A trampoline can be installed in different ways. One of such ways is what you find around these days. A sunken trampoline. You derive a lot when you sink your trampoline. However, you need to learn how to sink a trampoline. The right guide helps you accomplish the task without a problem. This article guides you through how to sink a trampoline to the ground. Before we go to the steps, let’s discuss why you might need to sink a trampoline.
Benefits of sinking a trampoline
There are many reasons and benefits that you can derive from sinking a trampoline.
It is secure
A typical trampoline is susceptible to high wind and storms. It can be blown away if you are not careful. Admittedly, there are ways to secure a trampoline, but the safest way is to sink it. This automatically makes it safe and immune to wind power.
It is safer
The reduction in height means kids can play safer on the trampoline. the risk of getting injured due to falls from a high trampoline is eliminated. The trampoline is down to the earth, literally, so you have little to worry about in terms of safety.
It adds beauty to your garden
When you learn how to sink a trampoline into the garden, you see the way it adds beauty to your garden. Sometimes, a trampoline can disfigure the beauty of your yard. But sinking your trampoline makes it almost invisible. This is because it doesn’t take up any vertical space. Kids can play and at the same time, there is no obstruction in your garden.
What do you need?
Now that we have seen the benefits of sinking your trampoline, let’s discuss what we need. The first thing most people want to know is if there is a special type of trampoline for sinking. The answer is no! You can simply use your old trampoline for the process. That is amazing.
The tools needed are basically digging tools. This is if you are going to do the digging yourself.
How to sink a trampoline into the ground
Pick the site
Now that we have what we need, the first step is to pick the site of installation. Most people just pick the same place where the trampoline has been placed before. However, make sure there is a considerable length of space all around between the trampoline site and any wall or building.
Another tip to picking a site is to make sure it is suitable for the task. What do we mean? Some parts of the garden might look good for digging, but they are waterlogged.
One way to test this out is to dig a small hole. Let it be as deep as the trampoline would. Cover the hole at the top and leave it for some days. Come back and check to make sure there is no soil water in the hole. If it is dry, then we are good to go.
If it is waterlogged, it is advisable to look for another site. If there is no other option, no worries. There is a way to overcome that particular obstacle.
Measure and Start Digging
Mark the size of the trampoline and start digging. You should dig the side a little wider than the actual size. For the height, dig to a depth that would leave a small part of the trampoline above ground. The digging could take too many forms. You can hire experts to help in digging, but it would cost some money. People sometimes ask, “how much does it cost to sink a trampoline?’ Well, this depends on the locality and the height of the trampoline. For standard heights, the cost ranges between £200 and £300. If you dig yourself, you might want to have others like friends and family join you.
Test the hole after digging
You should not skip this step. Place the trampoline inside the pit and see how it fits. One reason why the frame should be slightly above ground is to allow for free passage of air. After testing, remove the frame for the next step.
Build a Retainer
Once you are sure you have the accurate height, take out the frame. Next, build a retainer in the pit. A retaining wall would help keep the side of the pit intact. You can get a retaining wall that is built with the trampoline frame. Alternatively, drill in a wooden frame to cover the legs of the frame before placing it into the pit.
Lower your trampoline
Place your trampoline with the mat into the pit. If you have a little bit of the frame above ground, then it is a good plan to aid the escape of air. If the frame fits into the ground, then you can use vented paddings around the mat.
Vented pads allow air to pass out from under the mat. Passage of air is needed to keep the mat soft and aid with the landing when kids jump down.
Once you are sure there is free passage of air in and out. You can fill up any space at the side with the dirt you dug up. This is to make the surroundings as neat as possible.
There you have it. You have learnt how to sink a trampoline successfully.
Tips
- If you have an area prone to flood or accumulation of soil water, you can build a drainage system into the pit to aid the outflow of soil water.
- Also, make sure you don’t have any underground installation at the chosen site. This can include underground water systems or electrical systems.
Conclusion
In simple steps, you can learn how to sink a trampoline into the garden. Once you have the needed tools and manpower, go ahead and start the process. You need to be patient with the process as it often takes days to complete. Your patience would pay off when you sink the trampoline properly. Adults and kids alike can start to enjoy the benefits of having a sunken trampoline in their yard. To learn more about what you can do with a trampoline, check out our other posts.
