How to Safely & Securely Anchor Your Trampoline: All Surfaces

There are lots of different trampoline brands available on the market today in a wide range of sizes and styles. Some are much heavier and more robust than others but the principles of anchoring a trampoline remain the same.

Gently hammer your U or J-shaped trampoline anchors into the ground over the trampoline legs securely fixing it to the ground. Alternatively, screw the auger-type anchors into the ground and hook the straps through the eye of the auger and tighten accordingly.

Should trampolines be anchored?

Generally, trampolines should be securely anchored to the ground to prevent being blown over in storms or during high winds.

 

Reasons to Anchor Your Trampoline to The Ground

1. To minimise potential injury to you, your family and your neighbours,
2. To protect your trampoline and to minimise damage to your investment,
3. to minimise potential damage to surrounding property, either yours or your neighbours.

Now if you have a fairly enclosed garden, not exposed to high winds and you have a heavy trampoline, you may not need to anchor your trampoline, but even so staking or pegging your trampoline to the ground will give you that extra level of protection.

Do trampoline anchors work?

Trampoline anchors are generally very effective in protecting your trampoline and minimise damage caused during storms and windy weather. 

How to Anchor A Trampoline On Grass

We always recommend using simple trampoline tie-down kit when you have a trampoline on grass, as they are very quick to install, can be moved easily and give you lot of added reassurance during windy weather.

Some of the different types of tie-down kits for trampolines on grass include:

1. J Anchors or U Anchors - these are long steel J-shaped anchors, stakes or pegs that you hammer into the ground over the legs of the trampoline securing the trampoline frame to the ground. Usually supplied in packs of 4 or 8.
2. Screw-in Trampoline Tie-Down Kits (Auger-Style Anchors) - these trampoline stakes screw into the ground much like a corkscrew, and then the top is strapped to the frame of your trampoline, safely securing your trampoline.
3. Springfree Ground Anchors - tested to withstand pull-out forces of approximately 900 N! This stake set uses two stakes one of either side of a metal clamp that holds your trampoline tight to the ground.
4. Sandbags - we always recommend strong metal trampoline anchors, whether J-anchors, screw-in trampoline stakes or Springfree Ground Anchors, but if you have left it too close to an incoming storm something is always better than nothing and a few sturdy sandbags can provide an excellent short-term solution.

However, sandbags can shift and move in a way that metal anchors are less likely to, so for a long-term solution we recommend investing in stakes or anchors.

How to Anchor A Trampoline on Concrete, A Patio or Decking

With solid surfaces like concrete, a patio and a deck the principles remain the same in that your trampoline will be much more safe and secure when it is fixed to the ground.

There are two basic ways to do this -

1. Drilling and fixing with trampoline anchors

Patios and decks can be easily drilled to accommodate some secure trampoline anchors, whether by using metal strapping and brackets or something else.

Although concrete is a much tougher surface to drill, it is still possible to fix screws or bolts into the concrete to keep your trampoline in place.

2. Sandbags

Sandbags are perhaps the most popular option for decks, patios and concrete surfaces because they are so quick and easy to install, and later to move as required.

However, their weakness is also that they are easily moved and so they will not always be the best option for ensuring that your trampoline does not move.

How many sandbags do you need to hold a trampoline?

We would recommend placing two sandbags over each trampoline leg, so usually you will need 6 to 8 sandbags approximately.

How Much Do Sandbags for A Trampoline Weigh?

Typically sandbags used to hold down a trampoline will weigh approximately 40 lbs or 20kgs each.

Best Places to Buy Sandbags?

We would recommend your local hardware shop or building supplier for sandbags.

 

How to Anchor A Trampoline on Rubber Mulch, Bark Chips, Play Sand, and Artificial Grass?

Although the surfaces above are fantastic in terms of user safety, they may not be just as good when it comes to anchoring your trampoline to the ground.

In this situation, some of the options that you could consider include -

1. hammering wooden stakes into the ground and securing the trampoline frame to these wooden stakes,
2. using sandbags.

How do you secure a trampoline on uneven ground?

The first thing that you need to do before the trampoline is installed is to level the ground to make it safe to jump on.

Whether there are high winds or not, jumping on a trampoline installed on uneven ground can present a danger to both users and children in your garden for example if the trampoline were to be toppled.

We always recommend installing your trampoline on level ground, and then to anchor or secure it in the ways described above.

Is it Necessary to Use Trampoline Anchors with Inground & Flatground Trampolines?

Inground and flatground trampolines don't normally need trampoline anchors . They have a much lower chance of catching the wind than normal above ground trampolines on legs, because they are very heavy, and very low to the ground and they are supplied with pegs to keep the trampoline securely fixed to the ground so that it doesn't move around the hole.

 

Summary - What can you use to weigh down a trampoline?

1. trampoline anchors and tie-down kits,
2. sandbags,
3. attach to wooden stakes in very soft ground,
4. metal straps and brackets on concrete

 

Additional Tips to Protect Your Trampoline During Storms and Windy Weather

Once you have the trampoline frame adequately secured, that will prevent the trampoline from getting blown over.

#1 - drop or remove the safety net

The next step is to take measures to protect the trampoline safety net. So we recommend dropping or removing the safety net until the storm passes.

Most trampolines are designed so that the trampoline safety net enclosure can be easily dropped within a few minutes or less.

#2 - put on the trampoline cover

Trampoline covers are specifically designed to protect the jumpmat, springs and padding on your trampoline during rainy, stormy and windy weather. A trampoline cover will help to keep the springs dry and protect the padding and jump mat from exposure to the elements.

#3 - put your trampoline in shelter if possible

Trampolines are designed for the outdoors but if you have the option putting your trampoline in a sheltered garage or underneath an awning over the winter will only serve to protect it and increase its natural lifespan.

#4 - remove the accessories

We suggest removing and putting into storage anything that could be easily blown away. That would include accessories like ladders, basketball hoops, trampolines games like those with the BERG Levels trampolines and so on.

In Conclusion 

Trampolines are a fantastic piece of kit and with the tips above we hope that you get years and years of safe and hassle-free enjoyment from your purchase.

If you need any assistance with trampoline anchors, covers, replacement parts or you have any other queries, please phone us on 01 960 1641.