Are In-Ground Trampolines Safer Than the Above-Ground Ones?
An in-ground trampoline (as the name suggests) is typically installed level with or slightly above the ground.
Unlike their above-ground counterparts, these trampolines blend seamlessly into the surroundings, making your backyard look more aesthetically pleasing.
However, while the setup may be nicer to look at, are in-ground trampolines actually safer?
In-ground trampolines aren't a lot safer than above-ground ones, especially without a safety net.
There's no straightforward answer to which trampoline type is better for your backyard, as both come with their pros and cons.
How You Can Get Injured on a Trampoline
To understand what kind of trampoline is safer (whether in-ground or above-ground), we first need to see how people tend to get injured on trampolines in the first place.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has conducted several studies on recreational trampoline use and found that most injuries occur from collisions rather than falling off the trampoline.
While falls also occur, this type of injury is much rarer, especially when the trampoline is adequately set up with a safety net. As a result, the best way to limit trampoline injuries is to stop multiple people from jumping on it simultaneously.
From this statistic, we can conclude that in-ground or above ground trampolines aren't inherently dangerous, but allowing multiple kids to play on them unsupervised can present risks.
Why In-Ground Trampolines Might Be Safer
As mentioned earlier, in-ground trampolines pose roughly the same level of risk as above-ground ones.
An above-ground trampoline is attached to trampoline legs, and is typically around waist-high and if someone were to fall off the trampoline without a safety net to restrain them, they would fall to the ground from a higher level.
The increased height of this fall can be more dangerous than falling off a trampoline at ground level.
Additionally, entering and exiting the trampoline will be less challenging as there are no ladders to trip over or fall off.
Should I Install an In-Ground Trampoline in Ireland?
While installing an in-ground trampoline may seem like a safe bet, there are a few reasons why in-ground trampolines can be challenging to deal with.
1. Messy Installation
An in-ground trampoline is installed into the ground, which means extensive digging is required to place the trampoline platform properly in the right spot. While digging, you have to be careful to avoid pipes and underground wiring.
Additionally, remember that the trampoline will be used for bouncing, so the hole needs to be deep enough for the bouncy surface to sag without hitting the ground.
Aside from a complicated installation process, an in-ground trampoline is also relatively more expensive to set up as it often requires professional digging services. While above–ground trampolines also need specific equipment, the setup is typically not as expensive.
When constructing your in-ground trampoline, ensure adequate space between the bottom and the ground to allow air to flow through easily.
Proper ventilation will keep your trampoline in good shape for years to come.
2. Restricted Access
Another major drawback of in-ground trampolines is that once the trampoline is set up, you have restricted access to the parts lying under the trampoline surface.
These parts include the frames, spring, and trampoline mat, all of which must be regularly checked to ensure they're functioning correctly.
3. Difficult To Transport
Perhaps the most significant drawback to installing an in-ground trampoline is that this piece of equipment cannot be easily transported to a new location.
Setting up an in-ground trampoline is complicated enough. Now imagine removing one, covering up the hole it was in, and transferring the trampoline to a new property before beginning the complex installation process all over again.
The Best In-Ground Trampolines
Now you know why installing an in-ground trampoline isn't always the best idea. However, if you're still adamant about getting one, here are some of the best places to get a safe in-ground trampoline.
BERG
BERG offers in-ground trampolines with advanced airflow technology ground mats to keep the equipment fresh and well-maintained.
Their trampolines are also designed to provide the right level of bounce depending on the kind of force you put in. As a result, these are excellent trampolines to work out in and can aid immensely in your fitness journey.
ETAN
ETAN also offers a range of safe in-ground trampolines for customers looking to fit one into their backyard.
All ETAN trampolines have safety padding for the springs and coils to ensure the person bouncing never comes in contact with these components.
Additionally, this cover is made from PVC, which lasts longer than regular materials used to make trampolines and experiences far less wear and tear.
ETAN trampolines also feature steel springs with a zinc coating as this helps prevent the buildup of rust, even in damp conditions. Therefore, while in-ground trampolines may limit access to the working parts, ETAN trampolines ensure you won't have to perform maintenance checks too often.
Springfree is another trampoline company offering safe trampolines that can be easily maintained. However, Springfree typically offers above-ground trampolines as most in-ground versions require springs to operate properly.
Conclusion
While in-ground trampolines aren't inherently safer than their above-ground counterparts, they can limit injuries as the fall height is significantly reduced.
However, it's best to install a safety net with your trampoline to ensure you fall within the perimeters of the bounce pad. And if you have a safety netting, above-ground trampolines are just as safe.
So it's best to take stock of your finances and decide if you prefer aesthetics over convenience before choosing the kind of trampoline you want in your backyard.