Soft Play Replacement Parts: Covers, Foam, Balls and Mats
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Quick answer: The soft play parts you're most likely to replace are covers, foam inserts, ball pit balls and floor mats. For loose foam equipment, you can usually replace a single cover, a single piece or a batch of balls rather than the whole set. For a commercial play frame, replacement parts such as nets, padding and slide sections should come from the frame's manufacturer or a play equipment specialist, fitted to the original design. At Soft Play Market we supply replacement ball pit covers from £82.95 and balls in boxes of 750 from £142.50.
Soft Play Market gets a steady stream of searches and emails from people looking for soft play parts: a cover for a ball pit that's been well loved, a box of balls to top up a centre pit, or a new piece to replace one that's gone soft. This guide explains which parts can be replaced, where to get them and what to check. If you're deciding whether a damaged piece is worth repairing at all, see our separate guide on repair vs replace.
Which soft play parts can be replaced?
| Part | Common reason to replace | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Ball pit cover | Tears, worn fabric, stains that won't shift | Original supplier, if they sell covers for that pit size |
| Foam insert | Foam stays squashed, smells after getting wet | Original supplier, or a foam cutter for custom sizes |
| Single foam piece | Damaged step, wedge or ramp in a set | Original supplier, if they sell pieces separately |
| Ball pit balls | Cracked or dented balls, losses, fading | Ball supplier; match size and colour |
| Play mats | Worn surface, edges curling | Mat supplier |
| Frame nets, padding, slides | Wear on commercial frames | Frame manufacturer or play equipment specialist |
How do you replace a ball pit cover?
- Measure the pit: outside diameter and height. Our round foam pits come in 90x30cm and 90x40cm sizes.
- Check the zip position and how the foam ring sits inside the old cover.
- Remove the balls, open the zip and ease the foam out. Foam can be stiff, so work round it slowly.
- Fit the foam into the new cover, starting with the base, then close the zip fully and tuck the pull away.
- Leave the foam to settle for a few hours, then refill with clean balls.
We sell zipped replacement covers for our round pits: the 90x30cm cotton cover in light grey and the 90x40cm cotton cover in light grey, both £82.95. For how to clean a cover before it gets to that stage, see cleaning the ball pit itself.
How do you replace ball pit balls?
Check balls whenever you wash them and remove any that are cracked, sharp-edged or dented. Then top up with balls of the same size and, ideally, the same colour. Mixing sizes makes the pit feel uneven, and for under-3s balls should never be smaller than 6cm; we recommend 7cm.
Our 7cm balls are made in the EU, free from PVC, BPA and phthalates, and EN 71 tested. They come in:
- Boxes of 750 in a single colour, £142.50, or less per ball at 3, 7 and 14 boxes (17.3p, 16.9p and 16.5p).
- An 800-ball mixed colour pack, £178.80.
Venues topping up regularly can see all colours on our bulk ball pit balls page.
Can you replace a single piece from a foam set?
Sometimes. If the original supplier sells pieces individually, that's the simplest route, because the size, colour and fabric will match. If not, a similar piece in a neutral colour often blends in. For our sets, email info@softplaymarket.co.uk with the product name and the piece you need, and we'll tell you what's available. You can browse current sets in our soft play sets collection.
What about parts for commercial play frames?
Commercial frames are designed to BS EN 1176-10 as a whole system, so replacement nets, padding, tube slides and fixings should come from the original manufacturer or a specialist who works to the same standard. After significant repairs, have the frame inspected before reopening that section. We don't supply frame parts. Our maintenance plan for soft play centres covers routine and annual inspections.
How do you make parts last longer?
- Wipe covers with warm soapy water and dry fully. Avoid bleach and harsh solvents.
- Wash balls in warm water with mild washing-up liquid in mesh bags or a bath, then air-dry. No washing machine and no very hot water.
- Keep shoes off soft play.
- Don't let foam get soaked; wet foam is slow to dry and can start to smell.
More on what affects lifespan in how long soft play equipment lasts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy foam inserts on their own?
Email us with the product and we'll check. For non-standard sizes, a local foam cutter can make an insert to measure.
Can I wash a cover in the washing machine?
Follow the care label on the cover. Never put ball pit balls in a washing machine.
Is delivery free on replacement parts?
Yes, we offer free UK delivery, and returns within 30 days.