Winterizing a trampoline means protecting it from winter wind, moisture, freezing temperatures, and snow load so the frame, mat, springs, padding, and enclosure don’t get damaged. The safest method is to clean and fully dry it, remove and store the soft parts (net and pads, and sometimes the mat), then anchor the frame securely. If you get heavy snow or ice, reducing weight and preventing water pooling is key. In this guide, we will explain how Wood Kingdom West helps you to maintain a trampoline in winter.
Can You Leave A Trampoline Out In Winter?
Yes, the frame can stay outside in most cases, as long as it’s anchored and you remove the parts most likely to fail in winter.
The risky part isn’t “cold” by itself. The real problems are wind lift, snow weight, and moisture that freezes and expands. Nets and pads act like wind sails and break down faster when left exposed, so removing them usually gives you the biggest improvement with the least effort.
Should You Take A Trampoline Down For Winter?
A full teardown is not always necessary, but it becomes the smarter choice when winter is harsh.
If your outdoor play area gets heavy snow, ice storms, or frequent strong gusts, keeping the trampoline fully assembled increases the odds of bent legs, torn mats, or snapped enclosure components. In those climates, a partial breakdown (net + pads) is often the minimum, and removing the mat is a strong upgrade if snow accumulation is common.
What Parts Are Most Likely To Get Damaged In Winter?
The parts that fail first are usually the ones that trap moisture, catch wind, or carry weight.
Enclosure nets tear because they flap in gusts and strain stitching. Safety pads crack and split because foam and vinyl don’t love freeze-thaw cycles. Mats can stretch or tear when snow piles up or when water freezes in low spots. Springs and metal joints can corrode if moisture sits there all season, especially when debris keeps them damp.
When Should You Winterize Your Trampoline?
Winterize before the weather becomes “consistent,” not after the first storm.
A good rule is to do it when nights start dipping toward freezing, and you’re done using the trampoline regularly. Winterizing on a dry day makes the whole job easier because you can clean, dry, and store everything without packing moisture away.
Step-By-Step: How To Winterize A Trampoline
Step 1: Check The Manual And Inspect The Trampoline
Start by checking any manufacturer guidance you have, especially if your trampoline is under warranty.
Then do a quick inspection. Look for loose bolts, bent legs, worn stitching, or rust spots. Fixing small issues now prevents “surprise repairs” when you reopen it in the spring.
Step 2: Clean The Mat And Frame So Moisture Doesn’t Get Trapped
Debris is a winter problem because it holds water against surfaces.
Wash the mat and frame with mild soap and water, then rinse lightly. Avoid soaking seams and avoid harsh chemicals. Let everything dry fully before removing parts or covering anything—dry storage is what prevents mildew and corrosion.
Step 3: Remove The Enclosure Net To Reduce Wind Damage
In most climates, removing the net is the best winter move.
Detach it from the bottom, release it from the poles, and fold it loosely. Store it indoors where it stays dry. If the net has a zipper, close it before storage so the zipper tracks keep their shape.
Step 4: Remove And Store The Safety Pads
Safety pads take the most abuse because they’re exposed and often hold moisture inside.
Unfasten the straps or clips, shake off debris, and dry them completely. Store pads indoors if possible. If indoor storage is tight, sealed bins help keep moisture and pests away, which is often what ruins pads over the winter.
Step 5: Decide Whether To Remove The Jumping Mat
This depends on snow and ice.
If you live in a place where snow builds up on surfaces and stays for long periods, removing the mat is usually worth it. Snow weight can stretch the mat, and pooled water can freeze into hard patches that stress seams. If winters are mild and snow is rare, the mat can often stay on—if the frame is anchored and you keep it clear.
If you remove the mat, use a spring tool and remove springs evenly around the circle. Work in a pattern so tension stays balanced. Bag the springs and hardware, label them, and store the mat somewhere dry (loosely folded or laid flat if space allows).
Step 6: Protect Springs And Frame Joints From Corrosion
Winter corrosion is mostly about moisture sitting in one place for weeks.
