BERG PlayBase — User Guide (Trampolines Ireland Edition)

Welcome! This guide is designed to help you plan, install, use, and care for your BERG PlayBase so your family can play, train, and chill safely for years. It’s tailored for customers of Trampolines Ireland and blends official BERG instructions with practical, Ireland-ready tips.

1) Meet the BERG PlayBase

The BERG PlayBase is a modular, steel, in-ground climbing frame that you can set up for play (swings, nets, slides), sport (pull-up bar, dip handles, boxing bag), or downtime (hammock). Frames come in two sizes, both 2.45 m high and 1.0 m deep. Choose Medium (2.85 m wide) or Large (3.8 m wide).

The frame installs “dug in” (not freestanding), which keeps the centre of gravity low and delivers a clean, minimal look in Irish gardens. Accessories attach via a simple hook/click system so you can re-configure your setup in minutes.

Max loads: The frame’s maximum overall load is 400 kg (excluding accessories), and the maximum user weight per person is 100 kg. Accessory limits vary (e.g., nest swing up to 3 users/150 kg total). Always follow the accessory’s own label.

2) Planning your space

Getting the position right makes installation faster and play safer.

Clearances & ground:

Keep 2.2 m of free space around and above the frame—no walls, fences, posts, branches, sheds, clothes lines, or power lines inside this safety zone. This is a core BERG requirement.
Install on a level, soft surface—grass, soil, bark, or sand are ideal. Avoid hard surfaces (concrete, tarmac, paving) beneath fall zones.
Do not position next to drop-offs, steep edges, or obstacles. If you’re installing near a change of level (e.g., lawn to patio), keep generous distance so no one can land on a hard edge.

Footprint & hole layout:
For trench/hole marking, the ground span is approximately 3.10 m (Medium) or 4.05 m (Large) between the forward anchoring points (see diagram in the manual). Use this to rough-set your excavations before lifting in the frame.

Utilities & access:
Check for underground services and ensure you’ve easy access for carrying long steel sections into the garden. You’ll want 3–4 helpers (see below) and space to lay parts out flat.

3) What’s in the boxes

Every frame ships with:

Top frame (monkey bars)
Two side modules: either ladders, tumble (high) bars, or a ladder+bar combo depending on your chosen model
Leg extensions and base plates (for digging in)
Fasteners and safety caps
Accessory hooks and user/assembly manual

Lay everything out and cross-check part counts with the Assembly Manual before you start. BERG’s manual shows an unpacking checklist for Medium and Large models.

4) Tools & helpers

People:

Assemble the frame with a minimum of 3 people, and have 4 people on hand when lifting the assembled frame into the prepared holes/slots.

Tools & supplies (typical):

Socket set/spanners (metric), hex keys, torque driver (optional)
Tape measure, builder’s line, pegs/spray for marking
Spirit level (long if possible)
Spade/shovel and a rake
Wheelbarrow for spoil backfill
Work gloves and eye protection
Rubber mallet (handy for snug fittings)

Tip: Have timber offcuts or pavers handy as temporary props while checking level.

5) Step-by-step installation (summary)

Always refer to the official BERG PlayBase Assembly Manual for diagrams and sequence; the outline below mirrors BERG’s process and common best practices.

Step 1 — Assemble the top frame

On a flat lawn, join the main top tubes and monkey bars. Bolt everything finger-tight first, then snug up evenly. Don’t fully torque until the whole frame is square. (The Trampolines Ireland assembly article walks you through this section-in order.)

Step 2 — Fit the side modules

Attach your ladders and/or tumble bars to the top frame as per the manual pages for your variant. Ensure warning labels face outward.

Step 3 — Position & mark the ground

Stand the frame in your chosen location and mark the outline of the feet/slots. Re-check that your 2.2 m clearance is maintained all around and overhead.

Step 4 — Dig the holes/slots

Dig tidy holes/slots for the buried sections and base plates. The manual shows the ground span and orientation—use the 3.10 m (M) / 4.05 m (L) measurement for overall leg-to-leg spacing as a guide while you excavate.

