14 Tips for In-Ground Trampoline Installation
Ever wondered how to dig a trampoline hole? See what we learned and watch our tips for a successful in-ground trampoline installation.
If you like this post you might also like DIY Outdoor Play Equipment Ideas, Beautiful and Playful Backyard Inspirations, and Awesome Outdoor Playsets.
Tips for In-Ground Trampoline Installation
We love our backyards and having a great place for our kids to play and work alongside us. My kids are begging for a trampoline, so when my buddy Sam from TrampolineHoles.com was digging a trampoline hole here in my neighborhood, I tagged along to watch and ask some questions about in-ground trampoline installation. (You might remember Sam from when he helped me prep the yard for sod.)
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Buy Now!
- 14 foot Trampoline Kit (complete in-ground system as shown in video)
- Vented Pads by TDU for your existing trampolines 12′, 14′, 15′ and 16′ sizes for replacements.
- Retaining Wall (fits most round trampolines)
Pros and Cons of an In-Ground Trampoline
Since my kids have been wanting a trampoline, Cass and I have been talking about the pros and cons of installing a trampoline in a hole like Sam does. Here’s what we came up with — we’d love to hear your in-ground and above-ground trampoline experiences to help us make the best decision.
Pros:
- Safer and easier for kids (and adults) to get on and off the trampoline
- Safer to jump on, since there’s no dropoff.
- No safety enclosure or safety net required
- No moving the trampoline to mow the lawn (and no dead grass under the legs and trampoline frame!) or worrying about the trampoline getting blown away in high winds or other extreme weather conditions.
- Looks so much better in the backyard. This might not be as important to some, but to this Remodelaholic and landscape architect, the aesthetic is a big deal.
Cons:
- More expensive to install
- Can’t remove and move to a new house
How to prep for an inground trampoline installation
This trampoline hole was going in where there was existing landscaping, so the area had to be prepped really well. Digging the hole in an unfinished backyard would require less prep.
Safety first: before you start digging, call 811
and get the area blue staked and marked for electrical and other utilities! It’s a FREE service! You don’t want to dig those up and cause problems.
This may require locating the trampoline pit differently than you had first planned. You’ll want to choose an area of the yard that is the most level, so you won’t have to add additional retaining walls or other landscaping.
Prep for the trampoline installation by also removing sprinkler heads and pipes in the trampoline area and adjusting the sprinkler lines if needed. In this project there were no sprinkler lines to reroute.
Know your soil type and required drainage.
Clay may require different prep than rocky or dry soil. A high water table may also require a drain or drainage pipes to be installed in the trampoline hole. Be sure to consider the drainage system so you don’t have standing water (and mosquitoes!) under your trampoline.
If you use a professional installer like Sam, they can help you know what your area will need.
Trampoline Hole FAQs
While we were watching Sam install the in-ground trampoline, we asked a few questions. Have more questions? Leave us a comment!
What size trampoline can I install in the ground?
Different sizes or shapes of trampoline can be installed in-ground, but the most common is a round 14-foot trampoline, like the one as seen in the video.
That trampoline kit comes with:
- Trampoline retaining wall system that attaches to the frame and can fit multiple sizes with additional panels.
- Quality jumping mat. (spring count 104)
- Vented Pads that are designed specifically for an in-ground trampoline for better air flow and a quieter bounce.
- 2 year warranty.
Check the specifications on the specific kit for what is included and what is required for installation, so your installer can dig the hole to the perfect trampoline size.
How much space do I need around my trampoline hole?
You’ll want a minimum of 3 feet around the trampoline hole for a safety zone. Sam said he generally leaves 5-6 feet from fences and other landscaping, including gravel or concrete pads.
How much space do I need for a digger to access my backyard?
This will depend on the specific equipment used, but Sam’s equipment requires about 6 feet of clearance, which is pretty doable for most backyards. It may require removing a section of fencing if you have a fully fenced yard like the one in the video.
How long does it take to dig a trampoline hole?
If you’re wanting to dig the hole yourself… it could take a long time. Digging to the correct height by hand is a lot of work (especially with rocky soil like our area in Utah) and you’ll also need to remove the soil. Doable, but maybe not the most time-efficient way to install an in-ground trampoline.
In less than a day, Sam had the entire hole dug, the retaining wall installed (including back-filling the soil), and the trampoline ready for the kids to jump on. Pretty slick!
How do I winterize an in-ground trampoline?
The biggest concern with leaving a trampoline up in the winter is the weight of the snow stretching the mat and springs so they lose tension and reduce the “bounce”. Protect your investment by storing it over the winter.
Sam recommends removing the trampoline mat, pad, and springs. The retaining wall and trampoline hole will be just fine to use again in the spring after the snow melts.
Who do I contact to dig a trampoline hole?
If you’re in the Utah area, you can hire Sam by going to TrampolineHoles.com. Tell him you saw him on Remodelaholic! (And no, he’s not sponsoring us to say that! He’s a pro, and I’m so grateful he let me tag along and see how he does an in-ground trampoline install. He’s who we’ll call if the girls get their wish and we decide to install a trampoline in the backyard.)
Check out these fun trampoline accessories
- Trampoline Basketball Hoop with Safe Dunking Rim
- Motion Sensing Trampoline Light Kit
- Trampoline Tent Cover for Backyard Camping or Shade
More great backyard projects:
- Tips for Successful Sod Installation
- Why We Love Our Backyard Pool and Hot Tub
- DIY Yardzee Jumbo Dice + Printable Score Card
- Custom Painted Star Wars Cornhole Boards
- DIY Jumbo Yard Dominoes + Games
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I am the husband of the amazing Cassity of Remodelaholic. I love to problem solve and to design and build things inside and outside the house to make life better. I am a professional Landscape Architect by trade and love the outdoors.
Lorene has been behind the scenes here at Remodelaholic for more than a decade! She believes that planning projects and actually completing them are two different hobbies, but that doesn't stop her from planning at least a dozen projects at any given time. She spends her free time creating memories with her husband and 5 kids, traveling as far as she can afford, and partaking of books in any form available.
Hi Cassity,
I’ve had neighbors that had in-ground trampolines and I had always thought it was a relatively straight forward process. However, you made a great point that you need to be aware of the type of soil you’re digging into. I’m in Georgia with the red clay and the water table in our yard can get almost just below the topsoil when it’s been rainy. I can’t imagine how many people have tried this and later discovered a pool of water underneath ;D. My question to you is – how much did this cost (not factoring in the investment in the trampoline)?
Between $1500 and $2500 depending on the dirt removal or not and how many other issues that might come up in you yard due to drainage.
Good afternoon. Great information! Looking to put one in for the grandkids… video only showed round tramps, looking to do a square one. Does that price include the trampoline?
Yes but price will vary on conditions of site and style.
I purchased a regular trampoline and I am looking to install it into the ground…where would I get a retaining wall for it?? And what else can I do for air flow for great bounce since I didn’t realize they sold in group trampoline kits lol
Not sure about rectangular walls. Sam just works with circles.
Hi Remodelholics (love the name btw),
I’m currently doing a project for a client that wants to incorporate the trampoline in the design, however, I want them to be able to transition the space when their teens are over it. What would you suggest for and area that would be a cost effective and efficient transition? Ideally, they’d need something where they could move. Koi pond? ????????♀️
Thank you!
My wife and I were just talking about this yesterday. You could do a pond, pool or fire pit could be cool with seating you step down into.
Great tips. I liked that you answered FAQs too. These tips will help me to build a in-ground trampoline in my garden area of house.