Why We Recommend Safety Nets for Inground Trampolines

Putting your trampoline into the ground (InGround or FlatGround) is a brilliant idea: it looks sleek, reduces the perceived fall height, performs well in wind, and blends with your garden. But there’s a common misconception that “because it’s at ground level, we don’t need a net.”

At Trampolines Ireland, our installation teams see every kind of garden—tight city plots with fences and patios, rural lawns with clay soil and slopes, coastal sites with strong winds, and family spaces with pets and visiting cousins. Across all of those scenarios, our recommendation is consistent:

For most Irish gardens and most families, a full safety enclosure (net) is the smart, low-friction way to dramatically reduce risk.

Here’s why.

1) Most incidents are sideways, not vertical

Being at ground level lowers fall height, but it doesn’t stop lateral exits—the slip, stumble or over-bounce that carries a jumper off the edge into something hard. The moment of risk is rarely a head-first drop; it’s the sideways misstep into:

fences or walls
flagstone patios, gravel, or steps
planters, furniture, BBQs, or play equipment
windows and sliding doors (more common than you think)

A properly tensioned net catches lateral travel and keeps the jumper inside the safe zone.

2) Real gardens have real hazards

Irish gardens are often compact and multi-use. Even when you position the trampoline thoughtfully, many sites still have one or more of the following within 1–2 metres:

Fences/walls (especially timber or brick)
Patios and paths (slippery when wet)
Steps/level changes (ankle traps)
Trees/posts (hard, unforgiving)
Windows/glass (conservatories, sunrooms)

Our rule of thumb for families is simple:

If a hard surface sits within 1.5 m of the trampoline edge, install a full net.
If a fence/wall is within 1.0–1.5 m, install a full net.
If there’s any slope toward a hard surface, install a full net.

(If your garden enjoys truly obstacle-free soft lawn clearance of 1.5 m+ all the way around, you may discuss no-net setups—but read the rest of this page first.)

3) Kids don’t bounce like adults plan

You can set rules—one at a time, feet first, no flips—but real life includes:

mixed ages playing together
excitement after school or at birthdays
chasing games that ignore “centre of the mat” advice
visiting friends who don’t know the rules

A net is the one safety control that keeps working when attention wanders.

4) Rectangle trampolines and skill progression = more travel

Rectangular beds are brilliant for teens and progression (clean take-off lines, bigger “sweet spot”). They also encourage longer lateral travel along the long side—especially when learning new skills.

That’s a perfect use-case for a strong, full-height enclosure. Even experienced jumpers appreciate the confidence a net provides when practicing.

5) InGround ≠ “maintenance-free”

Yes, inground/flatground setups reduce the “fall from height” concern, but they introduce new realities:

Wet pads and slick edges after rain
Grass clippings and leaves on the landing area
Dogs and toddlers wandering onto the bed when not in use

A net reduces unscheduled access and accidental off-edge slips when surfaces are damp.

6) Wind happens—and nets can still be managed safely

Inground frames handle wind far better than above-ground. Add a net and you do increase wind profile, but we anchor the frame and advise tying back or removing the net during named storms. The day-to-day safety benefit far outweighs occasional storm prep.

7) Practical standards & common sense align

Domestic trampoline standards strongly encourage enclosures for family use. Even without quoting chapter and verse, every safety body, insurer and playground assessor we speak to agrees on the principle: if there’s a plausible lateral impact hazard, use an enclosure.

8) Aesthetics matter—so choose a net that suits the frame

Many people hesitate because they love the clean, flush look of a FlatGround install. Good news: the latest brand-matched enclosures are slim, neat, and designed to complement the low-profile aesthetic. With the right kit, you get safety and style.

When would we consider no net?

There are edge cases where a carefully managed no-net setup can work:

Users: older teens/adults, gentle fitness, one jumper at a time, no flips
Clearance: 1.5 m+ of soft, obstacle-free lawn in every direction
Bed shape: round or oval for more centralising bounce (rectangles favour a net)
Supervision: consistent, especially with visiting children
Garden: flat or nearly flat, with no steps, posts, furniture, windows or patios nearby

If any of those conditions change—even for a single party or holiday—fit a net.

How we specify the right enclosure (and why that matters)

Not all nets are equal. We always recommend brand/model-matched enclosures for three reasons:

Fit & gaps: Correct post positions and mesh geometry remove snag points and open gaps.
Height & tension: Matched kits are engineered for the trampoline’s bounce profile and user height range.
Longevity: Properly fitted systems withstand Irish weather better and are easier to maintain.

FlatGround note: choose frames with compatible enclosure kits and plan edging (pavers or artificial turf ring) to keep clippings and soil off the pads.

What a good enclosure looks like

Full circumference coverage (no exposed sides)
Self-closing opening (zip + overlap) that kids will actually use
Tensioned mesh (no sagging) and padded posts
Anchored frame and secure post fixings
Clean interface with pads (no toe-catch gaps)

We tension and test everything during handover—and show you how to check it seasonally.

Typical Irish garden scenarios (our recommendation)

Small urban garden, fences at 0.8–1.2 m, patio nearby
→ InGround or FlatGround with full net. Prioritise at least 1.0 m clearance to rigid surfaces, move furniture, and consider protective edging.

Narrow plot, rectangular bed for teens
→ Full net is essential. More travel = more lateral risk. Add anchors, inspect tension frequently.

Rural lawn, clay soil, good space but minor slope
→ Full net + proper drainage (gravel base + soakaway). Slope increases drift; net mitigates it.

Design-led FlatGround, great drainage, big clear lawn
→ Model-matched net for clean aesthetics and everyday safety. Add an edging ring to reduce debris.

Coastal site, high winds
→ Full net with solid anchoring; tie back or remove nets during named storms. Rinse salt from pads and posts a few times each season.

Quick answers to common questions

Does a net affect bounce?
Not in a way jumpers notice. It simply keeps you inside the safe area.

Can we add a net later?
Usually yes—if the frame supports the correct posts. We’ll confirm compatibility and supply the proper kit.

Will kids actually use the entrance?
Choose a zip + overlap design that’s easy to manage, and set a simple rule: “Zip it every time.”

Do we still need ground clearance if we have a net?
Yes. A net protects jumpers, but you should still avoid placing the trampoline tight to hard surfaces.

How often should we check the net?
Give it a quick look monthly (or after storms): zip, stitching, mesh tension, and post fixings. Replace tired mesh promptly.

The bottom line

An inground or flatground trampoline already improves safety compared to a tall, above-ground frame. But families don’t live in perfect conditions: gardens are busy, surfaces get wet, kids get giddy, and visitors don’t always know the rules. A properly fitted safety net is the simplest, most reliable way to keep the fun in and the falls out—without spoiling the look you’re after.

Thinking about an inground trampoline—or adding a net to your current setup?
Talk to Trampolines Ireland. We’ll help you choose a frame-matched enclosure, position the trampoline for your garden, and install everything so it’s safe, tidy, and ready for years of bouncing.