Every trampoline we sell comes with an enclosure net. There is a specific reason for that — not marketing, not a bundle to add value, but the practical safety reality that a garden trampoline without an enclosure net is significantly more dangerous than one with. This is the story of what the enclosure actually does, why it matters more than parents often realise, and what to look for when assessing whether the one on your trampoline is doing its job.
What the enclosure does
A round garden trampoline mat sits between 60 and 90 centimetres off the ground, depending on the size. A 6ft model tends to sit at the lower end — around 60cm. A 14ft or 16ft model at the higher end, closer to 90cm. That is the height from which a child who bounces past the edge of the mat would fall without any net stopping them.
Falling from 60-90cm onto grass is not trivial for a child. It is roughly equivalent to falling off a kitchen worktop. Children who fall from trampolines onto grass typically land on their wrists, arms, or heads — whichever way their body tips as they go over the edge. The most common injuries from falls off open-mat trampolines are wrist fractures, collarbone fractures, and head injuries.
The enclosure net prevents these falls. When a child bounces toward the edge of the mat and would otherwise tip over, the net catches them, absorbs the impact, and deflects them back toward the centre of the mat. The net does not need to be rigid — a mesh net that gives slightly is actually better than a solid barrier, because the gradual deceleration distributes the impact force rather than stopping the child suddenly.
Historically, most reported trampoline injuries occurred on trampolines without enclosure nets — the older style sold in the 1980s and 1990s before enclosed trampolines became the standard. The shift to enclosed trampolines as the default has been the most significant improvement in trampoline safety in the last thirty years.
Net quality differences
Not all enclosure nets are built to the same standard, and the difference matters over the life of the trampoline. The things that make a net good are not always obvious when you are looking at a product photo:
UV resistance. Netting that is not UV-stabilised degrades in direct sunlight. After one or two summers, it becomes brittle — the fibres crack, the mesh holes grow larger, and what looks like a complete net at a glance actually has significantly less structural integrity than when it was new. UV-resistant netting holds its strength and flexibility year-round, including in British summer conditions.
The entry system. Nets use either a zip or an overlap entry. Zips are simple and quick but the zip itself needs maintenance — a zip that sticks or fails to close properly means the net has a gap at the entry point, which is exactly where a child might go through. Overlap entries avoid the zip failure mode but require that the panels are properly aligned to close the gap. Check that the entry closes securely and stays closed on the model you are buying.
Pole padding. The enclosure poles that support the net are steel tubes. At the height where they meet the net — typically around the shoulder height of a jumping child — they are padded to prevent impact injuries if a child bounces against a pole rather than the net. The padding should cover the full pole height within the jumping zone and should be thick enough to absorb impact. Thin, foam-stuffed pole pads that compress flat quickly are not doing the same job as thicker, properly cushioned pads.
Can you use a trampoline without an enclosure?
Technically, you can. Should you, if children will use it? No.
Adults with full body awareness and control can sometimes use an open trampoline sensibly. Professional trampolinists train on open equipment with crash mats positioned around the sides. That is not the same situation as a seven-year-old in a garden.
Children lose awareness of the mat edge quickly when they are excited and jumping. The one variable that a child cannot reliably track while focusing on how high they are going is where the edge of the mat is relative to their current position. The enclosure net removes the consequences of not tracking it accurately. Removing the net means that error — which will happen — results in a fall.
Checking and replacing your net
An enclosure net is an active safety component that needs periodic checking, not a one-time purchase. The main things to look for:
Fraying at the top and bottom edges. The net is under most stress at its attachment points — where it connects to the poles at the top and where it connects to the frame at the bottom. Fraying at these points is the earliest sign that the net is reaching the end of its useful life.
UV bleaching and brittleness. If the net has changed from its original colour — typically faded or paler in patches — the UV exposure is showing. A brittle net can be tested by gently flexing the mesh between two fingers. New, healthy mesh flexes easily. Brittle, degraded mesh resists flexing and may crack. A net in this condition needs replacing.
Tears near the zip or overlap entry. The entry point is the area of the net that takes repeated stress from being opened and closed. Tears that start at the top or bottom of the zip and propagate into the mesh are common on nets that are a few years old and have had heavy use.
Replacement nets are available and significantly cheaper than replacing the whole trampoline. Our accessories range includes replacement nets and pole sets. A worn net on an otherwise sound trampoline is worth replacing rather than accepting as unavoidable deterioration.
Our full trampoline range comes with enclosure nets included as standard. For guidance on choosing the right trampoline size, see our trampoline size guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do trampoline enclosure nets wear out?
Yes. Enclosure nets are made from mesh that degrades over time from UV exposure and physical use. A well-made UV-resistant net might last four to six years in typical outdoor conditions. A net showing fraying, colour bleaching, brittleness in the mesh, or tears near the entry point needs replacing. Do not continue using a net that is visibly worn.
Can I buy a replacement net for my trampoline?
Yes. Replacement nets are available and are measured by the trampoline diameter and the number of poles. You need to know your trampoline's size and how many enclosure poles it has to buy the correct replacement. A replacement net is considerably cheaper than a new trampoline and worth fitting when the original starts to show wear.
What is the difference between a zip and overlap entry on an enclosure net?
A zip entry uses a zip fastener to close the entry gap — quick and simple, but the zip can fail or stick over time. An overlap entry uses two net panels that overlap to close the gap without a zip. Both can be effective, but the key is that the entry closes fully and stays closed. Check this before use and inspect periodically.