What Is the Best Water Trampoline to Buy?

For many, including myself, water trampolines are one of the most fun parts of summer. Hot summer days on the lake are even more fun with a little bit of excitement. For adults and kids alike, water trampolines add an affordable thrill to a day on the water.

The varying sizes, styles and materials of water trampolines can make purchasing one a daunting proposition. So I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite water trampolines, each with its own separate pros and cons that make them suitable for a particular buyer.

I’ve researched the best water trampolines on the market and have found a few picks that stand out from the competition. I also put together a buying guide to help you make an informed purchase decision. Read on to find out more!

Best Water Trampoline

Best Overall: Happybuy 10ft Water Trampoline

I worked hard to find the best “one-size-fits-all” trampoline for the top of this list. During my research, I found that different trampolines had different pros and cons. This is true for the Happybuy Water Trampoline, but I found that the strengths of this trampoline more than balanced the negatives.

The Happybuy Water Trampoline features a jumping area that is 10 feet in diameter. It is made of 0.9mm PVC Tarpaulin, a durable, lightweight PVC rubber that protects the inflatable portion of the trampoline from punctures. In addition, the PVC resists aging from contact with the sun and water, enhancing the trampoline’s longevity.

This trampoline is easy to store when the season’s over. When fully deflated, it can be folded into a tight, compact package and left to wait until next season. You don’t need to worry about cracks or damage occurring during storage, thanks to the durable construction of the inflatable section.

The Happybuy Water Trampoline is less expensive than some other trampolines on the market, making it affordable to first-time buyers. Veteran water trampoline owners will enjoy the durability and versatility of this trampoline, as well as the ease of use and storage.

Pros:

• Durable materials resist aging.
• Easy to store and transport.
• Ladder is included.
• High weight limit for its size.

Cons:

• Difficult to moor in one position.

Best Investment: Island Hopper Bounce N’ Splash Padded Water Bouncer

The Island Hopper features a 13-foot jumping area. The springless nylon bouncers are covered by padding for even the hardest of jumps. While the jumping area is a respectable 13 feet, the total inflated area of the Island Hopper is 17 feet.

The Island Hopper was built for durability and longevity; the large inflatable area distributes the force of jumpers evenly. In addition, the robust sidewalls can withstand impacts from even the most aggressive flips.

The PVC material of the inflatable section is reinforced for heavy-duty applications. The selling point of this water trampoline is longevity; it is designed to last season after season. An excellent example of its heavy-duty construction is the Island Hopper’s weight limit. It can handle up to 1000 pounds!

The durability of the Island Hopper isn’t its only feature; it also comes with a ladder for easy access, as well as mooring points that allow it to be chained to other inflatable water toys, such as slides.

Pros:

• One of the most durable water trampolines available.
• Very high weight limit.
• Easy-access ladder.
• Compatible with other floating toys.

Cons:

• Very heavy and bulky.
• Extra materials mean extra cost.

Best for a Multiple Uses: Rave Bongo Water Bouncer

Rave has gained a reputation as one of the most popular manufacturers of water bouncers. The iconic blue-and-gold coloring may already be familiar to you as a common sight at the lake each summer. Rave bouncers are commonly used as both a fun jumping surface and constantly moored swim platforms.

Rave sacrifices some of the bounce of the jumping surface for increased utility and durability. The included anchor rope allows you to anchor the Bongo just offshore for the entire season. You can also add additional accessories such as a floating mat, slide or log to create dynamic water adventures.

The 13-foot Bongo Water Bouncer is a perfect start for those who want more than just a trampoline out of their investment. It is easy to store and transport yet durable enough to remain moored semi-permanently. Best of all, you can continue expanding your floating toys and connect them effortlessly to the Bongo.

Pros:

• Versatile design for multiple uses.
• Compatible with several accessories.
• Durable yet lightweight materials.
• Included anchor rope for easy mooring. 

Cons:

• Not as bouncy as other styles of water trampoline.
• Lower weight limit than other comparably-sized models.

Best for Kids: Rave Sports O-Zone Plus Water Bouncer

While many trampolines I picked for this list are compatible with accessories sold separately, the O-Zone Plus comes with a slide ready to go. This 7-foot bouncer is easy to set up and break down. The size isn’t prohibitive; it’s not a huge deal to break this trampoline down at the end of the day.

The convenience of this trampoline comes from its small size, making it a perfect all-in-one package for kids looking for some watery excitement. The included slide is big enough to be fun for older kids but manageable enough that younger children won’t be scared away.

Don’t worry about the kids breaking this trampoline either; the durable 28 gauge PVC construction resists bursting, and the springless jumping area is designed for extreme longevity.

This trampoline comes with an easy boarding platform that makes hopping on the trampoline easy for even young children. This trampoline is perfect for sporadic use. Suppose you have grandkids, nieces or nephews that need something to do when they visit. In that case, you can quickly deploy the O-Zone Plus for a fun, engaging water activity.

 Pros:

• Easy to set up and store.
• Slide included at no extra charge.
• Durable, kid-friendly build and materials.

 Cons:

• Small size makes adult-use impractical.

Best for a Budget: UeeVii Water Trampoline

This water trampoline has all the basics handled. The respectable 10-foot jumping surface gives an invigorating bounce, and the heavy-duty PVC resists destruction from the sun and water. In addition, the weight limit of the UeeVii is high enough for both adults and children to enjoy bouncing or lounging on the lake.

The UeeVii even comes with an anchor tether kit for easy anchoring. The ladder on this trampoline is made of nylon straps and, while not the smoothest way to get out of the water, certainly gets the job done.

If you’re not looking to spend a fortune and want to see if a water trampoline is a good investment, the UeeVii is a great place to start. It has many of the same features as more expensive models but may not have the same longevity.

Pros:

• Basic design makes this a great entry-level option.
• Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
• Included anchoring kit

Cons:

• Not as bouncy as other styles of water trampoline.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Water Trampoline

There are several different factors to consider when purchasing a water trampoline. I’ve got some advice about picking your water trampoline that will help you get the most out of your investment.

Size

The size of a water trampoline is usually given as the diameter of the trampoline. Look carefully at descriptions of water trampolines to make sure you have found the jumping area diameter and not the total diameter.

For example, a water trampoline may be advertised as a “15-foot” trampoline but may only have a jumping area of 10 feet.

Weight Limit

A trampoline’s weight limit increases as the diameter gets larger. However, not all water trampolines are created equally; different trampolines with the same diameter may have different weight limits.

Be sure to check the limit carefully when deciding which water trampoline to purchase.

Durability

A water trampoline needs to withstand temperature swings, sunlight and heavy use. Check the materials carefully when considering a water trampoline. The most durably-constructed water trampolines are made from heavy-duty PVC. Generally speaking, the thicker the material, the more durable the trampoline.

Longevity

Be sure to check out customer reviews before you make your purchase. I found that one of the best ways to get a sense of a water trampoline’s lifespan is by listening to previous buyers’ experiences.

Even if the materials look good, if many reviews describe burst inflatable sections or torn jumping sections, move on.

Accessories and Add-Ons

If you come to love your water trampoline, you may be interested in expanding your setup. Keep this in mind when selecting your trampoline. Many manufacturers make their trampolines compatible with accessories such as slides, splash pads or mats that can drastically increase your trampoline’s thrill level.

As you decide on the water trampoline that’s right for you, remember that what matters most is the amount of fun you’ll have. You may not be sure if you need the biggest and best water trampoline from the get-go, or maybe you already know you need a massive trampoline that can handle the whole family!

Whatever the case, by using the information in this article, you’ll be sure to purchase a trampoline that meets your needs season after season.