Step 5 — Place the frame in the holes

With 4 people, lift and lower the frame into the excavations so the base plates sit flat and the uprights are plumb. Use a spirit level across the monkey bars to confirm the top is level. The overall height should be ≤ 2.45 m when set correctly.

Step 6 — Backfill & finish

Backfill with the excavated soil and compact as you go (heel-tamp in layers). Re-check level and plumb. Once satisfied, tighten all fasteners to spec and fit safety caps. Give the whole frame a firm physical test pull in each direction.

Note: Many Irish installers highlight that no concrete is required because the PlayBase is designed to be dug in and backfilled, which saves time and leaves a clean finish. If your subsoil is very loose/peaty, consult an installer for ground improvement options.

6) Accessory setup & configurations

The magic of the PlayBase is in the accessories. Common picks include wooden/rubber swing seats, baby seat, nest swing, gym rings, trapeze, climbing net, climbing wall, boxing bag, hammock, basketball hoop, soccer goal, and more.

Hook/click-on system: Swap accessories quickly—ideal if you’re changing from “play mode” to “workout mode” or to a hammock for the evening.
Simultaneous use: A typical frame layout supports up to three hanging accessories at the same time (depending on the combination and spacing). Avoid crowding and always respect per-accessory limits.
Weight limits: The frame’s max load is 400 kg, and per user limit is 100 kg. Accessory ratings differ—e.g., nest swing (3 users/150 kg), climbing net M (2 users/200 kg), climbing wall (1 user/100 kg). Check the label or the Trampolines Ireland limits guide before use.
Slide safety: If you add the PlayBase slide, do not mount long-rope accessories (swings, trapeze) immediately beside the slide (strangulation hazard); never position the slide over hard surfaces; avoid direct, full sun on the slide chute.

7) Safe use rules (post-install)

Supervise young children at all times and introduce one new accessory at a time so kids learn safe patterns.
One at a time per swing unless the accessory is designed for multiple users (e.g., nest swing). Keep a safe queue outside the 2.2 m safety zone.
Grip and land properly. For monkey bars/tumble bar work, teach kids to release with bent knees and land on both feet.
Footwear & clothing: Closed shoes, no drawstrings, scarves, or necklaces near moving/hanging gear.
Weather: Don’t use the frame during high winds, ice, or when surfaces are wet/slippery.
Accessory spacing: Leave lateral space between hanging items to prevent collisions; never cross ropes.
Regular checks: Before each session, glance over hooks, ropes, chains, and bolts for wear or loosening.
Ground cover: Grass is fine; bark or play-grade mulch improves impact attenuation in high-traffic fall areas. Avoid hard surfaces in the fall zone.

8) Care & maintenance (Irish climate tips)

Monthly in the first 3 months, then each season:

Fasteners: Check and re-tighten bolts after the bedding-in period.
Hooks & chains/ropes: Look for wear, fraying, kinks, or corrosion; replace at first signs of damage.
Powder-coat: Rinse off soil/salt, especially if you’re coastal. Touch up chips to protect the zinc/steel beneath.
Grounding: After heavy rain/storms, confirm the frame remains level and solidly bedded. Tamp any settling.
Accessory care: Many accessory manuals recommend removing and storing items during persistent rain and over winter—particularly fabric/wooden components such as hammocks or soft goods—so they dry fully and avoid mould/fungal growth.

Slide-specific: Keep the chute clean and cool; do not place near fire pits or heat sources; avoid direct full-sun orientation if possible.

Cleaning:
Mild soapy water and a soft brush/sponge are best. Avoid harsh solvents/abrasives.

9) Troubleshooting

The frame looks “off” after backfilling (not perfectly level).
Re-dig just enough to re-position the foot that’s low/high, add/remove soil, compact in layers, and re-level. Check a long level across the monkey bars.

Holes didn’t line up during assembly.
Loosen nearby bolts, re-align components, insert all bolts finger-tight, then tighten in a cross-pattern. The top frame often needs a little “persuasion” (mallet taps) before final torque.

