Playing on a trampoline can be quite exciting and full of fun. However, with all the work and money that goes into setting up one, you need to do everything possible to ensure nothing happens to your investment. Therefore, it is good to choose a secure area in your backyard when setting it up. One thing you must think about when installing the trampoline is how to anchor it to stop it from being blown away. Besides placing it in a secure area that is shielded from wind, you also need to ensure you properly secure your trampoline to the ground.
So, what is the best way to anchor down a trampoline? Trampolines can be anchored in two different ways. One is through the use of trampoline anchors that come in the shape of long, twisting rods that can be buried in the ground, while the other one is the use of wind stakes. The wind stakes are buried into the ground with cement binding before placing the trampoline over them. This is usually considered a permanent solution to flying trampolines. The use of trampoline anchors is also good because most of them are made of spiral steel that holds the trampoline much better.
Why Do I Need to Anchor My Trampoline?
Before we discuss the process of anchoring a trampoline, let us highlight some of the reasons why it is essential to do so. The big question is, why should you worry about your trampoline blowing away?
The answer is perhaps simple and straightforward; you don’t want to see your investment ruined before serving its purpose. Flying trampolines can travel for long distances before landing on top of trees or buildings.
Therefore, if you live in a high wind area, it is a no-brainer that you need effective trampoline anchors.
As long as there is no adequate protection from wind in the area you are planning to keep your trampoline, make sure you anchor it. Don’t assume anything or take chances because the outcome can be quite costly.
How Do Trampoline Anchors Work?
Most trampoline anchors assume that your trampoline sits on a grassy or dirt area. This is true because most trampolines are not installed over hard grounds for safety reasons. Although the nets help to stop the trampoline from blowing away, they aren’t foolproof.
In fact, in strong winds, the net helps catch the wind, creating a large surface area that helps lift the trampoline. Therefore, anchors are designed to hold the trampoline firmly in one place.
Anchoring a trampoline takes construction tools and some basic construction skills to achieve the best results. The most common anchors come in two different forms; the U-shape or auger.
The U-shaped trampoline anchors resemble the letter “U” and are made of steel. They tap down with a carpenter’s hammer and firmly fit around the base poles of your equipment.
The augers can be twisted by hand like a corkscrew into a wine bottle. However, these anchors come with straps that attach from the auger to the trampoline frame to secure it.
How to Securely Anchor Your Trampoline
Follow the simple process outlined below to anchor your trampoline using a simple trampoline wind anchor kit. You will need the following materials to accomplish this process:
- A trampoline anchor kit (These kits are specifically designed for securing trampolines)
- Four ratchet straps to suit
- A carpenter hammer or metal sledgehammer
- A tape measure ( recommended but not necessary)
Step 1: Measure and mark
Carefully measure approximately 35cm out from the inside of your leg. Mark the spot before you move to the next step.
Step 2: Install the picket
Hammer the picket into the ground at a 60o angle. Keep hammering until it is approximately 6cm from the ground. Once it is firmly into the ground, go ahead and fit the yellow cap.
Step 3: Hook and loop
It is now time to wrap the straps around the upper frame ring of your trampoline where the springs attach. Make sure you insert the “A” end through the “B” end of the strap.
Step 4: Install the ratchet
Carefully hook the “hook” end of your ratchet through the star picket and get the other end that you just looped around the trampoline frame. Thread the “A” end through the ratchet.
Step 5: Tighten and repeat
Take time to tighten the ratchet until the time the strap is under tension. However, be careful not to over-tighten it. Repeat this step three times with the other straps, and you are done.
Anchoring Your Trampoline Using Wind Stakes
As we mentioned earlier, you can also anchor your trampoline using wind stakes. Here is how you do it:
Step 1: Pick up a set of U-shaped wind stakes
Just like their name suggests, these types of wind stakes are curved to form a tight “U” shape. They are made of steel and come in sets of four.
Step 2: Position each wind stake over one leg of the trampoline
Center the wind stakes on the trampoline leg in the best possible way. Typically, wind stakes will provide the best stability if they are set at an equal distance from one another. In most cases, the stakes are spaced about two inches apart, making them wide enough to fit over most trampoline legs.
Step 4: Carefully tap the stakes into the ground using a hammer
It should take you a few gentle taps to get the stakes into the ground. Once they are in place, jiggle them slightly to test how well they hold. If they feel loose, pull them up and drive them into the ground again.
PS: It is essential to remember that almost all types of trampoline anchors are designed to be used on relatively soft surfaces such as dirt, clay, and grass.
Therefore, if the ground is too hard to sink the wind stakes, spray it lightly with water to soften it up before you proceed. Consider using at least two sets of wind stakes if you stay in an area where strong winds and storms are common.
Remember to Anchor Your Trampoline Disk as Well
Once you have set your wind stakes or anchors to secure your trampoline’s metal legs to the ground, it is critical to anchor the disk as well, so it remains secure. In strong winds or severe storms, the trampoline’s top portion can easily rip away from its legs.
You will want to buy droppers or star pickets and some safety caps to secure the trampoline disk. You will be securing the frame with ratchet straps similar to the kind used to secure a load in the back of a truck.
Carefully drive the droppers or star pickets into the ground approximately one foot inside the perimeter of the jumping disk. Go ahead and wrap the ratchet straps through your trampoline frame, then through the star picket or dropper to create a better overall anchor.
Most droppers and star pickets are sold in metric length. Therefore, be sure to purchase a minimum size of 450mm. If you live in a relatively damp environment or have sandy soil in your backyard, you will need the full length.
You will also need four contact points to secure the top part of the trampoline. The four contact points must be equidistant from each other to achieve better results.
Securing a Trampoline During Hurricane
Hurricanes can pose a significantly high risk with standard trampolines. Therefore, if you live in an area that experiences hurricanes, you need to take extra measures to secure your equipment. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Collapse, remove and store the safety net indoors until the storms subside.
- Secure the frame to the ground as solidly as possible
- If your trampoline is on concrete, consider doubling the number of sandbags during this time.
- If possible, disassemble the entire trampoline and store it indoors.
- If taking the entire trampoline inside is impossible, remove the jumping surface from the frame and move it indoors.
- Even if your trampoline isn’t sitting on concrete, it is always a good idea to have a few sandbags to provide extra weight during a hurricane.
Final Thoughts
The truth is that whether you live in a high wind area or not, anchoring your trampoline properly is crucial. If you mess around, the results can be catastrophic.
There are different types of trampoline anchors, but all of them are quite effective in securing your equipment to ensure continued safety even in strong winds and hurricanes.
Just make sure you purchase authentic trampoline anchors and avoid counterfeits. By securing your trampoline, you will also reduce the risk of losing your investment during severe weather conditions.
