Jumping on a trampoline is among the things that help to make summer fun and memorable. However, with all the money and work associated with setting up a trampoline, taking necessary precautions is essential.
When setting up a trampoline, choose a suitable area in your yard. Remember, considering where to set up your trampoline to prevent it from blowing away is crucial. Besides shielding the area from the wind, securing the trampoline on the ground properly using anchors or tie downs is advisable. Failure to secure your trampoline on the ground can result in property damage, injuries, or damage to your trampoline (see Are In-Ground Trampolines Safer Than Above-Ground). Therefore, make sure you know how to keep a trampoline from blowing away.
Anchoring a Trampoline
If you have a giant trampoline or live in a windy or stormy area, the best method to prevent your trampoline from being blown away is using anchors. There are different types of anchors and several ways you can anchor your trampoline. However, your choice is determined by location, the kind of trampoline you have invested in, and preference. To safely secure your trampoline on the ground, you need the following:
• A trampoline anchor kit – It should be compatible with the trampoline you have bought. If you are not sure, consider asking some questions or clarifying with an expert to avoid wasting money
• Trampoline anchor hooks – the hooks secure your trampoline in one place on the ground
• Anchors – anchors hold the trampoline down even on stormy days
Are Wind Stakes or Anchor Kits Better?
Most people do not know whether to choose wind stakes or anchor kits when looking to secure their trampolines. Although the wind stakes are more affordable, anchor kits are reliable and more efficient.
What are the Advantages of Wind Stakes?
Wind stakes are generally less complex than anchor kits. They are normally in a “U” or “J” shape and secure over the legs of the trampoline and into the ground. The stakes are usually 10” – 14” to go deep into the earth and better secure your trampoline.
Pros
• Compared to anchor kits, wind stakes are cheap/affordable
• Easy to install because you only need a hammer
• Since they are low profile, they are safer – do not have tripping hazards
Cons
• They do not provide additional support to the trampoline
• If the trampoline is being used regularly, wind stakes get loose and become unreliable
• If the ground is soft or wet, wind stakes can become loose during stormy days
What are the Advantages of Anchor Kits?
Anchor kits provide more benefits compared to wind stakes, although they are more expensive and require a lot of labor.
Pros
• To ensure your trampoline is secured on the ground, various combinations are used
• Anchor kits can dive deep into the ground thus guaranteeing anchorage
• If anchor kits are installed by a professional/properly, they do not get loose even if the ground is wet/soft. Also, the kits do not become loose if the trampoline is used regularly
Cons
• They are costly compared to wind stakes
• A lot of labor and effort is required to install anchors
• The straps can pose hazards at times
Worth the Trouble
Regardless of the choice you make, anchor kits and wind stakes provide great anchorage to prevent your trampoline from blowing away. However, your location, type of trampoline, budget, and preference will determine your choice.
Trampoline anchor kits are made from high quality galvanized steel to avoid corrosion and rust. The galvanized steel also increases the lifespan of the kits, thus saving you money in the long run, especially when considering the cost of a trampoline. Trampolines are commonly a large purchase, especially when considering some premium models or shapes (see the Upper Bounce 10′ x 17′ review).
Sandbags as Anchors?
Alternatively, if you are on a budget or you do not have the anchor kit or wind stakes, there is a cheaper method of securing your trampoline on the ground. Have you ever heard of the sandbag method?
This is a cheap, efficient, and reliable method that requires you to place bags of sand over the strongest parts of your trampoline. Although the technique is laborious, it is cost-effective and reliable. You do not need to buy a lot of supplies because all the materials are readily available. The sandbagging method is recommended if you are looking to secure your trampoline on concrete because wind stakes and anchor kits cannot work! Additionally, some trampolines are made that are incredibly heavy and may not even need stakes/anchors (see our best high weight capacity trampolines)
Final Thoughts
If you have just bought a trampoline or are thinking of buying one (see how much do trampolines cost for more), you are not supposed to start using it until you have secured it on the ground to prevent it from being blown away. You do not want to damage your neighbor’s property or cause personal injuries, thus additional costs or lawsuits. Instead, take your time to determine the method you will use to secure your trampoline on the ground. Now that you have understood the three ways you can safely secure your trampoline against strong winds; you can make the right choice with ease.
