Like most parents whose primary concern is when their kids go out to play in safety, you will most likely want to install an in-ground trampoline for them because it is a lot safer than their above-ground counterpart.
Some trampolines are built to be used in-ground, are durable, and give a good bounce. If you have a normal trampoline and are thinking of repurposing it for use in-ground, we say Yes, you can, but you have to give it a good thought.
Normal trampoline going on the ground is a lot of stress and hard work, not to mention the fact that you will be compromising the longevity of your trampoline.
Can You Put a Normal Trampoline In The Ground
Yes, you can put a normal trampoline on the ground. Still, you must factor in other considerations that will ensure you get the best from the trampoline, especially given that some demerits are associated with using a normal trampoline in-ground ( we will get to them later).
Considerations Before Putting a Normal Trampoline in the Ground
You might think that getting your normal trampoline in-ground is just a question of digging a big hole and laying the trampoline in the hole. It is more than that; there are certain things you have to keep in mind as you try to use your normal trampoline on the ground, including:
1. Is There Enough Airflow?
A normal trampoline does not have an issue with airflow because it is open to the atmosphere, but you have to consider if there is enough space for air to escape from under the trampoline when kids are jumping.
This is one of the reasons why some trampolines installed on the ground do not give a good bounce, and as such, it limits how high anyone can jump on them.
You can solve this problem by leaving some in his off clearances. This remedy, however, has a little issue: adventurous kids can get their little hands or feet caught between the ground and the frame. This is the kind of incident nobody wants in the playground.
2. Moisture Is A problem
One of the issues with putting a normal trampoline on the ground is its frame and spring, which is usually made of metal rust because it is exposed to water constantly from the ground. This rust imparts the durability and longevity of the trampoline.
3. Hole Depth
If you want a normal trampoline to go in-ground, then be ready for the cost and stress involved in digging the hole that is big enough to hold the trampoline. The cost in terms of time and money is relatively high.
4. Know Your Soil
You have to be sure of the type of soil in your backyard, as this will affect the cost and the procedures involved in installing the trampoline.
If your soil makes for easy drainage like Sandy soil, then this is not an issue for you. If you have difficulty draining water away from soils, you must install a drainage system to help pump excess water from the soil.
How To Put A Trampoline In The Ground
There are a few steps to putting your normal trampoline on the ground, and they are:
Step 1: Clear The Area
It is believed that you must have a safe and big space to fit the trampoline of your choice into. Hence, the first thing to do is to ear the area of any grasses, debris, and the sort.
At this point, you must get approval from your municipal government to be sure you will not be digging up cables, sprinkler lines, power lines, sewer lines, and the sort.
Step 2: Dig the Hole
Here is the real chore, especially if you are installing a large trampoline, which means a big hole has to be dug. You could get someone experienced in digging holes for the trampoline so that he can do a good job.
Some of them will even haul the dirt they dug out away, which is less work for you. The hole should be slightly larger than the circumference of the trampoline; this is to give a little home for you to work.
Depending on the trampoline frame’s depth, the hole should be 3 to 5 feet deep. You have to place something hard such as a cinder block, on the hole’s floor. This will help the trampoline frame while also ensuring that the frame does not sink into the soil.
The hole you dig should slope gently up to a flat ridge on which the trampoline legs will be placed, and the center, however, should be deeper than the sides. The normal trampoline should be about 12 inches above the hole to ensure airflow.
Step 3: Install The Drain And Build The Retaining Wall
You will have to build a retaining wall to keep the dirt wall from collapsing inside. You can do this by adding the wall to the trampoline frame itself or the way around the hole’s perimeter.
The latter is a better option because it makes it easier to do trampoline maintenance. You can add a drainage system if your soil does not drain easily. A simple sump pump is usually adequate but should be installed by an expert.
Step 4: Install the Trampoline
At this stage, you are ready your trampoline is ready to be installed. The frame goes in first, and you must be sure it is sitting level in the hole before you put the springs and mat.
After you have installed the trampoline, make all the necessary adjustments especially filling up all the spaces behind the retaining wall with dirt.
Your trampoline is fully installed, so you and your kids can have a good time.
The Merits Of In-Ground
Here are some of the reasons why many people want in-ground trampolines as against the above-ground types:
1. They Are Safer
This is one of the main reasons why in-ground trampolines are becoming popular. The added safety of your trampoline not being above ground is that the heights people can fall from if they leave the trampoline are greatly reduced. With a soft surrounding, the chances of injuries are greatly reduced.
