We’ve received a fair amount of interest about installing trampolines in the ground, so we thought it’d be good to offer some advice on the subject. Installing a trampoline in the ground can be a great idea, but there are a few pitfalls (excuse the pun) to this method of installation, so if you’re considering and in-ground install, take a look. Even if you’ve decided that putting your trampoline in-ground is the way you’d like to go, please take a minute to read through our advice.
(People often think about putting their trampoline in the ground either for aesthetic or safety reasons)
First, spacing is very important. Many people who dig areas for their trampolines create a recessed space that’s the exact size of their trampoline. However, because of the way that a trampoline works, there needs to be sufficient space for the air to flow in and out of the space beneath the trampoline. Without this space, the mat won’t be able to move well, and the bounce will be “dead”, very similarly to a inflatable water trampoline. We recommend at least nine inches to a foot of lateral space for the air to move, or you can dig the space such that the frame of the trampoline is one foot higher than the ground level. (It’s for this reason we typically frown on this practice; the dirt under the trampoline can flow with the air if there isn’t any space, and be quite messy, hard to breathe, etc)…
Another important aspect to consider is the expense of creating an in-ground space. Obviously, there is a cost of digging the hole, but there may be extra expenses when you consider you’ll want to be sure it’s a flat earth surface, it’s free of rocks, and it has adequate drainage to prevent sinking or shifting, which can ultimately damage the trampoline.
It is important to note that even trampolines that are put into the ground still need an enclosure! The jumpers won’t be getting as high as they would with an above-ground trampoline relative to the ground, but it’s certainly still a vital part of protecting your child!