Face it kids of all ages (and even some grown-ups) enjoy bouncing on trampolines. But there are many parents that cringe at the thought of having an above-ground trampoline either for safety reasons or esthetic reasons.
This is why inground trampolines are becoming more and more popular. Not only are they less visually upsetting in your backyard, but frankly they are safer since they are at ground level.
There are many brands on the market that make trampolines specifically designed to go in the ground.
But what if you already have a normal trampoline that you want to put in the ground? Can you install a normal trampoline in the ground? Let’s find out.
Can you put a normal trampoline in the ground? The short answer is yes, you can put a normal trampoline in the ground. However you may have to do more work than if you have purchased a trampoline designed for this specific purpose.
The reason for that is you will need to dig deeper into the ground to accommodate the legs of the trampoline. In ground trampolines do not have legs. There are also other safety issues you need to think about.
Keep reading to figure out what you will need to do if you want to safely install the normal trampoline as an in-ground trampoline.
The advantages of an in-ground trampoline
There are definite pros and cons to installing an in-ground trampoline.
Let’s look at what the advantages are first of all.
Advantage 1: Safety
Most people opt for an in-ground trampoline for their heightened level of safety.
But just because kids can now land at ground level doesn’t mean all dangers are eliminated.
People still get injured on in-ground trampolines.
One good thing is falls from height are in your favor with an in-ground trampoline.
But, if the area surrounding the trampoline is soft like sand, pea gravel, or some type of padding, injuries from falls are much less severe.
Advantage 2: Esthetics
As mentioned at the beginning, lots of people choose in-ground trampolines because they’re more esthetically pleasing.
Some parents simply don’t know where to place an above-ground trampoline because they’re an eyesore and spoil the view.
Lots of people also decorate around their trampoline and plant flowers or small shrubs to make it a feature.
Advantage 3: Less grass to mow (or worry about)
If you’ve owned an above-ground trampoline, you know how harmful they can be to the grass below.
After blocking rain and sunlight, the grass will really struggle.
With a below ground trampoline, there is no grass – so no mowing or weeding and no struggling grass!
Advantage 4: Net?
This may be a personal choice for each individual however many individuals choose NOT to put a net with an in-ground trampoline.
After all, the falls won’t be far. But we most certainly know some individuals prefer having a net on as many kids will try to do all sorts of nutty things!
The Disadvantages of an In-ground Trampoline
Disadvantage 1: More labor needed
While it is true that all trampolines require physical labor to build, it goes without saying that an in-ground trampoline requires substantially more labor.
First you will need to excavate a hole, make sure the sides are shored off, and make sure that there is sufficient airflow.
Many people think that is too much work.
It is also important to mention that normally, a traditional trampoline would recommend a deeper hole if you choose to build it as an in-ground trampoline.
And, of course now, what are you going to do with all of the dirt!
Disadvantage 2: It’s more difficult to maintain an in-ground trampoline
Since the trampoline is installed into the ground, that does create a little challenge with maintenance.
That being said, trampolines do not usually require very much, if any, maintenance but when you do need to check your springs, adjust the bolts, or level it out, it’s a little more tricky than a normal garden trampoline.
Disadvantage 3: Dirt, bugs (or worse!), and water
The final disadvantage is that we have to deal with things that get under the trampoline, and down inside the hole.
Water is the biggest challenge and the reason why draining the water is essential is some way, shape, or form.
Also, if the hole’s walls weren’t built-right, the dirt will collapse into the hole making it filled in.
And lastly, in-ground trampolines make great homes for bugs, and I’m afraid you may even find rats down there!
Things to think about when you’re putting an above-ground trampoline in the ground
After discussing the benefits and drawbacks of in-ground trampolines, let’s now look at what thoughts need to be given to converting an above ground trampoline into an in-ground trampoline.
Airflow
Air flow is key for the safety of any trampoline.
If your air flow is limited, whether due to a lower height or inadequate air flow, jumpers will be limited in their “bouncing”.
Finally, if you have too much clearance along the edge of a trampoline and the edge is not flush with the ground, then you may end up with limbs getting caught.
Moisture
If you choose to install an above-ground trampoline in-ground, you are exposing it to moisture that it was not designed to be exposed to or deal with.
This moisture can lead to more rapid rusting of the springs and frame.
Depth of the Hole
You will have to dig a deep hole to put a traditional trampoline into the ground.
Since above ground trampolines are so tall, it will take a good amount of work to dig the hole, which will in turn cost both time and money.
Is burying a normal trampoline safe?
When it is done correctly, burying a trampoline is safe.
However, don’t do it improperly, and you’ll run the risk of making it much less safe than it would have been above the ground.
For example, if you don’t pack the sides of the hole properly, dirt could slide down and fill in the hole and this is potentially dangerous because if people can bounce low enough to touch the ground, that could cause injury.
Final thoughts on putting a normal trampoline in the ground
Putting in a traditional, above ground trampoline in the ground takes a lot of effort.
You will need a professional crew (or a lot of time) to dig the hole for installation, especially considering the labor it takes to pitch the hole for the trampoline in the ground.
It might also require heavy machinery. You will also be busy making sure to level the trampoline and shoot the sides of the hole so that they do not cave in.
If a professional crew is there to help or if you have access to the machines it could be completed in a weekend.
However, if you are going to attempt it as a DIY task, it could take you many weeks. (and many extra pairs of hands).