Can You Put a Normal Trampoline in the ground?

Happy man jumping on trampoline

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Have you ever wondered whether you can put a normal trampoline in the ground? Now get this; in-ground trampolines have become popular recently due to their safety benefits and are aesthetically appealing.

Normal trampolines can be put in the ground by putting some work into them and taking safety precautions. I’ll take you through the whole process.

Let’s dive in.

What to Consider When Putting a Normal Trampoline in the Ground

A boy jumps on a trampoline

Once you’ve decided to put your normal trampoline in the ground, take into consideration the following;

1. Hole Depth

Putting a normal trampoline in the ground needs a deeper hole than in-ground trampolines.

You’ll need to invest more money and time to dig the hole deeper, but it’s worth it.

2. Humidity Level

Your normal trampoline is exposed to excess moisture when put in the ground. Normal trampolines are not designed to withstand changing humidity. 

The frame and springs will likely rust faster than when the trampoline is put in the ground.

3. Airflow

When putting your normal trampoline in the ground, ensure enough space for air to escape from under the trampoline. 

Airflow is important when jumping on the trampoline as it limits how high you can jump.

During installation, allow a few inches of clearance to cater for airflow.

How to Put a Normal Trampoline in the ground

Girl in Blue Dress Playing on Blue Trampoline 3

Several steps are involved when putting your normal trampoline in the ground. Your circumstances may vary, but here are the easy steps you follow to get it done.

Clear the Area Well

Before digging a hole, make sure to clear the area well. The municipal officials offer the clearing service free to ensure you don’t accidentally dig up sprinkler lines, sewer lines, power lines, and fiber optic cables.

Check the Type of Your Soil

Different soils support different types of drainage systems. Some soils support drainage without a sump pump, while others cannot work.

If your soil requires drainage facilitation, you must arrange a sump pump or drainage system for your trampoline hole.

Dig Up the Hole

The trampoline hole should be deep at the center with a gentle slope leading to a flat ridge where you’ll place the trampoline legs. Make accurate measurements to ensure your trampoline sticks 8 to 12 inches above the hole for free airflow.

Digging the hole is labor-intensive, but you can do it yourself. You can also opt to hire an experienced person to do it for you at a cost.

Build the Pivot Wall and Install Drain

Kid Jumping on Trampoline on Playground 3

You’ll need to build a retaining wall to keep the soil from collapsing. You can add the wall to the trampoline frame or build a perimeter wall around it. 

If you choose a perimeter wall, do not keep it close to the trampoline as it would make movement difficult during maintenance. You can fit a breathable fabric to act as an anti-weed membrane, so no weeds grow along with the trampoline frame.

Depending on your soil type, this will be a good time to install your drain. You can install a sump pump at the bottom of the hole for adequate drainage.

Fix YourTrampoline

Finally, it’s time for your hard work to pay off. Place the trampoline frame first and check to ensure it’s on level ground.

Next, assemble your mat and springs. At this step, you need not rush. It will be good to work in a group to work together to get good tensioning on the mat while you attach springs to the v-rings and the frame.

When you’ve fixed all the parts where they should be and made necessary adjustments submerge your trampoline in the ground, and you’re ready to roll.

Pros and Cons of Putting Your Trampoline in the Ground

Pros

1. Aesthetic Value

Putting your trampoline in the ground keeps your yard looking spotless. 

If you’re looking for where to put your trampoline in the yard, grow your flowers, and carry on with decorative landscapes, then go ahead and put it in the ground.

 

2. Safety 

Putting your trampoline in the ground reduces its height. Although people can fall and get hurt, using a trampoline in the ground reduces the impact of falls, making it safer for the users.

Injuries are reduced further if you have a soft surface surrounding your trampolines, such as padding, sand, pea gravel, or grass.

 

3. No Need for Enclosure Net

While above-ground trampolines require enclosure nets to keep your kids from falling off when jumping, you do not need any nets if you put your normal trampoline in the ground.

If you want to maximize the safety of your in-ground trampoline, you can add an enclosure net, but it isn’t strictly necessary.

 

4. Easy Weed Control

Trampolines can inhibit weed or grass growth. However, your grass could grow more where your trampoline blocks sunlight and rainfall.

With your trampoline in the ground, you don’t have to worry since grass no longer grows. 

Easy way to control grass, right?

Cons

1. Maintenance is Back-breaking

When you need to tighten bolts, check springs and check for the trampoline level, it becomes more difficult for your in-ground trampoline.

The good thing is that trampolines don’t need a lot of maintenance, so you can put up with the need to lift them from the ground a few times.

The solution is to leave the room during installation to make it easy to lift during maintenance without causing damage to your trampoline and pivot wall. 

2. It’s Laborious to Put Trampoline in the Ground

Installing your trampoline in the ground takes more work than setting up an above-the-ground type.

A lot of work involved digging a trampoline hole, building a retaining wall, and ensuring good airflow and proper drainage when putting a trampoline in the ground. It’s much easier to set the above-the-ground trampoline in your backyard. 

However, putting a trampoline in the ground is worth the while.

 

3. Drainage Challenge

When putting your normal trampoline in the ground, what fills in the trampoline hole can pose a huge challenge if drainage is not properly done.

Water and dirt can fill the hole, which can be an ordeal getting them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do You Do with an in-ground Trampoline During Winter?

You can cover your in-ground trampoline with a safety cover during winter or pack it away if you have storage space.

However, trampolines are made with durable rust-proof material, so you don’t need to take them down during winter. If you leave it in the ground, ensure to remove accumulated slow layers frequently so it doesn’t weigh down the jump net.

How Do You Care for a Trampoline in the Ground?

It’s simple.

Cover the jump net when the trampoline is not used, and don’t allow children to climb on the springs or play under the trampoline.

Also, avoid using harsh cleaning detergents on the jump mat.

Wrap Up

In short, you can put a normal trampoline in the ground, and it will be worth it.

Follow the installation steps we’ve outlined, follow the precaution measures and maintain well for trampoline durability.

Enjoy!

Shmulik Dorinbaum

Shmulik Dorinbaum

I like to jump, as high as I can, so what else I can do in these days? in these quarantine days? to jump on my large-sized trampoline! (an extreme jumper)