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2022-11-10 16:28:21 By : Mr. ZhiXiang Yin

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Turn any outing on the water into an adventure with these must-have summer accessories.

If you want to transform your lakefront into a private mini water park this summer, your best bet is to invest in a water trampoline. These awesome inflatables provide all-afternoon activity for kids and adults alike, and they come in a range of styles, sizes, and price points to jibe with your budget and setup — as well as the age of those using it. Many also include extras, such as electric inflators and weighted anchors, and some have added safety features for younger members of your crew.

No matter which kind you choose, you can bet on having crazy-good fun all summer long. Read on for our top recommendations, plus essentials to consider before you shop.

Safety comes first with all water toys and gear, and during our research we found that most options on the market aren't up to snuff, which is why we feature only a handful. In addition to safety, there are several other key factors that will influence which water trampoline you purchase. We've highlighted the most important below.

“Water trampoline” is a catchall that covers all inflated tubs with a bouncy material in the center, but there’s a major distinction between a true water trampoline and what’s called a “bouncer” in terms of their construction. Water trampolines are designed like regular trampolines, with coiled steel that connects the mesh jumping area to the frame (in this case, the inflatable tube). Bouncers swap the springs for a nylon cord to connect the two pieces. The difference boils down to bounce; you can get a lot more air with a water trampoline, which generally makes bouncers a safer option for younger kids. Also, water trampolines tend to be more expensive.

Life vests are a must for kids and for adults, and using water trampolines in a pool is not recommended. Water trampolines require a depth of 8 to 10 feet, and most manufacturers state that their products are not intended for users under the age of 5. They also must be anchored, and not all include weights or anchor ropes.

Keep in mind that swimming underneath any inflatable is a no-no. Products must be put together and installed according to manufacturers' instructions — and used as intended. Also, it's generally a good idea to give your new water trampoline a once-over to make sure there aren't any defects or missing parts.

Every inflatable water toy has a weight limit, and water trampolines and bouncers are no different. Water trampolines tend to have the highest weight limits, ranging from 500 to 1,000 pounds, and bouncers typically have slightly less capacity.

As we mention above, safety was our top concern when deciding which water trampolines to feature. We judged models based on added safety features and the quality of materials, plus we combed user reviews to identify potential red flags, and all of the water trampolines we feature have an average customer rating of 4 stars or more. We also considered price point and value, plus included extras.

For more ways to stay cool (and have fun) this summer, check out or stories on the best inflatable water slides, splash pads, and backyard sprinklers for kids.

This eye-catching 13-foot-wide octagonal inflatable bouncer from Rave Sports is made of heavy-duty PVC with a UV coating to prevent fading. That means you can inflate and anchor it for the season in water that's at least 8 feet deep. The company recommends attaching a 45-pound anchor weight (sold separately) to the anchor rope.

The springless bouncer features a 66-square-foot jump mat area made of black nylon webbing that connects to the inflatable tub with a nylon rope, and it has a 700-pound weight capacity. The bouncer comes with a three-step ladder and is also available in other sizes, including 10 and 20 feet.

With an 880-pound weight limit, this reasonably priced water trampoline can accommodate multiple bouncers at one time—plus it features a slide.

It's recommended for ages 11 and up and comes with a 4-step ladder to climb out of the water, plus several built-in handles on the top and sides so kids can hang on and wait their turn. There's also a D-ring to attach an anchor rope and anchor (sold separately). The water trampoline doesn't come with a pump, though that's reflected in the price.

Island Hopper's 15-foot water trampoline comes with a 5-year warranty, which surpasses any other option we cover. This is a true water trampoline not a bouncer, featuring a steel hardware frame with springs and an inflatable tube made with 1,000-denier fabric and UV-resistant PVC. It has seven anchor-tie D rings to add anchor ropes and anchors (sold separately) and it should be used in water that's at least 10 feet deep.

Other highlights include eight swimmer-assist handles and a four-step aluminum entry ladder, plus a carry storage bag and repair kit.

This smaller bouncer is a good choice for younger children, with 5 feet of jumping space, a low-profile boarding platform, and slide with inflatable safety rails that run from top to bottom.

Another highlight is the included 40-pound anchor bag and grab lines around the perimeter for extra safety measures, something few other options we cover have.

The bouncer is made of heavy-duty PVC, with a 500-pound weight limit. Reviewers say it’s popular with kids, and even if it loses a little air after a day or two, it’s easy to pump up again.