Bouncing is one of the nicest ways to spend an afternoon in your backyard.
A raised trampoline brings with it some anxieties, though.
Have you considered sinking your normal trampoline, so that you don’t fall off?
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Can you put a Normal Trampoline in the Ground?
You can put a normal trampoline in the ground. A hole needs to be dug that will accommodate the size, shape, and essentially depth of the trampoline. It must be deep enough so that it is at least a foot (30 cm) below the depth of the deepest bounce. The hole must also match the measurements of the trampoline’s frame. Around the perimeter of the hole, there will need to be a shallow, reinforced shelf that will support the frame of the trampoline.
Putting a normal trampoline in the ground sounds as though it may be as simple as digging a hole in the ground and suspending the trampoline over it.
It’s not quite that simple, though. You need a few more details about trampolines to understand how to create an inground trampoline in your backyard.
Mechanics of a Trampoline
A trampoline consists of a frame, to which a bounce mat (or trampoline bed) is attached with springs.
Bounce mat
The bounce mat is made from woven polypropylene. It is a strong surface that is quite buoyant.
The mat itself is not elastic and doesn’t ‘give’ when someone bounces on it.
Springs
There are three types of springs used in trampolines. Normal trampolines use recreational springs, which are made of steel.
This may be pre-galvanized spring wire, or the steel may be plated in zinc.
Competitive springs also contain music wire, but the recreational springs used by normal trampolines are only made from galvanized steel.
The springs are connected to the bounce mat and the frame on one end.
Holes at specific intervals are drilled through the frame so that the springs can hook into them.
The outer rim of the bounce mat is reinforced, in which specialized holes have been made. The springs are hooked at the other end into these holes.
The trampoline’s bounce comes from the tension in the springs.
Frame
The frame of a trampoline is usually made from galvanized steel and is rigid, to maintain the stretch of the springs as someone bounces on the mat.
When this happens, the extra weight pushes down on the frame.
To accommodate this, the frame of the trampoline must rest on a strong support structure, which will hold the entire trampoline strongly when it is used.
The frame of an above ground trampoline extends to the legs and supports that hold the surrounding frame. These are also made of galvanized steel.
A sunken trampoline has no legs or frame to stand on. Instead, the frame around the bounce mat needs to be supported at the level of the ground.
This may be the ground itself, or a support structure may be built into the ground, which will hold the frame all the way around.
Sinking a trampoline
To put a normal trampoline in the ground, it is not quite as simple as digging a hole and mounting the trampoline across it.
The sides of the trampoline need to be strongly supported.
This keeps the trampoline firmly located and makes sure that it won’t sag on one side.
Dig a hole
The first step in installing a traditional trampoline on the ground is to dig a hole that will stretch over.
This needs to accommodate the frame and the bounce of the trampoline.
Before you dig the hole, you will need to make sure the water table is low enough so that there is no possibility of the pit flooding.
Dimensions of the hole
Essentially, you will dig two holes. The outside hole must be the same size as the trampoline frame.
It will essentially be a ledge around the inner hole. It should be around 10 inches deep (25 cm) and 4 inches broad (10 cm).
This ledge will be used to support the trampoline frame. The inner hole must be deep enough to accommodate the bounce the springs will allow.
This means the hole should be at least a couple of feet below the lowest point the bounce mat can reach when the heaviest person bounces on it.
This is usually about 3 feet (+90 – 100 cm).
Lining the hole
Usually, the hole over which an inground trampoline is mounted will remain earth. It is also possible to line the hole with cement or even brick paving.
It may be an option to dig one hole that is the exact dimensions of the trampoline frame and build a brick outline on which the frame will rest.
At the very least, if the hole remains made of earth, you must make sure that the bottom and sides are well and truly firmly compacted.
How much will it cost?
The price of putting a normal trampoline in the ground can only be as much as the price of the trampoline itself.
That is if you dig the hole yourself. You may want to employ some labour, which will be your major cost.
Depending on the size of the hole you need to dig and how hard the ground is, you may need to bring in a back hoe, which will add to the cost.
It may be the best option, though, to ensure that the trampoline is set over a hole that is deep enough and well compacted.
Frequently Asked Questions About normal trampoline in the ground
Should I line the hole for my in-ground trampoline with cement?
It is possible to line the trampoline’s hole with cement. However, it is the outer edge of the hole that supports the frame that needs to be strongest.
Instead of lining the whole hole, you can build a wall around the perimeter of the hole out of bricks.
Do I need a special trampoline to put in the ground?
If you are creating an in-ground trampoline in your back yard, you don’t need to buy a specialized trampoline.
It is sufficient to buy a normal trampoline, with recreational springs.
This type of trampoline can be set into the ground efficiently and will give enough bounce for recreational use.
Conclusion On Can you Put a Normal Trampoline in the Ground
Normal trampolines are usually above ground, standing on a purpose-built frame that will absorb the bounce.
However, you can sink even a normal trampoline into the ground.
You do need to make sure that the hole is deep enough to accommodate the deepest bounce.
The trampoline’s frame must precisely fit within the hole’s circumference.