People often ask us: Should I attach my playset or swing set to the ground?
The answer is clear – absolutely! No matter how much you think that the playground equipment is stable and cannot fall over even without being fixed to the ground: In order to guarantee the safety of your children you definitely should anchor your play equipment in the ground. Whether it’s a playset, swing set, or playhouse, anchoring your playset or swing set to the ground will keep it from tipping over. Also consider that your children will probably be playing with friends from the neighborhood, which can increase the usage of the playset.
The following list describes the basic options that are available to secure your swing set to prevent the swing set from tipping over:
- The swing frame stands on its own due to its own weight.
- The swing frame is dug in at the posts
- The posts are set in concrete
- The swing frame is fixed by ground anchors or ground sleeves which are turned into the ground.
- The swing frame is fixed by ground anchors or ground sleeves which are set in concrete.
- Combinations of digging in, setting in concrete and ground anchors
Securing your playset or swing set is not as difficult as you may expect: Ground anchors and ground sockets just have to be screwed and hammered in the ground. They will provide the necessary support at a relatively low cost.
If the playset has to be placed in concrete, ready-mix concrete is quick, easy and inexpensive to use without the need for a mixer.
To avoid difficulties with anchoring the swing set, pay close attention to the proper order. First, assemble the base unit of the playset without add-on modules or, in case of a swing, fasten the frame with screws. Then, find a location in your backyard for your swingset and dig holes in the ground, if necessary. Next, you can place the anchors temporarily in order to properly align the playset or swing set. Then secure the anchors in the ground. If required, the supports can now be set in concrete. The same sequence can now be used to align and attach add-on swings, ramps and other add-on equipment.
Listed below are the most popular ground anchors and post supports on the market.
If you have any questions please contact our customer service. We are also grateful for any suggestions on our tips and guides.
Securing A Playset or Swing Set Without Using Concrete
The method of securing backyard swing sets using ground anchors, base anchors or attachment anchors, is one of the simplest ways to secure playground equipment firmly in the ground. Screw-in ground anchors are available in various sizes, shapes. For playground equipment, ground anchors made of galvanized steel that are 500-600mm long and about 10mm thick work best. A welded, round cutting disc allows the ground anchor to be driven into the ground. Once it has been screwed into the ground, one side of the playground equipment t can be screwed firmly to the anchor. You can place the anchor on the inside of the post so that it is not visible.
The level of difficulty that screwing the ground anchors in will depend on the ground. Under most circumstances, a screwdriver works well. Some of our customers have reported to us that they used a screw clamp apply greater force in order to drive the anchor into the ground. Curving the cutting disc can also make it easier to screw in when dealing with more difficult soil. Be prepared to use more force if the soil is very hard, rocky, or heavily rooted! If you ordered ground anchors, and they just cannnot drive into the ground, no problem: you can set the ground anchors in concrete if required.
The stability of the anchors also depends on the condition of the ground. If the ground conditions are suitable, small and large playground equipment can be secured well enough with a ground anchor. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a trampoline or a large play tower – however, the stability of a ground anchor that is set in concrete and encloses the post from all sides is not achieved.
Screw-in ground anchors are suitable for both round posts and square posts of various sizes, which makes them universally applicable. In addition to playsets and (add-on) swings and extensions such as climbing walls, ramps and decks can also be firmly anchored to the ground.
The ground anchors can be removed without leaving any residue by unscrewing them, making them particularly suitable for rented apartments or condos with backyards.
