InGround vs Regular Trampolines: The Real Differences (2026 Irish Prices)
An InGround trampoline — no legs, no ladder, no towering frame dominating the garden. But is it worth the extra work? Here's everything you need to know, with actual 2026 Irish prices for both types side by side.
The Price Difference: Smaller Than You'd Think
One of the biggest surprises in the 2026 BERG range is how close the prices are. InGround models cost only €60–€90 more than their Regular equivalents in the Favorit range — and some Champion and Elite models are identically priced.
| Model & Size | Regular Price | InGround Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favorit + Safety Net Comfort | |||
| Favorit 200 Grey | €409 | €469 | +€60 |
| Favorit 270 Grey | €539 | €609 | +€70 |
| Favorit 330 Grey | €659 | €739 | +€80 |
| Favorit 380 Grey | €769 | €849 | +€80 |
| Favorit 380 Black | €789 | €869 | +€80 |
| Favorit 430 Grey | €869 | €959 | +€90 |
| Favorit 430 Black | €889 | €979 | +€90 |
| Champion + Safety Net Deluxe | |||
| Champion 330 Grey | €1,119 | €1,119 | €0 |
| Champion 380 Grey | €1,259 | €1,259 | €0 |
| Champion 430 Grey | €1,389 | €1,389 | €0 |
| Elite + Safety Net Deluxe | |||
| Elite 330 Grey | €1,449 | €1,449 | €0 |
| Elite 380 Grey | €1,639 | €1,639 | €0 |
| Elite 430 Grey | €1,759 | €1,759 | €0 |
| Grand (Oval) + Safety Net | |||
| Grand Favorit 520 Grey | €1,079 | €1,139 | +€60 |
| Grand Champion 520 Grey | €1,519 | €1,519 | €0 |
| Grand Elite 520 Grey | €1,949 | €1,949 | €0 |
Key finding: In the Champion and Elite ranges, InGround and Regular trampolines are the same price in 2026. In the Favorit range, the InGround premium is just €60–€90. The only real extra cost is digging the hole.
InGround vs Regular: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Regular (Above-Ground) | InGround (Sunken) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Assemble on flat ground. 1–2 hours. | Dig a pit, install frame at ground level. Half-day to full day. |
| Appearance | Visible frame and legs above lawn | Sits flush with lawn — sleek, minimal look |
| Ladder needed? | Yes (€35) for children under 8 | No — step straight on from the lawn |
| Fall height | Higher — net is essential | Ground level — lower risk, net still recommended |
| Moving it | Can be relocated | Permanent installation |
| Drainage | Not a concern | Must plan drainage in the pit (critical in Ireland) |
| Airflow under mat | Natural — open legs | Requires ventilation gaps or drainage layer in pit |
| Mowing around it | Need to mow around legs | Mow right up to the edge — cleaner finish |
| Planning permission | Not required | Not required (considered a recreational structure) |
| Resale/removal | Easy to disassemble and sell | Harder to remove, pit remains |
The Third Option: BERG Ultim FlatGround
BERG also offers a FlatGround installation method in the Ultim range. These rectangular trampolines use a shallower excavation with a specially designed frame that sits almost flush with the ground — without needing as deep a pit as a traditional InGround.
| Ultim FlatGround Size | Champion + DLX XL Net | Elite + DLX XL Net |
|---|---|---|
| Ultim 410cm | €1,729 | — |
| Ultim 500cm | €2,169 | €2,569 |
Digging the Pit: What's Actually Involved?
This is the part that puts some people off — but it's more straightforward than you'd expect:
Pit dimensions by trampoline size
| Trampoline Size | Pit Diameter | Pit Depth | Approximate Soil Removed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 270cm (9ft) | ~3m | ~80cm | ~4 cubic metres |
| 330cm (11ft) | ~3.6m | ~85cm | ~6 cubic metres |
| 380cm (12.5ft) | ~4.1m | ~85cm | ~8 cubic metres |
| 430cm (14ft) | ~4.6m | ~90cm | ~11 cubic metres |
Options for digging:
- DIY with a spade — possible but hard work. Allow a full weekend for a 380cm pit.
