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Parents who want to enhance their backyard might want to have an in-ground trampoline built. The new trend in backyard fun is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and can be built as large or small as you’d like, making it ideal for both small and big backyards.
To make an in-ground trampoline, you need to consider whether it is safe to dig a hole in your backyard, how big and deep should the digging be, what are the tools required, should you install a retaining wall, how to deal with water drainage problem and other issues.
But first, let’s go through what are some of the differences between an in-ground and above-ground trampoline.
Interesting Things in this Post
- In-Ground Trampolines vs Above-Ground Trampolines
- How Deep Should A Trampoline Be In The Ground?
- Tools Needed to Dig the Hole
- The Retaining Wall
- In-Ground Trampoline Drainage
- In-Ground Trampoline Safety Net
- In-Ground Trampoline Maintenance
- Should You Get a Professional to Install an In-Ground Trampoline?
- Will Your In-Ground Trampoline be Covered by Your Homeowner’s Insurance?
In-Ground Trampolines vs Above-Ground Trampolines
Installed below the ground, in-ground trampolines have several benefits over their above-ground counterparts (although there is no right or wrong choice for choosing a trampoline since it comes down to preference).
A More Organized Backyard View
Many think that in-ground trampolines are more pleasant looking since there are no metal parts that really show. When designed properly, in-ground trampolines can flow really well with a backyard’s natural landscape.
There won’t be this huge object obstructing your backyard views (however, you’ll still see the safety net around it, which you should still have, especially if you have little children).
But you can still make the space around the in-ground trampoline look more beautiful thanks to special landscaping around the setup. Some like to plant flowers or decorate with patio furniture near the area, making a nice sitting area where the kids jump.
Ease of Use for Younger Children
In-ground trampolines are easier to use since the jumper can simply walk off the bounce pad as normal instead of having to climb down any ladders or jump off.
It’s also safer since it’s low on the ground and there are fewer contact points where a child could hit.
Smaller kids will most likely feel safer playing on in-ground trampolines, as it allows them more freedom to jump. But with all trampolines, you’ll still need to be outside watching them in case they still hurt themselves.
Here’s a list of Do’s and Don’ts when trampolining.
Save the Step to Winterize
Homeowners won’t have to worry about taking the trampoline down for winter or worrying about it getting damaged or blown away in a storm when they opt for an in-ground option.
However, in-ground trampolines do come at a steeper cost than above ground counterparts. They require more planning and are more expensive, which is why many would rather buy an above ground trampoline.
When they’re done with it, they can easily remove and take it down, but an in-ground unit is there to stay. If you’re looking to have a fun place for your kids to jump and upgrade your backyard, an in-ground trampoline is a great choice.
Take into Consideration of the Installation Cost or Time
While you can easily hire a professional to come and install the in-ground trampoline, you can also do it yourself on a free weekend (or two) and some hard work. Calling in a professional might cost you up to $2,000 for the installation, plus an extra $500+ for the trampoline and parts.
Doing it yourself might take a bit of time, but it’ll save you loads of money in the end!
Here is some useful information as it pertains to installing an in-ground trampoline in your backyard for your children’s enjoyment!
How Deep Should A Trampoline Be In The Ground?
The biggest question asked when installing an in-ground trampoline is how deep it needs to be.
However, before you even start thinking about this, it’s very important that your first figure out if it’s okay to dig. A quick call to your city’s “Call Before You Dig” line will give you the answers.
For most cities, this service is free and will provide you information on if it’s safe to dig in your backyard and tell you what major things you don’t want to hit or break when you’re digging. Although the majority of backyards don’t have major pipes running under the ground, it’s still better to be safe than sorry. You’ll save yourself a huge and expensive headache later if you dig without calling and run into a problem.
This is Jacob’s daughter playing on an in-ground trampoline. But we strongly suggest to get one that has a safety net.
You’ll need to know how big the in-ground trampoline you’re getting is. But despite knowing how big it is you’re always going to want to create a hole that’s at least a foot wider than the outer frame to give it proper air ventilation.
This extra gap is what will help provide the trampoline its bounce. You’ll also have to factor in a retaining wall if you use one. However, it’s a good idea to add one since it’ll help stop dirt from collapsing inside the pit or getting on the trampoline itself.
An in-ground trampoline requires proper airflow for optimum use. Without the right airflow, the bounce of the in-ground trampoline won’t be as good.
So the more air that gets in, the better the bounce will be. All in-ground trampolines feature specially designed spring pads that allow air to flow inside and outside of them. So essentially, the hole needs to be the depth of the height of the trampoline.
Once it’s installed, the trampoline will sit at ground level. However, it’s recommended that you dig a hole that’s just slightly shallower than the height of your chosen trampoline.This will provide better ventilation room and bounce.
You and your kids might not get used to its existence right after you install it, which could cause a tripping problem. So it’s recommended that you have a safety net on the in-ground trampoline. This does not only protect the jumpers from the inside, but everyone could be aware of the trampoline even when walking around it.
Tools Needed to Dig the Hole
Once you’ve measured the site that needs to be excavated, it’s time to dig! You’ll either need a small mechanical digger if you want it done faster and easier.
If not, depending on how quick you work, it’ll take you a few days (or weeks). Choose a time that makes it easier for you to do. Consider the weather, too! Summer might be too hot, while winter has loads of snow, rain and frozen ground. Fall and spring might be the best periods to start digging!
Tools you’ll need include a:
- Hammer
- Shovel
- Level
- Drill
- Tin snips
- Tamper to help compact the dirt
The Retaining Wall
To keep dirt from collapsing inside of the trampoline, you’ll want to create a retaining wall. However, you’ll want to double and triple check all of your measurements before pouring out cement to create it, if you go that route. You can also opt to create a retaining wall using pre-built ones for sale (you can even order them online, however, they’re quite costly).
