Ever wondered how to dig a trampoline hole? See what we learned and watch our tips for a successful in-ground trampoline installation.
We love our backyards and having a great place for our kids to play and work alongside us. My kids are begging for a trampoline, so when my buddy Sam from TrampolineHoles.com was digging a trampoline hole here in my neighborhood, I tagged along to watch and ask some questions about in-ground trampoline installation. (You might remember Sam from when he helped me prep the yard for sod.)
Watch the video here for all 14 tips and subscribe to our channel for more home improvement and DIY videos. We’d love to hear what you’d like to see next!
Tips for In-Ground Trampoline Installation
Pros and Cons of an In-Ground Trampoline
Since my kids have been wanting a trampoline, Cass and I have been talking about the pros and cons of installing a trampoline in a hole like Sam does. Here’s what we came up with — we’d love to hear your experiences with above ground or in-ground trampolines!
Pros:
- Safer and easier for kids (and adults) to get on and off the trampoline
- Safer to jump on, since there’s no dropoff.
- No enclosure or net required
- No moving the trampoline to mow the lawn (and no dead grass under the legs and trampoline!)
- Looks so much better in the backyard. This might not be as important to some, but to this Remodelaholic and landscape architect, the aesthetic is a big deal.
Cons:
- More expensive to install
- Can’t remove and move to a new house
How to prep for a trampoline hole
This trampoline hole was going in where there was existing landscaping, so the area had to be prepped really well. Digging the hole in an unfinished backyard would require less prep.
Safety first: before you start digging, call 811
and get the area blue staked and marked for electrical and other utilities! It’s a FREE service! You don’t want to dig those up and cause problems.
This may require locating the trampoline differently than you had first planned. You’ll want to choose an area of the yard that is the most level, so you won’t have to add additional retaining walls or other landscaping.
Prep for the trampoline installation by also removing sprinkler heads and pipes in the trampoline area and adjusting the sprinkler lines if needed. In this project there were no sprinkler lines to reroute.
Know your soil type.
Clay may require different prep than rocky or dry soil. A high water table may also require a drain to be installed in the trampoline hole.
If you use a professional installer like Sam, they can help you know what your area will need.
Trampoline Hole FAQs
While we were watching Sam install the in-ground trampoline, we asked a few questions. Have more questions? Leave us a comment!
What size trampoline can I install in the ground?
Any size trampoline can be installed in-ground, but the most common is a 14-foot trampoline, like this. This set manufactured by Trampolines Down Under is the most common that Sam installs here in Utah.
That trampoline set comes with the trampoline retaining wall, which is built into the trampoline frame, the trampoline mat, and vented pads that are designed specifically for an in-ground trampoline.
How much space do I need around my trampoline hole?
You’ll want a minimum of 3 feet around the trampoline hole for a safety zone. Sam said he generally leaves 5-6 feet from fences and other landscaping.
How much space do I need for a digger to access my backyard?
This will depend on the specific equipment used, but Sam’s equipment requires about 6 feet of clearance, which is pretty doable for most backyards. It may require removing a section of fencing if you have a fully fenced yard like the one in the video.
How long does it take to dig a trampoline hole?
If you’re wanting to dig the hole yourself… it could take a long time. Doable, but maybe not the most time-efficient way to install an in-ground trampoline.
In less than a day, Sam had the hole dug, the retaining wall installed, and the trampoline ready for the kids to jump on. Pretty slick!
How do I winterize an in-ground trampoline?
The biggest concern with leaving a trampoline up in the winter is the weight of the snow stretching the mat and springs. Protect your investment by storing it over the winter.
Sam recommends removing the trampoline mat, pad, and springs. The retaining wall and trampoline hole will be just fine to use again in the spring after the snow melts.
Who do I contact to dig a trampoline hole?
If you’re in the Utah area, you can hire Sam by going to TrampolineHoles.com. Tell him you saw him on Remodelaholic! (And no, he’s not sponsoring us to say that! He’s a pro, and I’m so grateful he let me tag along and see how he does an in-ground trampoline install. He’s who we’ll call if the girls get their wish and we decide to install a trampoline in the backyard.)
More great backyard projects:
Related
Recent Comments