Many trampoline owners will be looking high and low for ways to anchor their trampoline.
The issue that most people will find though is that systems to anchor their trampoline are often either very difficult to install or are very expensive.
Today, we’re going to look through ways that can anchor your trampoline easier, safer, and for a fraction of the cost.
The Basics
Playing on the trampoline is a very basic and fun thing to do but investing in a trampoline isn’t always cheap.
So you’ll want to be sure that you’re extending the life of your trampoline as long as possible and choosing the right place in the yard to put it.
Of course, the one thing we need to always consider is the anchoring of our trampoline to ensure it doesn’t fly away!
So, the area in your yard needs to be ideally protected from windy conditions and secured to the ground safely and firmly.
There are generally two ways to anchor a trampoline.
One way is to use wind stakes, which is the method where the stakes are buried in the ground and then cement is used to bind them in, which most trampoline owners would call a permanent way to stop trampolines from flying away from our yard.
The second way is to use trampoline anchors, which are generally long and twisting rods that end up going into the ground.
This is the most basic and easiest way to anchor down your trampoline.
What’s The Point Of Anchoring Down A Trampoline?
People often wonder when they’re researching the ways to anchor a trampoline, what exactly is the point?
It’s actually quite a simple answer.
If you want to significantly reduce the chances of your, potentially expensive, trampoline flying away into the abyss or you want to significantly increase the life of your trampoline – then anchoring is the way to go.
People often think they can get away with not anchoring their trampoline, but they might be surprised to learn that trampolines can fly for huge distances when they’re caught up with the wind – sometimes for miles.
Even if they don’t, they could end up stuck in a tree or on top of someone’s house – do you really want to go and get it now?
The likelihood of this happening is not just in areas where wind levels are high – if you live in a normally still area, light wind can still take away your trampoline.
Moreover, we don’t know what to experience with ever-changing weather conditions, so you’re always better off anchoring your trampoline, regardless of how confident you are that it won’t go anywhere.
Remember – preventative measures can save you some serious bucks when it comes to your trampoline!
How Exactly Does Anchoring Work?
Typically, a trampoline anchor will be designed to be placed into grass or dirt.
It makes sense because it would be unsafe to have a trampoline on a hard surface area.
Although trampolines will come with nets attached, they can assist with the trampoline flying away but they won’t be guaranteeing it.
Actually, in winds that are very strong, the nets will help get the wind and catch it – which will inevitably help it take off!
So an anchor is designed specifically to keep the trampoline fixed into the area where you place it.
If you want to confirm that your trampoline is definitely anchored incorrectly, you’ll want to use the right tools.
Generally, with anchors, you’ll see two shapes; auger or a U-shape.
The U-shapes are normally steel, so if you use a professional carpenter’s hammer – you can fit the anchor around the poles of the trampoline firmly and safely to keep the base in.
Augers on the other hand will be screwed in manually and then strapped to the frame of the trampoline.
Secure The Anchor
To safely and correctly complete the anchoring of your trampoline, you should get yourself the following things:
- Trampoline anchor kit
- 4 x ratchet straps
- Hammer
- A tape measure
Now, follow the tips below!
Auger
Step One: You’ll want to start by measuring 13 inches from your foot and placing a mark.
Step Two: You’ll next want to install the picket by hammering it in at an angle of around 60 degrees. Continue to do this until it’s firmly in the ground.
Step Three: Get the straps and wrap them tightly around the upper frame rings.
Step Four: The hook end of the ratchet needs to be put through the picket and then put around in a loop over the frame.
Step Five: Tighten up the ratchet and continue the process until it’s firm and feels as if it’s going nowhere!
U-Shape
The U-shape method is much simpler.
Essentially, you’ll need to pick up the U-shaped stakes and place them over the legs of the trampoline.
Hammer them into the ground until they are secured.
It’s easier to do this if the ground is softened by water, so if you’re living in an area that is normally hot and dry – consider getting a bucket of water and pouring it over the ground first to prepare it.
What About In Hurricane Conditions?
Hurricanes have been known to move tons of weight which normally would be secured, so your trampoline will likely not survive out in the yard.
If a hurricane is imminent – you should detach the anchors and collapse the trampoline to bring it all inside.
Summary
Trampoline anchoring is extremely important to ensure that you’re not losing your trampoline in weather conditions – or even in some instances, quick theft.
Be sure to check out the more secure methods and remember to bring them in, when the weather becomes too bad – like a hurricane.