Besides concrete, you can also purchase steel options. These are preferred options because of their durability, strength, and longevity. To make sure they don’t rust, they are galvanized and don’t feature exposed steel edges for added safety.
Other options include polyethylene plastic, roofing metal and aluminum, cinder blocks and pavers and railroad ties.
Plastic options are cheap, but don’t retain dirt as well and won’t last long. They’re not as strong and can be more labor intensive to install.
You can easily purchase roofing material and aluminum at a local hardware store, but they usually don’t have the strength needed to retain dirt properly. And they haven’t been specifically designed to fit a trampoline. If you don’t treat it, the aluminum and roofing metal will rust.
Railroad ties can be very labor intensive to install and won’t last as long as steel options. You’ll have to use dozens of them and eventually, the wood will rot, meaning you’ll have to replace it.
If you want cinder blocks or pavers, you’ll have to have basic masonry knowledge to install them correctly. Once they’re installed, you’ll need to maintain them regularly so that they stay in place.
But the biggest drawback with a retainer wall is that if a trampoline happens to sink even a little bit, its hard surface could be exposed, which potentially poses harm to your kids while they are jumping on it.
In-Ground Trampoline Drainage
A huge thing to consider when putting in-ground trampolines is what will happen when it rains and water gets trapped under the trampoline. You don’t want the hole to fill up with water, which will ruin the trampoline.
To combat this from happening, you might want to include proper drainage. However, it really depends on the soil your backyard has.
Regular soil and sandy soil are considered porous, so they’ll absorb any water in the hole quite quickly.
However, you’ll run into problems when your backyard consists of clay-based soil. That’s because clay doesn’t absorb water well and acts like a barrier, allowing water to pool instead of drain naturally.
There are several drainage systems to choose from. Even though many prefer perforated drainage pipes, you’ll need to find one that best works for your yard. If you do opt for a perforated pipe, you’ll need to run it under the surface and connect it to whatever drainage system your backyard has, even if it’s just a ditch in another part of the yard.
Another drainage option is to place gravel under the trampoline. Just dig the hole a bit deeper and fill it in with gravel and rocks a few inches deep for better drainage.
Another method is the soak-away system. This allows excess water to collect at the bottom of the trampoline so that it slowly disperses that fluid into the ground.
But if you’re still not assured it’s the best solution you can also use an electric drainage pump to suck out water from the hole each time it rains. The pump attaches to a hose to remove water from the hole.
Yet another drainage option is to place gravel. Just dig the hole a bit deeper and fill it in with gravel and rocks a few inches deep for better drainage.
In-Ground Trampoline Safety Net
It never hurts to add an extra level of safety to your in-ground trampoline by adding a safety net. Even a ground level trampoline can pose a risk.
You might have aggressive jumpers that jump super high, which can still lead to painful falls if they miss the mat. A net enclosure just gives you the peace of mind that your kids are safe no matter what. There are several safety net configurations available, including full and partial.
Here’s an in-ground trampoline with safety net. Check it out. (affiliate link)
In-Ground Trampoline Maintenance
Since the jump mat is above the ground, there might be things going underneath that you aren’t aware of. Regular maintenance is important to its bounce and safety for your children.
You’ll need to keep an eye out on the frame, springs, and mat regularly to make sure its safe for your kids to use. You might also want to have the area sprayed for insects and check it for rodent activity.
Wipe the jumping mat before every use so that your kids aren’t jumping and falling on small rocks, dirt, stick or the like.
Should You Get a Professional to Install an In-Ground Trampoline?
Although an in-ground trampoline isn’t too difficult to install, if you want it done faster without having to do anything, you can call in a professional.
A landscape company can come and dig the hole for you, set up the right drainage should you need one and install a retainer wall.
However, it will be pricey. Expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 and up, depending on the size. So while a professional does make it easier to install an in-ground trampoline, it does make it more expensive.
If you do it yourself, it’ll take a few weeks if you only do the work on the weekends, but shouldn’t cost as much. You’ll be able to do it all for under $500.
Will Your In-Ground Trampoline be Covered by Your Homeowner’s Insurance?
Although an in-ground trampoline is fun for the entire family, it may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy due to safety issues. Trampolines pose a lot of risks.
You should read your policy or contact your insurance agent to see what the conditions and terms are regarding coverage for damage to the trampoline, what happens if someone gets hurt and more. Coverage will vary by each state and insurance company.
However, it’ll most likely be handled in one of three ways. If it falls under no exclusions, the policy had no restrictions on the trampoline. But if a visitor gets hurt while on it, you could still be found legally responsible.
There’s also coverage with safety precautions, which a policy may provide coverage for a trampoline if you have safety precautions in place.
The last one is trampoline exclusion, which states that trampolines are excluded from the insurance coverage.
Of course, since every policy is different, you should contact your agent to determine which one your in-ground trampoline falls under.
The Bottom Line
An in-ground trampoline is a fantastic way to have fun with your kids in the backyard. If you don’t like how an above ground trampoline looks, an in-ground one could be a good alternative. Not only it looks more organized, but it is also easier for smaller kids to enter in.
However, they do cost a lot of money to have them installed by a professional or a lot of work if you do it yourself. If you’re handy and have a few weekends free, it’s a great option. But if you don’t have the time or the funds, an above ground trampoline works just fine.
I personally wouldn’t go with an in-ground trampoline because the install looks like too much work. I’d rather go with an above-ground trampoline because I don’t mind the way it looks and it’s easier to install.
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A freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA with more than 7 years of experience, writing for magazines and blogs. She is also a social media maven and communications specialist. Parenting is one of her favored topics. She is a happy mom with two boys and due with her little girl in May.