- Mini digger hire — around €150–€250 per day in Ireland. Gets the job done in 2–3 hours.
- Professional installation — some landscapers will dig and install for €300–€600 depending on size and access.
Drainage: The Critical Factor in Irish Gardens
Ireland's climate means drainage is not optional for InGround trampolines. A pit that fills with water will damage the springs, create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and make the trampoline unusable for weeks at a time.
Three drainage solutions:
- French drain at the base — a layer of gravel (15–20cm) at the bottom of the pit with a perforated pipe leading to a soakaway. Best for clay-heavy soils common across Ireland.
- Natural drainage — if your soil is sandy or free-draining, the pit may drain naturally. Test this by digging a small test hole and filling it with water. If it drains within 24 hours, you may be fine without extra work.
- Sump pump — for very poorly draining sites, a small sump at the lowest point of the pit with a submersible pump is the nuclear option. Uncommon but effective.
Ventilation tip: Leave a 10–15cm gap between the edge of the pit wall and the trampoline frame. This allows air to flow under the mat, which improves bounce quality and helps the pit dry out after rain.
Who Should Choose InGround?
| Choose InGround If... | Choose Regular If... |
|---|---|
| You want a clean, minimal garden look | You might move house in the next few years |
| You have younger children (safer access) | Your garden has poor drainage or a high water table |
| You're landscaping your garden anyway | You rent your home |
| You don't want a ladder | You want the option to relocate it |
| You're buying Champion or Elite (same price!) | You want the easiest possible installation |
| You care about kerb appeal / house value | Budget is tight (save €60–€90 on Favorit) |
BERG SPORTS: Frame-Only Options
If you already have a safety net or want to buy one separately, BERG also sells SPORTS versions — the trampoline frame and mat without a safety net. These are significantly cheaper:
| SPORTS InGround (no net) | Price |
|---|---|
| Favorit InGround 200 Grey | €339 |
| Favorit InGround 270 Grey | €459 |
| Favorit InGround 330 Grey | €569 |
| Champion InGround 330 Grey | €779 |
| Champion InGround 380 Grey | €859 |
| Champion InGround 430 Grey | €969 |
| Elite InGround 330 Grey | €1,109 |
| Elite InGround 380 Grey | €1,239 |
| Elite InGround 430 Grey | €1,339 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are InGround trampolines more expensive than regular trampolines?
Barely. In BERG's 2026 range, Champion and Elite InGround models are the exact same price as their regular equivalents. Favorit InGround models cost just €60–€90 more. The only real additional cost is digging the pit — either DIY or around €150–€600 for professional help.
Do you need planning permission for an InGround trampoline in Ireland?
No. InGround trampolines are classified as recreational garden structures and do not require planning permission in Ireland or Northern Ireland. However, you should check your property deeds for any restrictive covenants, particularly in newer housing estates.
How deep do you dig for an InGround trampoline?
The pit depth for a BERG InGround trampoline is approximately 80–90cm depending on the size. The pit should be slightly wider than the trampoline frame (approximately 15–20cm extra on each side) to allow for airflow and drainage.
Can you put an InGround trampoline in clay soil?
Yes, but you must install drainage. Clay soil is extremely common in Ireland and drains poorly. A 15–20cm gravel base with a perforated pipe running to a soakaway is the standard solution. Without drainage, the pit will fill with standing water.
Is an InGround trampoline safer?
Yes, in terms of fall height — the jumping surface is at ground level rather than 80–90cm above it. A safety net is still recommended, especially for children under 10, but the reduced fall height is a significant safety advantage.
Last updated: March 2026. All prices are 2026 Irish MSRP including VAT.