After drying, wipe down metal surfaces and check joints and spring areas. If you notice early rust, clean it gently and consider a trampoline-safe rust inhibitor. Also, check that frame joints aren’t holding water. Small drainage gaps often matter more than people expect.
Step 7: Anchor The Frame So Wind Can’t Move It
Wind is a bigger threat than cold.
Use a proper anchor kit (auger-style ground anchors with straps) and secure the frame at multiple points. Tighten straps so the frame can’t lift or shift. Sandbags alone usually aren’t reliable in gusty weather because they can slide, sink, or shift when the ground softens.
Step 8: Decide If A Cover Helps Or Creates Problems
Covers are helpful only when they fit well and drain properly.
A poorly fitted cover often pools water. That water freezes, adds weight, and traps moisture underneath. If you choose to use a cover, make sure it stays taut, doesn’t collect water in the center, and can be checked after storms. If your cover constantly sags, you may be better off leaving the mat exposed and removing snow manually instead.
Step 9: Manage Snow And Ice Safely During Winter
If the mat stays on, plan to clear snow before it becomes heavy.
Use a soft broom to push snow off gently. Avoid sharp tools or metal shovels because they can slice the mat or damage stitching. If ice forms, aggressive chipping is risky; letting it melt naturally is often safer for the material.
How Do You Winterize Based On Your Winter Conditions?
If your winters are mild, your goal is mostly wind control and protecting soft parts. Clean and dry, remove net and pads, and anchor the frame.
If your winters bring frequent snow or ice, your goal becomes weight and moisture control. Remove the net and pads, anchor the frame, and strongly consider removing the mat so snow and ice can’t load it down.
If you’re in a windy area, reducing the “sail effect” matters most. Nets and tall poles increase lift, so removing the enclosure system (or at least the net) plus strong anchors is usually the best combination.
What’s The Best Way To Store Trampoline Parts?
Store parts where they stay dry and don’t get crushed.
Nets store best loosely folded, not packed tight. Pads store best flat or gently folded, kept away from extreme temperature swings. Springs and hardware should go in labeled bags so reassembly is fast, and nothing gets lost. If you store anything in a garage or shed, sealed bins help protect against moisture and rodents.
Common Winter Mistakes To Avoid
One common mistake is covering a wet trampoline and sealing moisture in for months. Another is leaving the net on and assuming wind won’t be an issue; nets tear easily when they flap through storms.
The biggest mistake in snowy climates is ignoring accumulation. Snow load can bend legs and stretch mats quietly, and you may not notice damage until spring. If you’re keeping the mat on, set a habit of checking after storms and clearing buildup early.
How A Trampoline Expert Can Help (When You Want It Done Right)
If you’re not sure whether your trampoline should be partially broken down, fully stored, or just anchored and maintained, a trampoline retailer or service team can help you choose the safest approach for your model and your yard.
Wood Kingdom West, for example, offers trampoline-related backyard support services and can help families think through maintenance and protection steps so equipment lasts longer and reopens safely in spring. The practical benefit is reducing guesswork, especially around anchoring, wear points, and what should be stored indoors versus left outside. So, book a call for better maintenance ideas.
FAQs
Can a trampoline stay outside all winter?
Yes. The frame can stay outside if it’s anchored. Removing the net and pads significantly reduces wind and weather damage, and removing the mat is recommended in heavy snow regions.
Will snow ruin a trampoline?
It can. Heavy snow adds weight that can bend frames and stretch mats. Clearing snow early or removing the mat prevents most snow-related damage.
Should I cover my trampoline in winter?
Only if the cover fits tightly and drains well. Covers that pool water can freeze, add weight, and trap moisture underneath.
How do I stop my trampoline from blowing away?
Use an anchor kit with ground anchors and straps attached to the frame. Wind lift is one of the biggest winter risks.
When should I remove the enclosure net?
Before winter storms and strong winds begin, nets catch wind, flap, and tear more easily in winter conditions.