Walmart Trampoline Recall Expanded Due to Defective Netting

An additional 120,000 trampolines have been recalled by Walmart, due to problems with the enclosure netting, which may break and pose a fall hazard for children. 

A Sportspower BouncePro 14′ Trampoline recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on January 30, after at least 9 reports were received, including five cases that involved broken bones, back, neck injuries and contusions that were suffered when the black enclosure netting broke. The trampolines were sold exclusively at Walmart.

The recalled Sportspower BouncePro 14′ Trampolines are surrounded by a 6 feet high black tetlon netting around the perimeter designed to contain individuals bouncing on the trampoline. The recall involves trampolines with model number TR-1686-TPR and UPC code 687064045552 or 687064042100 printed on the product box. “Sportspower BouncePro 14′ Trampoline” is printed on a plate located on the leg of the trampoline frame.

The trampolines were manufactured in China by SportsPower Ltd., of Hong Kong and sold exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide from February 2009 through March 2011 for about $300.

The recall is an expansion of an earlier Walmart trampoline recall issued in May 2012, which originally consisted of 92.000 trampolines. In that case, models with a brown tetlon netting were linked to at least 11 reports of injuries.

At-home trampolines have been widely recognized as dangerous products, especially for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that trampolines never be purchased for home use, and that parents should not to allow their children to play on trampolines at the homes of others. The American Medical Association has also urged parents not to allow children to play on trampolines.

A recent study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found that an average of 88,563 children are taken to the emergency room every year for a trampoline injury, with 95% involving injuries that happen on home trampolines. The study was presented at a 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting and showed a significant increase in trampoline injuries from previous years.

The CPSC recommends that consumers stop using the trampolines immediately and contact SportsPower at (888) 965-0565 to receive a replacement enclosure netting.