This means that parents are less worried when their children jump on the trampoline because the probability of falling and hurting themselves is minimal.
2. It’s Aesthetically Pleasing
There is a beauty that is associated with seeing a trampoline that is flat on the ground. If you are like some people who consider an above-ground trampoline boring and an eyesore, then an in-ground version will suit you.
You can make your in-ground trampoline more pristine by planting flowers or shrubs all around it; that is another way of adding a decorative element to your space.
3. You Don’t Have To Worry About Grass
In many climates, trampolines kill grasses because they block the much-needed sunlight and rain grasses need to grow, and this makes caring for your grasses more difficult, but a trampoline on the ground does not have this issues.
4. You Don’t Need A Net
Above-ground trampolines often have enclosure nets to keep people from falling off, but since above ground dies not have that risk, it means nets are not necessary, even though some in-ground trampoline owners still add nets.
5. Young Kids Can Easily Access It
One of the beautiful things about the in-ground trampolines is that children of any she can easily access them without help, unlike the above-ground trampoline that is too high for them to get going without assistance. This means young kids can get on and off the trampoline anytime they want without stressing anyone.
Demerits Of In Ground
Here are some reasons you might think twice before converting your above-ground trampoline.
1. It Is Labor-intensive
Putting a regular trampoline in the ground involves a lot of work, especially regarding the big hole that must be dug. Even if you don’t yourself, or you get someone to do it for you, it’s costing you either time, energy, or cash, even though your best bet is to get a professional to do the job.
The thing with an in-ground trampoline is that they are already designed so that only about 60% of the digging you would do with a normal Trampoline. Hence, you can save yourself that harrowing chore by getting an in-ground trampoline.
2. Pile Of Dirt To Dispose
If you think digging the hole is the only stressful aspect of installing your normal trampoline, then you have another thought.
Getting rid of the huge pile of dirt dug out is another problem, and because soils are compacted, it will surprise you with house much dirt you have to haul out of your backyard. That is another big issue that is sure to cost lots of money.
3. Cost Of Reinforcing The Wall
Okay, assuming you have successfully dug the hole and gotten rid of the dirt, the next problem many don’t envisage is that there is a need to reinforce the vertical wall of the hole so dirty doesn’t eventually fill up the hole because if the soil pile up in the hole, it will become a hazard because your kids will hit bottom when they jump, and this will result in injuries which is what we dread when kids play.
4. The Normal Trampoline Will Be Wobbly
In-ground trampolines have a containing wall to prevent dirt from falling and collecting in the central hole, which allows the frame of the trampoline to sit snugly on the ground, hence ensuring there are no gaps, but this is not the case with using normal trampoline in-ground.
Their wobbly movement will eventually cause a gap to appear around the edge, and as time goes on, it will increase, thereby creating a potential hazard in which kids trip and their little feet can fall through.
5. It Won’t Be Very Bouncy
It is very common for kids not to get a good bounce from a normal trampoline fixed on the ground, and this is because air beneath the bounce mat can easily escape out the sides.
The trampoline will become stiff as people bounce because air is trapped beneath the bounce mat; hence it cannot compress to give a good bounce.
6. It Won’t Last Long
While normal trampolines can withstand the sun and rain, they are not engineered to always have water and soil around them constantly, and this is why they begin to rust and corrode when fixed in the ground.
Corrosion will weaken the trampoline’s frame, and you will need to replace it before long.
In-ground trampolines do not have this issue because their frame, poles, and springs are made of treated steel and do not rust, even if they remain in the ground for long.
Conclusion
We know you want to save some cash by simply installing your above-ground trampoline in the ground; while you can do this, it is not in your best interest because it is not only capital and labor-intensive to do.
But you also reduce the fun your kids will have on the trampoline because it will not bounce so well. So our advice is to leave your normal trampoline where it is; above ground, and if you must have an in-ground version, get one.
Helpful Links:
- Weight Limit On A Trampoline
- Is a Sunken Trampoline Safer?
- Is a 12ft Trampoline Big Enough?
- Are In-Ground Trampolines Safer?
We trust this article helped you find out if you can put a normal trampoline in the ground. You may also want to check out What Size Trampoline You Need for Adult or Children.
Thanks for taking the time to read our article, and we hope you find it helpful. Would you mind leaving a comment below if you have any suggestions?
Kindly reach out to people by sharing this post on social media.
If you liked this article, then please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.