In-Ground Trampolines

Advantages, Disadvantages, and How-To

Edited March 2024:

With new engineering and technology, there are wonderful options for families who can’t have, or don’t want, an above ground trampoline. We offer Capital Play In-Ground trampolines for customers interested in seamless integration and a fantastic bounce.

For those interested in trampolines designed to go in-ground, check out this blog on installation and excavation costs.

For those considering putting an above ground trampoline in ground, here are our thoughts:

In ground trampolines are all the rage right now, so we thought we would break down some of the advantages and disadvantages of putting a trampoline in-ground.

The Advantages:

  •     Aesthetics are the primary reason to put a trampoline in the ground. It reduces the height of the trampoline, and simply looks cleaner in the yard.

  •  Sometimes, an HOA will not approve a traditional trampoline but will approve an in-ground trampoline because of height regulations.
  •  Occasionally, if there is a small yard with a significant slope or tiered yard, a partially in-ground trampoline is an option where otherwise a trampoline wouldn’t work.
  • Periodically, people who live in extremely windy areas prefer to mitigate the risk of the trampoline taking flight during a particularly strong gust by putting a trampoline in ground instead of using an anchor kit.

 

The Disadvantages: 

  •  Cost! The cost of putting a trampoline in-ground ranges from $6,000-$8,000 (Denver Metro) for just the excavation and materials. It is not enough to simply dig a big pit in the backyard. Creating a retaining wall to prevent erosion, ensuring proper drainage, and getting proper dimensions so that the bounce and performance of the trampoline aren’t compromised is a must. We are happy to talk through different retaining wall options and collaborate with landscape companies to make sure the landscaping is done properly and won’t need to be redone or overhauled in a few short years.
  • Performance. If there is not adequate air flow the bounce of the trampoline will be severely muted. The retaining wall needs to be a minimum of three to six inches from the frame of the trampoline in order for the bounce not to be compromised. This also means there is a gap between the edge of the wall and the entrance of the trampoline, so kids need to be aware of that when entering and exiting the trampoline, or when playing around the area.
  • Safety. While many people initially think that putting a trampoline in-ground means the net is unnecessary, as parents and experts, we highly recommend against that. The force of a child bouncing on the trampoline and landing on rock, sod, or any other ground cover could be catastrophic. Assuming the net is installed on the trampoline, this risk is eliminated.

 

 

How do I get my trampoline in-ground?

  •  Know the dimensions of the pit you will need. This requires you know which trampoline you are purchasing, and talking to an expert about how much space you will need between the frame and the retaining wall.

  •  Pick a retaining wall. Some of the options we have seen work well are interlocking concrete blocks, wood treated landscape timbers, corrugated steel panels, and poured concrete. While plastic retaining walls and kits seem like a great deal, we have yet to find one that holds up well and have even seen them fail by collapsing into the pit.
  • Contact a landscape company. We can speak directly with different companies to ensure they understand what is required so that your trampoline will perform as it is designed. Once the retaining wall is built, install your trampoline and enjoy!

One of the biggest regrets we see is families who have to redo the pit and retaining wall. The labor and expense of disassembling a trampoline and fixing a pit is significant, and not worth saving a few bucks on the front end. As always, we are happy to collaborate with you and a landscape company, do free yard evaluations, and install the trampoline. 

Call or text today with questions or to place an order. We would love to hear why you decided to do, or not do, an in-ground trampoline!