Enjoying your time jumping on a trampoline is a favourite pastime for many people.
Any child who has grown up with a trampoline in their backyard will have some great memories from it.
Some people prefer a small, personal trampoline, while others may prefer jumping in a trampoline park alongside other people.
Similarly, one question that arises while using a trampoline is whether a trampoline can be sunk into the ground. Generally speaking, you may sink your trampoline into the ground. Inherently, there is no issue with this approach, but there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that it is installed correctly and safely.
However, it would help if you took certain precautions to avoid any negative impact.
Read the complete article to find out how deep you can sink your trampoline in the ground and the precautions you must take.
Factors That Determine Whether You Can Sink A Trampoline Into The Ground
Multiple factors collectively help to determine if a sunken trampoline is a possibility in your case. We have listed some of the most important factors with their explanations below:
Size of Trampoline
The size of our trampoline is the most important determinant. Select a trampoline that suits the area you have. If you end up selecting a trampoline that is too wide or too narrow, it may not fit in the available space perfectly.
Similarly, a tiny trampoline may reduce the safety area you have during your jump. Thus, the best practice is to get the largest trampoline that fits the given area.
That way, you can enjoy yourself fully without risks of accidents.
Shape of Trampoline
Your trampoline’s shape and colour are important considerations if you are planning to sink your trampoline in the ground. Using a round shape is the better option as it gives a much better projection.
You must keep the colour different from the grass to make it fully visible.
Otherwise, someone who is unaware of the sunken trampoline may end up hurting himself.
Size of Hole
The hole you dig is the most critical factor in determining your safety from a sunken trampoline. If the hole is not deep enough, it will result in the trampoline surface, hitting the hard subsurface on every jump.
Consequently, it may lead to a severe knee injury to the jumper. Make sure the hole depth is as such that the installed trampoline stays at ground level.
Otherwise, there may be no benefit from sinking the trampoline.
Drainage
Drainage is a major issue with a sunken trampoline. You must ensure a hole or hose in the trampoline to allow water to seep through.
A major reason why many sunken trampolines end up getting damaged easily is the lack of proper drainage.
Consequently, rainwater collects on the trampoline surface, making it handy.
Avoid Edge Collapse
You must only install a sunken trampoline if you can avoid edge collapse. Otherwise, a heavy jump will result in one side of the trampoline collapsing.
Consequently, it may cause severe damage to the jumper.
Consult a Professional
It would help if you considered the air movement of the area where you install a sunken trampoline.
Consult a professional contractor to determine the best location for a sunken trampoline.
Similarly, the subsoil must be tested for suitability before installing a sunken trampoline.
If most of these aspects can be maintained, you may install a sunken trampoline in your ground. However, you must avoid doing so if the aspects mentioned above are not entirely fulfilled.
Benefits and Drawbacks of In-ground Trampolines
There are numerous benefits of installing your trampoline inside the ground. It makes it easier to get in and out of the trampoline. This aspect works well for small kids who may find it difficult to climb the trampoline if not inside the ground.
Additionally, if you have a large mat with other people already bouncing on them, you may bump into someone while climbing on the trampoline.
Sinking the trampoline in the ground avoids that risk as well.
Additionally, a sunken trampoline allows for numerous different decorating ideas. You may select the colour depending on your lawn’s outlook. Similarly, you may select the best positioning for your backyard, which aligns with the place’s landscaping.
Similarly, some people like to arrange flowers around their sunken trampoline to increase their garden’s beauty.
Just be aware that there is an incraesed possibility of the flowers or other garden arrangements getting damaged from jumpers.
However, a sinking trampoline in the ground may pose different problems as well. You need to dig a hole, which can add to the costs of the installation. Similarly, it may damage the roots of nearby plants.
You also have to pay for a retaining wall and proper drainage. In case the drainage has any issue, the trampoline may become unusable in a few days. Also, some trampolines require proper venting before they can be inserted in the ground.
This venting is not only costly but requires the services of a specialist to perform fully.
Otherwise, the trampoline may end up being damaged or may cause an injury to the jumper.
A trampoline does not restrict plant growth. Instead, the plant may grow from the sides on to the trampoline. In such cases, your sunken trampoline requires constant maintenance, which can be an added expense.
Moreover, sinking your trampoline removes its portability. Instead, you must use the trampoline in the same place. Finally, your subsurface or soil may not be of proper quality.
You may need to level it and provide a different foundation material to cover the subsurface soil.
It may become difficult to mark the boundary while jumping. In such cases, you may land on a hard surface from a high jump. This situation may result in a serious injury.
So what is safer, trampolines in the ground or out?
Tramplines that are in the ground have extra safety due to their reduced height. Jumpers have less distance to fall if they were to come off the trampline. However, in-ground trampolines are more complicated to install and if done incorrectly could pose additional safety concerns.
Conclusion
Sunken Trampolines are more of a niche product. There are multiple advantages and disadvantages of installing and using a trampoline that is sunk into the ground.
This style of trampoline is for enthusiasts who use their trampoline almost daily. Or for families that want to limit the risk of injury and have the extra space.
Check out our entire guide above before opting for a sunken trampoline.