Rocpadz Drum Sets.

Padded Bongo

Choosing and Using a Water Trampoline

You can have your own cottage water park that will keep the family actively entertained for hours. Not only are they a fun, active playground, with a built in ladder water trampolines also double as a swim raft for lounging and playing. There is always fun on the water. Water trampolines come in many sizes, shapes, qualities...and costs. Getting it installed correctly can also avoid retrieval problems when the next wind storm breaks out.

Water Trampolines:

True water trampolines such as the Rave Aqua Jump are built similarly to trampolines used on land. A heavy duty inflatable tube provides the support and connections for the trampoline jumping mat. Springs connect the tube to a jumping mat. A safety pad covers the springs and a ladder attached to the inflatable tube allows users to climb on board. For a true trampoline experience, with lots of height in the bounce, this is the right choice for kids, teens and adults alike. Quality counts, as water trampolines are not cheap. The tube should be made of heavy gauge PVC. All components must be UV resistant. You can tell the difference just by examining the product.

Until recently, the water trampoline included a heavy metal tubular frame that sat on the inflatable tube. The metal frame was strapped to the tube and the jumping mat was connected to the metal tubular frame . The latest designs from Rave have eliminated the metal frame. Water trampolines are now lighter, easier to install and provide more jumping surface than ever before.

The most popular models are 15 feet and 20 feet in diameter. They will accommodate a family and friends, with room for loungers to watch the jumpers. Consider how much space you have when choosing a size. You will need a lot of space around the trampoline away from boat traffic and docks. The Aqua Jump is designed to be used only in larger bodies of water with depths of at least 10 feet of water. Do not use or allow anyone else to use the product on land or any other hard surface or in swimming pools or shallow water. You will need a location that is most protected from wind, of sufficient water depth, and free of obstructions above and below the water.

Water trampolines are typically anchored for the season and setting them up, although easy to do, requires some effort and the right tools. A shop vacuum can be used to inflate the tube, provided that you are able to connect the hose to the exhaust. Otherwise, you will need a high speed inflator to get the tube easily and properly inflated. A minimum of 150 to 200 lbs of anchor weight is recommended. Many people use the concrete anchors used for anchoring docks or rafts. These are available at most building supply centres in cottage country. Larger water trampolines in open areas may need even more weight. A shock chord on the anchor line will absorb vertical movements and wave action.

Bounce Platforms:

Lighter, portable and less costly, a bounce platform like the Rave Bongo, is a great choice for younger children and families on the go. You don't get the bounce height with a bounce platform they you do with a true water trampoline, as the flexible jumping mat is attached directly to the inflatable tube without springs. This makes the Bongo and other products like it, portable and easily anchored for fun on the run. As the kids get older though, interest may wane.

Again, quality counts. This is a much more competitive market with many inferior products. Be sure that you check the thickness and material of the inflatable tube. Heavy gauge PVC is the best. Seams must be heat welded. Look for a heavy duty but pliable mat. All materials must be UV resistant. You can see and feel the difference in a quality product.

You will need plenty of space around the bounce platform, away from boat traffic and docks. The Bongo is designed to be used only on land or in large bodies of water with depths of at least 8 feet of water. You will need a location that is most protected from wind, of sufficient water depth, and free of obstructions above and below the water. You will also need a high speed inflator or shop vacuum to get the tube properly inflated. Because bounce platforms are lighter weight, anchoring is quite easy. You will need at least 80 to 100 lbs of weight to anchor it for the season or 40 to 50 lbs for day use.

Accessories

Although water trampolines are fun in their own right, consider adding accessories to make your own family water park. Accessories like a slide, a log or a launch will keep the family entertained and active long after the novelty of bouncing on the water starts to wears off. There is something for everyone regardless of age.

About the Author

CottageSpot is your Canadian source for a broad range of products and information for your cottage or waterfront home including water trampolines, outdoor furniture, dock accessories and more. Learn more about our line of Rave Water Trampolines at http://www.cottagespot.com/

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