How long should an air tumble track be (Complete Guide). Although air tracks are a significant investment, proper maintenance of your equipment can result in a prolonged lifespan for your track. I have known some people who have maintained their air tracks for up to 10 years with no issue. By following the steps I have laid out in this guide, you can extend the life of your air track and avoid having to replace it prematurely.
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Choose a good quality Air Track
If you want a product that is going to last, you should be prepared to spend a little bit more. My top brands for inflatable mats and Air Tracks at home are Air tumble track Factory, FB Sport and Air Track Nordic. They are made from premium quality material with a thickness that won’t pop easily. You can read more about why I recommend them and get an in-depth look at each brand by reading this article.
Use your Air Track on the right surface
Air tracks can be used on a diverse number of surfaces, both inside and outside the household. This includes grass, sand, or even water – but before inflating your air track, it’s important to carefully check the ground for any sharp objects that could potentially puncture or tear the material.
If you’re planning on using it outdoors, you will need to clear the area of any twigs, tree branches, stones, and litter. And if you’re going to use it indoors, check that there are no sharp edges or dirt on the floor that could cause issues.
Also, keep in mind that on extremely hot days, the surface under your air track can heat up and potentially damage the material. For this reason, I would recommend avoiding using an air track on concrete or asphalt. These types of rough surfaces are more likely to rip the material even on cooler days.
In a professional gymnastics facility, an air track is usually set up on top of a carpeted surface like a sprung floor or tumble track. My recommendation would be to also set up an air track at home on a carpeted surface whenever possible.
Don’t wear shoes on an Air Track
While some people may disagree with me, I believe it’s best to use an Air Track without shoes to avoid any dirt or small objects being transferred onto the track and causing damage. It’s also more hygienic this way!
For anyone who insists on flipping with shoes, I recommend having a set of shoes that are only worn indoors.
One person at a time on an air track
Having multiple people on an air track will put added pressure on the seams that hold the material together and over time, these seams will eventually give way and air will escape or, worse still, the air track will completely pop.
For this reason, it’s best to only have one person using the air track at a time not only to avoid any unnecessary accidents but also to prevent any further wear and tear on the product.
Cleaning your air track
It’s important to keep your air track clean to prevent any dirt or mold build-up that could potentially damage it. Ideally, you should clean it after every use, but if you don’t have enough time try and clean it at least once a week. To clean an air track, wipe it down with a cloth and disinfectant spray. Check the instructions that came with your air track in case they have specific products that can’t be used. I’ve always used a regular bottle of spray from the store without a problem.
