
PE has a strong chemical resistance. It is resistant to concentrated acids, alkalis and many organic solvents.
You should not be worried about its maintenance because it will not react to any chemical and it is easy to clean.
2.It is inexpensive.
The PE used in making the trampoline safety nets is easy to process in most methods and this results into low production cost and hence affordable buying costs to the trampoline safety net buyers. The PE safety netting are therefore attractively priced in most occasions.
3.Durable and strong
Trampoline safety net made from polyethylene material is highly durable and versatile.
It is therefore suitable for different weather conditions.
These kinds of trampoline safety nets are made of high density mesh which makes it more solid and durable.
It retains 90% of its strength during its lifespan.
4.UV resistant
Trampoline safety nets made from PE are UV resistant.
This is because PE is made from inherently UV resistant polymers to protect it from high temperatures during summer fade resistant.
UV stabilizers are added during its manufacturing process and this makes the netting suitable for outdoor use.
5.Tear proof.
The PE used to make the trampoline safety nets have strong inter-molecular forces and a high tensile strength, Jumpers falling on it will not break or tear it.
Its tensile strength is 700 pounds at 1 inch, and 1400 pounds at 2 inch width.
6.Water resistant; It does not absorb water
7.It has excellent resistance to mildew and doesn’t rot
8.It has special coatings that make it resistant to fungal and bacterial growths
9.Tthe weaves are fine to make sure that your kids little fingers cannot be trapped
10.It comes in a wide variety of colors to add aesthetic value to your trampoline.
11.Light weight; transporting a large number of these trampoline safety nets is easy.
Trampoline safety netting made from Polyester
Trampoline enclosure nets can also be made from polyester.
Polyester is a manufactured synthetic resin in which polymer units are linked by ester groups and is usually used to make synthetic textile fibers.
The principle ingredient used to make polyester is ethylene, which is derived from petroleum.
In this process, ethylene is the polymer, the chemical rebounding block of polyester, and the chemical process that produces a finished polyester is called polymerization.
The polyester fabric formed is then woven thick to form the safety netting which is then stitched to fit your preferred trampoline.
1.Durable
Polyester safety net has great strength at any width and has a soft touch.
They do not stretch. It is made into a very thick material, which aids to increase the safety nettings’ inherent strength.
At one 1 inch width, it has a minimum breaking strength of 6,000 pounds and 12000 pounds at 2 inch wide.
2.UV protected
They are UV stabilized to withstand the harsh sun during summer.
3.Resistant to biological damage
Polyester safety nets will not rot, they cannot be damaged by mold and mildew.
4.Expensive
The trampoline safety nets made from polyester are a bit expensive as compared to those made from PE.
This is because polymerization (manufacturing polyester fabric) is expensive.
5.Very resilient
6.Quick drying.
During rainy season it dries quickly.
7.Easy to clean and maintain
The only disadvantage of these kind of trampoline enclosure nets is that they are not resistant to acids and alkalis.
Polyesters are attacked readily by alkalis and more slowly by dilute acids.
If dilute acids get into contact with this type of enclosure net, the ester linkages are Broken .
Ethane 1, 2-diol is formed together with the salt of the carboxylic acid.
And because small molecules are formed rather than the original polymer, the fibers are destroyed and you end up with a whole.
Conclusion
Both of these materials come in different grades and need to be UV stabilized.
If the netting material is of poor quality and not UV protected, it will fall apart.
As one of the most important trampoline parts, safety net should be easy to put and fit very well.
If you are considering replacing your trampoline safety net, you should ensure that you order the correct style and specification of the net.
Pay attention to the number of enclosure poles your trampoline has.Both materials are superior for outdoor and indoor applications.
Related article :
Why The Trampoline Need a Trampoline Safety Net
Best Material For The Trampoline Mats
When Should You Do Trampoline Mats Replacement
One more important tips: when you import trampoline from other country and ship via sea ,remember to remind your supplier to check the container before shipping.
Any question , freely contact our manager at lisa@domijump.com