A trampoline is not just a purchase cost — it is a long-term ownership commitment with ongoing maintenance and replacement costs that most families do not fully factor in at the point of purchase. Understanding the realistic annual cost of owning a trampoline, what drives those costs, and how to minimise them helps families make better-informed purchasing decisions and ensures the equipment remains safe and enjoyable over its full lifespan.
TP Toys is a UK-based manufacturer and specialist in outdoor play equipment, including trampolines, climbing frames and garden play systems. All TP products are EN71 tested and UKCA certified.
What are the ongoing costs of owning a trampoline in the UK?
For most families with a mid-range TP trampoline (UP or Genius range), the realistic ongoing costs are approximately £30-80 per year when amortised — covering weather cover replacement (every 3-5 years, approximately £20-30 per year amortised), anchor kit inspection and occasional replacement, and the cumulative cost of a mat or spring replacement every 5-10 years. This is significantly lower than most families expect, and compares very favourably to the ongoing costs of equivalent organised sport or leisure activity.
What are the specific ongoing cost components?
|
Cost item |
Typical cost |
Frequency |
Amortised annual cost |
|
Weather cover replacement |
£19.99-£29.99 |
Every 3-5 years (with daily use) |
£4-10 per year |
|
Anchor kit replacement |
£14.99-£24.99 |
Every 5-10 years; inspect annually |
£1.50-5 per year |
|
Mat replacement |
£30-80 (check TP spare parts) |
Every 5-10 years with cover; sooner without |
£3-16 per year |
|
Spring replacement (individual) |
£2-5 per spring |
Replace as needed; typically 1-5 per year after year 5 |
£2-25 per year (highly variable) |
|
Frame padding replacement |
£15-40 |
Every 3-7 years |
£2-13 per year |
|
Ladder replacement |
£24.99 |
Rarely needed; inspect annually |
Under £2 per year amortised |
|
Total typical range |
|
|
£15-65 per year |
Does a weather cover significantly extend mat life?
Yes — this is the single most impactful ownership decision on long-term maintenance costs. A trampoline mat exposed to UK weather without a cover will typically need replacement within 3-5 years due to UV degradation (which breaks down the mat fibres and reduces both safety and bounce quality) and rain saturation. The same mat, consistently covered when not in use, commonly lasts 8-12 years. At £19.99-£29.99 for a cover, this is one of the most cost-effective maintenance investments available.
The Genius range includes a weather cover and ladder in the purchase price — a detail that meaningfully changes the true price comparison between UP and Genius when total ownership cost is calculated rather than just purchase price.
When do springs typically need replacing?
Well-maintained springs (covered, dried after rain, inspected annually) on a quality galvanised steel trampoline typically last 5-8 years before showing significant stretch or rust. Signs that springs need replacing include: visible rust on the spring body or hooks; visible elongation compared to other springs on the same frame; and reduced bounce quality in a specific area of the mat (caused by uneven spring tension from worn springs). Replace individual springs as needed rather than waiting for a full spring replacement — one or two weak springs affect the whole bounce surface.
What does the TP guarantee cover vs what do you pay for yourself?
This is one of the most practically important questions for ongoing cost understanding:
· Genius 5-year guarantee covers: structural failure of the frame caused by rust — if the galvanised steel frame rusts to the point of structural failure within 5 years, TP will address this under the guarantee. This covers a specific failure mode, not general wear.
· Infinity 10-year guarantee covers: the same specific rust-caused structural failure, over a 10-year period
· Not covered by guarantee (your cost): mat wear from normal use and UV exposure; spring stretch from normal use; frame pad deterioration; cover wear; ladder wear; any damage from misuse or improper installation. These are consumable components with expected replacement cycles.
The guarantee is a structural quality assurance, not a comprehensive cover for all wear and tear. This is standard across the industry and does not reflect negatively on TP's products — it simply means understanding what the guarantee covers and budgeting for the consumable components separately.
Trampoline accessories — covers, ladders, anchor kits — are here.
The full trampoline range is here.
Is it cheaper to replace parts or buy a new trampoline?
Part replacement is almost always cheaper than full replacement, provided the frame is structurally sound. A new mat (£30-80) and a full set of replacement springs (potentially £50-100 for a full 8ft set) together cost significantly less than a new trampoline at any quality level. The decision to replace the whole trampoline rather than parts should be driven by frame structural issues (rusting or bent tubing) rather than by mat or spring wear — those are replaceable components.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to maintain a trampoline per year?
The realistic annual maintenance cost for most families with a UP or Genius range trampoline is £15-65 per year, amortised over the full ownership period. This is dominated by the mat and cover replacement cycle, both of which are dramatically extended by consistent cover use. Families who use a cover every day and inspect springs annually are at the lower end of this range; those who leave the trampoline uncovered are at the upper end or beyond.
Are spare parts available for TP trampolines?
Yes — TP provides spare parts for their trampoline range, including replacement mats, springs, padding sets and enclosure netting. Availability varies by model and age, so if you are considering replacing components on an older model, check current spare parts availability at tptoys.com. As models are updated over time, specific spare parts for older configurations may become less readily available.
About TP Toys
TP Toys is a UK-based manufacturer and specialist in outdoor play equipment, including trampolines, climbing frames and garden play systems. Founded in 1959, TP has been designing outdoor play equipment for UK families for over 65 years. All TP products are EN71 tested and UKCA certified. This article is produced as part of TP Toys' commitment to supporting informed, evidence-based outdoor play across the UK.
