Last Updated on October 5, 2023

When we think about the trampoline, the picture that comes in front of our mind is- kids jumping with this playing equipment above the ground. But a sunken trampoline is different from that. When trampolines are installed below the ground, they are called sunken, buried, or underground, or in-ground trampolines. These trampolines change the taste and the landscape of the backyard.

Most trampoline owners love in-ground trampolines for their excellent features. But there are some drawbacks too. So, we plan to share some major sunken trampoline problems and their positive aspects so you get overall information about in-ground trampolines. Let’s begin!

In-Ground Trampoline Pros and Cons

10 Sunken Trampoline Problems

High Installing Costs

After purchasing a usual trampoline, you just need to install it in the backyard. If you hire a professional, you may pay him/her around $100 or a little more. There are no other costs. But if you want to install the sunken trampoline there are several costs that you must consider before setting up the trampoline.

These are hole digging, reinforced wall building, drainage preparation, uneven surface leveling around the trampoline, etc. Thus, the overall setup cost rises a lot more than the above-ground models.

Longer Installation Time

Like the installation cost, setup time is also higher in sunken trampolines. To do additional tasks such as digging a hole, building a retaining wall for an in-ground trampoline, drain preparation, and many more tasks, in-ground trampolines’ costs go higher than traditional trampolines.

Ventilation Clearance

Airflow plays an important role in good bouncing on the trampoline. When you jump on a trampoline the air under the trampoline pushed you high. In the above-ground model, there are plenty of spaces for air circulation. But, in-ground trampolines have limited space. Thus, you won’t get a higher bounce from the in-ground trampolines.

Due to the improper air vent, you may experience less bounce and fun in sunken trampolines. To avoid such problems experts recommend laying the trampoline at least 9 inches high from the ground for leaving a minimum space to get proper airflow and bounce. Also, the trampoline frame pad might give a good outcome in this regard.

Water Drainage

Stagnant water is a major threat to your in-ground trampoline. Sandy backyard might suck a minimum level of rain or other water but this is not enough for heavy rain. Moreover, the condition gets worsened for other soils. To get rid of the problem, you need to make a hole under the trampoline on your own. This is simple. Dig a hole to connect under the trampoline area with the large drain then install a pipe to ensure water flow.

Portability

Above-ground trampolines can be easily relocated to a new place with some effort. On the other hand, in-ground trampolines are almost immovable as it is placed after digging a hole and retaining wall. If you want to reallocate the trampoline to a new place, you have to bear the same amount of the first installation cost for the new place.

Garden Rearranging

As you dig a hole to set up the sunken trampoline (like from BERG) in the backyard, it’s impossible to rearrange the garden, keeping the trampoline in the same place.

That’s a great problem especially when guests come and you need more space in the garden for them. Still, if you want to rearrange the backyard, you have to plan without considering the trampoline space.

In this case, you can put chairs (even trampoline chairs) and tables around the sunken trampolines without changing the trampoline’s position. Thus, when you plan to install the underground trampoline, choose a spot that won’t affect you while rearranging the garden.

Soil Strength

The soil of the backyard should be good enough if you want to bury your trampoline there. Trampoline in weak soil might be disastrous even if you could install the trampoline there. This might crumble down suddenly and cause accidents. Clay soil can be waterlogged easily thus the hole will be filled very soon.

If the soil isn’t strong enough, dig a deeper hole to avoid damaging the underground pipes. In this case, install stronger support to keep the trampoline firm. If you don’t know the soil composition of your area, you can hire a professional to assess the area.

Hole Size

Digging a swallow hole at the trampoline height might create a tripping issue. When someone enters or leaves the trampoline, he/she might fall and get injured. Even if you walk in the yard and trip over the hole, it could be hazardous. A-frame cover might give you a good solution in this case.

Unauthorized Access

Another drawback of the buried trampoline is that it doesn’t restrict anyone to get into including pets and furious animals. As the jumping bed is on the same level as the ground. Even snakes might come on the trampoline. If these animals come frequently, they might damage the mat severely and the trampoline could be unsafe and unusable as a kids’ trampoline.  An enclosure net might be a good solution to overcome the problem.