Ground is too soft (boggy/peat).
Avoid installing in saturated soil. Consider replacing with well-compacted sub-base (e.g., crushed stone) beneath the base plates, then backfill with native soil and compact.

Accessories tangle or clash.
Reduce to fewer hanging items or increase spacing; remember the safety zone and never mix long-rope items directly beside the slide.

Squeaks or creaks.
Check rope wear first. If joints creak, re-torque bolts. Do not lubricate ropes or chains (they attract grit).

10) Warranty, registration & support

BERG backs the PlayBase with a 10-year frame warranty and 2-year accessory warranty, with the option to extend the frame warranty by 3 years if you register within a month of purchase. That’s up to 13 years on the frame when registered. Keep proof of purchase and your batch number (sticker space is shown in the manual). For help with registration or claims, contact Trampolines Ireland first—they’ll coordinate with BERG.

11) Quick specifications & limits (at a glance)

Frame sizes:
- Medium: 2.85 m (W) × 2.45 m (H) × 1.0 m (D)
- Large: 3.8 m (W) × 2.45 m (H) × 1.0 m (D)
Typical ground span for trenching: approx. 3.10 m (M) / 4.05 m (L) between forward footings (see manual diagrams).
Safety zone: 2.2 m all around and above, clear of obstacles.
Max overall load: 400 kg (excluding accessories). Max user weight: 100 kg per person. Accessory limits vary—check labels.
Typical simultaneous accessories: up to three (combination-dependent).
Assembly crew: 3 people to assemble; 4 to place in the ground safely.
Finish: Black, powder-coated steel with corrosion-resistant construction (accessories vary by material).

12) Daily/weekly checklists

Before play (daily glance):

Are bolts tight and caps present?
Do hooks/ropes/chains look sound?
Is the ground dry and level (no soft spots or exposed base plates)?
Is the safety zone clear of toys, bikes, planters, bins, or furniture?

Weekly quick-care:

Hose off mud/salt; wipe powder-coat chips and touch up if needed.
Re-space or rotate accessories to even rope wear.
After storms: re-check plumb/level; tamp any settlement.

13) Suggested Irish garden setups

Young family “Play First”: Baby seat → wooden swing seat → nest swing. Add a small bark area under the swing bay to soften falls and keep shoes clean.
Teen & adult “Sport Mode”: Pull-up bar and dip bar on one side; gym rings under the top frame; boxing bag or fitness rope as the third. Swap to hammock in the evening.
Explorer “Climb & Hang”: Climbing net + climbing wall combo (one user at a time on the wall). Keep the third point for a disc swing or trapeze to practise core grip and rotation.

(Always follow accessory limits and never over-crowd the bay.)

14) When to call an installer

Consider a professional install if:

Your ground is sloped, boggy, or tight on access/clearances
You want bark/sand surfacing laid to a tidy edge
You’d prefer guaranteed levelling and alignment

Several Irish installers specialise in PlayBase groundwork and can survey, advise on safety zones, and finish in a day, depending on conditions.

15) Support from Trampolines Ireland

Pre-purchase help: Choosing size (Medium vs Large), accessory bundles, and fit for your garden.
After-sales: Replacement parts, extra accessories, and warranty assistance. Their guides also include detailed weight limits per accessory and helpful assembly walk-throughs.

Final safety reminder

Keep the 2.2 m safety envelope clear, check your gear before each session, and store fabric/wood accessories during long wet spells and over winter. Swap setups with the click-on system as your family’s needs change—and enjoy the space you’ve built together.

Key sources used in this guide

BERG PlayBase Assembly Manual (dimensions, safety zones, installation sequence).
Trampolines Ireland PlayBase pages and guides (sizes, weight limits, assembly walk-through).
Official BERG pages and partner summaries (click-on system, 6-step install).
Retail/installer info (no-concrete dug-in method, accessory options, simultaneous accessories).
Accessory manuals (slide placement and rope adjacency, storage guidance for accessories).
Warranty info (10-year frame, +3 years on registration; accessories 2 years).