Trampolines are fun and exciting to play on but not when setting up, especially if you plan to jump around outside. The wind can pick up these flimsy sheets of plastic and rubber and toss them around like frisbees. Because of this, you will want to secure your trampoline to the ground somehow.
Generally, you ground your trampoline using the grounding stakes that come with it, or you can use an anchoring kit. Although, you can also use large bolts and screws as well. If you need more security, you can lay weights such as sandbags on the trampoline’s legs.
However, depending on your location, you may not need to ground your trampoline. Because this can save you a lot of time and effort, by reading further, you will also learn when you can leave your trampoline unanchored or not.
How Do You Ground or Anchor a Trampoline Static?
Trampolines are fun until they fly off and land on your roof or nearby power lines. As such, you may want to anchor your trampoline to the ground to ensure you can enjoy your investment as much as possible. Choosing a protected area in your backyard is a good starting point, but you must truly anchor it to prevent the wind from moving it.
Trampoline anchors have one job. They firmly secure your trampoline to the ground, which is usually grass or dirt. They do this by preventing your trampoline’s safety nets from becoming wings under strong winds.
Depending on the model, your trampoline may use either U-shaped or auger anchors. U-shaped anchors lay across the trampoline’s base poles while augers are just corkscrew-like stakes with straps that hold down the frame.
Use the Grounding Kit that Comes with Your Trampoline if Possible.
If at all possible, the best way to ground your trampoline is to use the anchor kit that comes with it. These kits come with everything you need to secure your trampoline to the ground, including straps and the right type of anchor. Some kits may even come with a hammer, though any hammer or mallet should work.
If your trampoline did not come with a kit, or you lost yours, you can always buy replacement anchor kits wherever you buy trampolines. You can also use any large corkscrew or bolt you may have to lie around. All that matters is that your anchors are strong enough to hold your trampoline down.
Steps to Securely Ground Your Trampoline Using Auger Anchors
If you are using auger anchors, grounding a trampoline will require a few basic steps. These steps not only ensure the safety of your trampoline during windstorms, but they also reduce the safety risks during installation. As such, you will want to follow them as closely as possible.
Just make sure that you have the following tools and materials before you begin:
- Your trampoline anchor kit
- Metal sledgehammer or carpenter hammer
- At least four ratchet straps
- Measuring tape
- Your trampoline
Here’s a link to the ORCC Trampoline We Have and recommend on Amazon as well as the highly recommended Trampoline Anchor Kit to help protect your trampoline.
Step 1: Find a Suitable Location
Your first step for grounding your trampoline is to find a location shielded from the wind. The location could be between buildings or enclosed in a large privacy fence.
Step 2: Measure and Mark Out Where the Anchors Will Go
Your next step is to find where you will put the anchors.
First, mark off strap holes in your trampoline’s fabric if they do not already exist. Drill out these holes while ensuring you are far enough from the edge to prevent tearing.
Then, stand where each of your trampoline’s legs will go and face perpendicular to the line coming from the center of the trampoline area. At each location, mark a spot approximately 35cm outward from the inside of your leg. This is where you will hammer the anchors into the ground,
Step 3: Install the Anchors
Hammer an anchor into each marked ground location at an approximate 60-degree angle. Keep hammering until the top of each anchor is about 6cm from the ground.
If required, screw the anchor hooks into the hole in the trampoline fabric. Fasten and tighten them with a washer and nut until they are flush with the fabric.
Step 4: Hook and Loop the Straps
Place the trampoline frame in place. Then. It is time to wrap the traps around the frame where the springs will go. For best results, insert the “A” end of each strap through the “B” end. You can install a ratchet if necessary.
Step 5: Tighten All Anchor Screws and Bolts
Finally, tighten all securements to ensure proper tension in the straps. However, be careful not to over-tighten.
Grounding Using U-Shaped Anchors
If your trampoline anchor kit comes with U-shaped anchors, the steps are slightly different:
- Place your trampoline in its secure location
- Place an anchor over each leg of the trampoline.
- Hammer the anchors into the ground.
Does Trampoline Need to be Fixed to the Ground?
Under most situations, you will want to ground your trampoline. Windstorms can pop up everywhere, and you always want to be prepared.
Grounding also just makes your trampoline safer to use. Grounding keeps it in place regardless of how you use it, ensuring your friends and family are safe from injuries, falls, and collisions.
Grounding also prevents your trampoline from tipping over if too many people jump on it.
However, there are some situations where grounding is unnecessary or not recommended. These include:
- The trampoline is indoors on a soft surface.
- The trampoline location is completely shielded from high winds.
- Your trampoline’s user guide specifically forbids using anchors
If your situation falls under these conditions, you can skip the anchors and enjoy your trampoline.
If it does not, you are going to want to secure your trampoline to the ground. This is true even if you plan to use your trampoline indoors but only have hardwood floors. Either that or be prepared to disassemble and store that trampoline inside before each windstorm.
Here’s a link to the ORCC Trampoline We Have and recommend on Amazon as well as the highly recommended Trampoline Anchor Kit to help protect your trampoline.
Conclusion
While trampolines are fun to jump around on, they are less fun if they jump around. As such, you will want to ground your trampoline in most cases. Fortunately, you only need to follow a re easy steps to anchor your trampoline in place.