Growing Plants

How to prevent growing plants in the pit? This is very common that plants and herbs to grow in the in-ground trampoline pit.  If you don’t lawn these, they might reach in the frame and jump bed. This is very annoying to the jumpers. But don’t worry, you can solve the problem by placing a geotextile canvas in the bottom of the hole. It will prevent growing plants as well as keep the trampoline clean from pit dirt.

Several Positive Features of Sunken Trampoline

Safety

In-ground trampoline is quite safer than above-ground trampolines. There are several reasons behind this. Firstly, sunken trampolines haven’t a metal frame which is a dangerous part to occur injury in traditional models. Also, there is no need for ladder climbing thus making the entry and exit system safer than the above-ground trampoline, especially for children.

Kids or pets might go under the trampoline bed in the above-ground model but there is no chance to do so in the sunken model, thus making them safer. If kids fall directly on the ground there is less chance to get injured as the jumping bed and ground are at the same level. But you can install a trampoline net to extend the safety.

Aesthetics

Sunken trampolines provide a good looking at the backyard without obstructing the view like the above-ground model. With suitable trampoline covering, it will give you a subtle natural landscape.

In the event or festival, you can also place flower pots or folding chairs and tables around the underground trampoline to decorate the garden. Although this will affect safety so don’t jump where there is any decorative item near the trampoline like lights glowing.

Maintenance

This is another excellent benefit of the sunken trampoline. We frequently see blowing away the trampoline in heavy winds but you don’t need to worry about that when you have an in-ground trampoline. Another good thing is that there are fewer chances of rust formation as the trampoline isn’t exposed to harsh weather. It will increase the lifespan of the model.

In-Ground (Sunken) Vs Above Ground Trampolines

Now we’ll break down a few of the key differences between in-ground and above-ground trampolines.

Cost

Most above-ground models are less expensive compared to sunken trampolines in overall consideration. In-ground trampolines cut extra costs for hole preparation, retaining wall making, and a few more reasons.

Installation

Sunken trampolines require more time to install than the traditional models due to excavating soil, reinforced wall building, etc.

Jumping Experience

Above-round trampolines provide better bounce than in-ground models due to proper airflow. You can get a such bounce from sunken trampolines but you have to do some extra tasks.

Movability

Above-ground models are a better option for movability. The in-ground trampolines can’t be moved easily. It’s a huge investment to make a new place for sunken trampolines. But you can move the traditional trampolines using wheels, or by lifting, and some other methods.

Safety

In terms of safety, the in-ground model is a bit safer than the above-ground model. Some of the most vital zones to create accidents in above-ground trampolines are the metal frame, falling in the ground, springs, etc. Although in-ground trampolines are a safer option still there are some risky zones such as when the foot goes into the edges of the sunken trampolines.

Aesthetic Beauty

Underground trampolines have a better aesthetic look than the above-ground model. They don’t provide any obstruction to going anywhere in the garden.

In-ground or Sunken Trampoline Installation Tips

Preparation

Soil preparation is a very basic task before installing the trampoline. It is also necessary to remove the pipes and sprinkler heads in the intended area.

Ventilation

Air ventilation is very important to get a good bounce from the trampoline. Install some large pipes around the trampoline. In this method, you have to remove debris occasionally that clogs in the pipes.

Making the pit swallower than the trampoline, you can do this too. But it can lead to tripping hazards. In this case, a safety pad and enclosure net will be a great option.

Elbow Room

What you will do if something falls under the sunken trampoline hole like a toy or shoe? It will be difficult for you to take them out if there is no hole. Thus, when installing the trampoline make an elbow room to access the space beneath the trampoline. It also helps when trampoline repair is necessary.

Drainage System

Making proper drains is essential for the in-ground trampoline to protect the trampoline from rust formation and stagnant water issues. The perforated drainage pipes are the most appropriate option in this regard. Also, drain them into a gutter or storm drain.

Final Words

Whether you own an above-ground or in-ground trampoline, both have some pros and cons. And each trampoline has its own special appeal to the users. Although there are some limitations in underground trampolines such as higher cost or longer installation time, still their positive features exceed the sunken trampoline problems.

In-ground trampolines bring a great look to the backyard and won’t need too much maintenance. And having this, you can use one trampoline year after year without significant repair. Thus, they are a worthy choice for the family. So, let your kids play on the in-ground trampoline!