In-ground trampolines look pretty great. There’s something about the way that they just sit perfectly in the ground that makes them attractive to homeowners. You don’t have to worry about the ugly galvanized steel of the legs and the frame cluttering up your yard. With an in-ground trampoline, all you see is the jumping mat and the spring pad surrounding it. But many people don’t realize what actually goes into installing an in-ground trampoline. Which is what this article is all about! Read on to learn the pros and cons of in-ground trampolines.
In-Ground Trampolines are Made to Go In the Ground
Before we jump into this article, let me first say that we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of in-ground trampolines. These are trampolines made specifically to be installed in the ground.
While it’s possible to put a regular trampoline in the ground, it comes with a whole host of other issues that in-ground trampolines are made to resist, such as rusting and preventing the walls of the pit from falling in. If you’re interested in putting a regular trampoline in the ground, read this article.
In-Ground Trampoline Pros
First, let’s go over the pros. There are about the same amount of pros and cons for in-ground trampolines, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still consider all of them. For some people, a particular pro will weigh much heavier than a given con, meaning that one good pro will outweigh all the cons put together.
Let’s get started.
They’re Aesthetically Pleasing
The number one reason people consider getting an in-ground trampoline is the fact that they look so good. They’re very aesthetically pleasing and they have a low profile, which means they won’t interrupt the Feng Shui of the yard, so to speak. Those with beautifully landscaped yards may opt for an in-ground trampoline simply because it looks better.
On the same token, it’s common for a regular trampoline placed on grass to kill the grass underneath it. For some, an in-ground trampoline is an attractive prospect because they won’t have to worry about caring for the grass underneath it. They prefer a hole in the ground with the trampoline in it over a circle of fading grass underneath a regular trampoline.
Somewhat Safer
Another in-ground trampoline pro is the fact that they’re somewhat safer than regular trampolines due to their close proximity to the ground. If someone falls off an in-ground trampoline, they won’t fall as far as they would off a regular one.
However, it’s important to recognize that this doesn’t make the trampoline inherently safe. You can still hurt yourself by falling off an in-ground trampoline. If the trampoline is surrounded by a soft surface, such as grass or padding, then the chances are also decreased, but not eliminated.
Don’t Need an Enclosure Net
The fact that there’s not an extra three or four feet to fall off an in-ground trampoline means that you can get away with not having an enclosure net around it. These nets are ideal for regular trampolines as they keep people from falling off. But if you think these nets are unsightly or you simply don’t want one, an in-ground trampoline provides a nice safety trade-off.
That said, if you want the extra safety of an enclosure net on an in-ground trampoline, you absolutely can install one. This added safety feature can give you the peace of mind that comes with ensuring safe jump time for the kids.
Easy to Cover
In-ground trampolines are pretty easy to cover, which is nice. While not the most impactful pro on the list, this is something to consider. Covering a trampoline is important so you can keep using the trampoline for years without issues. Ideally, these should be covered whenever they’re not in use to protect them from UV rays and the elements. And provided you don’t use an enclosure net, you can easily cover an in-ground trampoline quickly.
Won’t be Picked Up in a Strong Wind
If you live in a windy area, the risks of having a trampoline increase since it’s possible for a strong wind to pick up the equipment and send it slamming into your home, your fence, power lines, or any number of other nearby structures.
With an in-ground trampoline, you don’t have to worry about this. The low profile of the trampoline and the fact that it’s firmly in the ground mean that even the strongest gusts of wind aren’t liable to pick it up and send it flying.
Easier to Get On and Off
Last on this list of in-ground trampoline pros is how easy they are for people to get onto and off of. This is especially helpful if you have little ones that have trouble getting up and down ladders. With an in-ground trampoline, they can simply step or crawl on and then have fun bouncing!
In-Ground Trampoline Cons
Now for the cons. Most of these have to do with installation and expenses, which is to be expected when you must dig a big hole in the ground!
The Cost of an In-Ground Trampoline
One big con of in-ground trampolines is how much they cost. Like regular trampolines, they’re available at a range of prices. But by and large, they are more expensive. And if you want to get an in-ground trampoline with excellent airflow and a high bounce, you’ll probably want to spend two or three times as much as a regular trampoline.
The Cost of Installation
The cost of installation is another big con. But it’s not just the cost, it’s also the effort that goes into installation. Before you dig you must make sure that there are no buried utilities or water lines in the area you wish to dig. You’ll also need to develop a plan for how wide and deep your hole will be if you’re going to dig it yourself.
You can also hire a professional to dig the hole for you, which requires much less effort but more money. These companies charge anywhere between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on whether they’re just digging or if they’re doing the installation as well.
Drainage Can be an Issue
Drainage is an issue that many people overlook. When you have a hole in your yard, you need to consider whether you will have to facilitate drainage or not. It really depends on the soil. If your soil drains well, you may not have to worry about it. But if you have clay-based soil, it probably won’t drain on its own. Therefore you’ll need to install some kind of drainage solution, such as a sump pump or a natural drainage option.
Regular Care
Just as a regular trampoline needs regular care, so does an in-ground trampoline. This means tightening hardware, checking for rust, and inspecting the components that you can’t see regularly. Since in-ground trampolines are harder to access, regular maintenance becomes more difficult.
They Can Attract Unwanted Critters
Another drawback of an in-ground trampoline is that the pit may attract critters. The nice, shady, cool trampoline pit could be a great place for some slithering and four-legged friends that you may not want around your children. If you live in an area that has a lot of snakes, you could end up with snakes in your trampoline pit. However, if you keep your yard tidy and prevent water from gathering in the pit, this shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Unable to Move
The last con on this list has to do with the fact that it’s very difficult to move an in-ground trampoline. Regular trampolines are easy to move. For example, if you end up needing that side of the yard for something else, you can simply pick up the regular trampoline and move it. But if you need to move an in-ground trampoline, you’ll have a much harder time. And you’ll need a new hole to put the trampoline in!
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are lots of pros and cons to consider before buying an in ground trampoline. It really all comes down to personal preference. If you want something that’s quick and easy to install, can be moved if needed, and is fairly inexpensive then a standard trampoline is the way to go. If you want something that looks better and don’t mind spending the extra money and time on installation, then in ground trampolines are your best bet. In the end, its all in what want.