Do Trampolines Need to Be Anchored?

How to anchor a trampoline?

Trampolines are a great way to have some fun and unwind, but trampolines need to be anchored properly. This is important because they can cause serious injuries if they aren’t. So this begs the question: Do trampolines need to be anchored?

Yes, it is recommended to anchor your trampoline as they run the risk of getting blown away when high winds blow or when storms happen. This can cause not just serious physical injuries but also severe damage to your property or your neighbors’ properties.

There are a few ways to anchor your trampoline. The first method is to use an anchoring kit, usually from the manufacturer. The other method is to use tie down wind stakes, similar to how you would secure a tent.

If you are using a trampoline outdoors, you should definitely anchor them. Even if you own a large and heavy one, strong winds are still capable of toppling them, potentially causing injuries or damage to your property. An alternative would be to use an in ground trampoline instead.

Read on to find out in detail how you can do so.

Why do I need to anchor my trampoline?

It does take some time to assemble a trampoline, so while you are at it, you might as well install an anchor too.

Trampolines should be secured in order for people to avoid being injured while utilizing them.

When it gets windy and the trampolines are in use, they can potentially shift their positions. Also, when strong wind blows underneath the trampoline, it can even lift them up.

I’m not sure if you have even seen this before, but trampolines sometimes end up on top of trees, bridges, and powerlines during storms.

In such cases, removing a trampoline is incredibly difficult and dangerous.

Another reason why you should anchor your trampoline is down to money. After all, you have probably spent a fair amount, usually a few hundred dollars. Don’t you want it to last longer? And you certainly do not want it to become damaged when it is within your control right?

Anyway, here is a video showing the unfriendly relationship between trampolines and strong winds.

How do trampoline anchors work?

Trampoline anchors are designed to be used on a dirt or grassy surface.

For safety concerns, most trampolines do not sit on firm ground such as concrete.

Nets are helpful safety precautions, but they aren’t foolproof.

When it comes to the issue of high winds, they in fact aid in catching the wind and increasing the surface area available for it to raise the trampoline.

If for some reason your trampoline is located on hard ground, anchor kits will not work.

The two most typical trampoline anchors are U shape and auger.

The steel U-shaped trampoline anchors or otherwise known as wind stakes, are designed like the letter “U.” They are firmly fitted around the base poles of your equipment after being tapped down with a carpenter’s hammer.

These are also known as trampoline anchor kits. The augers can be twisted into a wine bottle by hand like a corkscrew. These anchors, on the other hand, come with straps that connect the auger to the trampoline frame.

How to securely anchor your trampoline?

Using wind stakes

Wind stakes are the most convenient way to anchor your trampoline.

These can be put together at the same time as the trampoline. This way, it’ll stay put even if the wind picks up.

You’ll need U-shaped wind stakes, which are usually constructed of solid steel. Choose heavy-duty stakes if you reside in an area prone to high winds. Stakes are offered in four-packs, and installation is simple.

The wind stakes should be centered on the trampoline leg as much as feasible. When wind stakes are placed at an identical distance from one another, they provide the most stability. The stakes are typically set around two inches apart, broad enough to fit over most trampoline legs.

Getting the stakes into the earth should just take a few light taps. Jiggle them slightly once they’re in place to see how well they hold. Pull them up and drive them into the ground again if they feel loose.

Reinforcing them with a couple of sandbags would be a wise move too.

Using augers

4 steel augers and 4 adjustable nylon straps are typically included in a regular trampoline anchor kit.

You’ll attach and tighten the straps to secure the trampoline in place from below after screwing the augers deep into the ground on either side of the trampoline.

The most effective technique to stabilize an average backyard trampoline is to use auger-style anchor kits as they can withstand high-speed winds and rain, as well as the shifting induced by frequent jumping.

On average, they cost about $40-50.

Step 1: Measurement

Each leg should be measured 1–1.5 feet (0.30–0.46 m) inward.

This is where the augers will be placed.

If possible, use a tape measure to measure each leg separately instead of relying on estimation.

Make sure the tape measure is centered on the leg to ensure that your measurements are consistent on both sides.

Depending on the design of a specific trampoline anchor kit, the exact placement and spacing of the augers may vary. To be safe, always follow the guidelines outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Screwing in the augers

Place the auger’s pointed tip against the ground and grab the hooked upper end with both hands.

Turn the auger clockwise until only the circular hook is visible above the ground level. Repeat on the other side of the trampoline, then shake the augers to make sure they’re in place. 

If you’re having trouble sinking the augers, you can try pouring some water around the area to soften it.

From ground level, inspect each auger to ensure it is as vertical as possible. When they’re running straight up and down, they’ll have a greater hold.

Step 3: Looping the straps

Over the top of the trampoline frame, loop the provided straps.

Pull the straps up and over the circular bar immediately over each auger’s site, ensuring that both ends are the same length.

Each auger should have its own strap in your equipment.

The trampoline is significantly more stable if it is anchored at the top of the frame rather than the bottom.

Some anchor kits may have 2-piece straps with a separate ratchet strap to allow cinching the strap down tighter easier. The ratchet strap is commonly attached directly to the auger in these systems.

Pass the strap’s free end through the auger. Attach the strap to the auger’s hook at the top (the part you gripped while screwing it into the ground).

Line it up with the buckle dangling at the opposite end after passing it through. All that’s needed now is to connect the two ends.

Before pulling the strap through the auger, make sure it’s free of twists and kinks.

Pass the strap’s end through the buckle. The strap should be threaded through the top of the buckle and out the bottom.

To remove the remaining slack, pull down on the free end. Repeat on the other side of the trampoline. If you’re using a 2-piece strap kit, close the loop by feeding the loose end of the frame strap through the buckle on the lower ratchet strap.

Finally, tighten the straps.

Anchoring the frame or disk

For extra safety, you might want to secure the positions of your trampoline frame or disk too. This part can detach from the legs, and if it happens, the anchors will not be holding on to them.

You’ll need star pickets or droppers, as well as some safety caps.

Ratchet straps, similar to those used to attach a load in the rear of a truck, will be used to secure the frame. 1 foot inside the perimeter of the jumping disk, drive the pickets or droppers into the ground.

Then, through the trampoline frame and the dropper, wrap the ratchet straps.

Droppers and pickets are frequently sold in metric lengths, so seek for anything that’s at least 450mm long.

A full-length dropper is required if you have sandy soil or live in a moist area.

To secure the top of your trampoline, you’ll need four equidistant contact points to achieve the best results.

How to secure your trampoline if a hurricane is coming?

If a storm is expected to hit your neighborhood in the next few days, it’s a good idea to start preparing your trampoline now.

You don’t want the trampoline to fly away and ruin your house or, even worse, a neighbor’s house. Here are some pointers that might help you out:

• Disassemble the trampoline if possible and keep it in storage. A trampoline is a large object and can pose serious dangers if it gets tossed around in a big storm
• Remove your trampoline’s safety net and put it inside your house until the storm passes
• If you have the ability to remove the jumping mat from your trampoline, I recommend doing so

Recommended trampoline anchor kits