Since the global pandemic is taking a turn for the better, it's time to take a breather and enjoy the summertime ahead of us.
No more sitting at home and worrying about the future when you can go outside and fully experience the sun, the beach, and all the activities that the summer brings, including trampoline jumping.
If you reside at a location with a lot of winds, such as New York or Oklahoma, you're probably worried about the safety of your trampoline during rough weather conditions.
Also, high-speed winds can often come unexpectedly, and you won't have time to prepare if you don't know what to do exactly.
Therefore, here's our how to keep a trampoline from blowing away guide to help along.
There are a number of methods you can use to secure your trampoline and keep it from destroying your property, or even worse, cause some injuries.
We'll go over all of them and teach you how to do it in the most efficient way.
Stay tuned!
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A Brief Introduction
Before we go into the specifics of securing a trampoline, we should first establish some of the key terms in the trampoline industry and figure out when it is necessary to anchor a trampoline.
Trampolines are heavy by nature, so you shouldn't be worried about their safety if the wind doesn't have a high speed.
However, what is high speed in this context?
Well, it depends on several factors, such as the location of your property, the weight of the trampoline, and any natural barriers that could get in the way and keep the trampoline in place on their own.
Generally, winds that blow at 30 mph won't be able to move or lift the trampoline on an open area, even if there aren't any natural barriers, such as trees, houses, or man-made walls, and similar.
On the other hand, you should secure your trampoline if the wind is blowing at speeds higher than 40 mph.
They are capable of lifting a trampoline, and if there aren't any barriers, the trampoline can blow away.
So, how do you keep the trampoline secure?
3 Ways of Securing a Trampoline - A Detailed Guide
1. Sandbags
One of the easiest techniques of securing a trampoline is a method that's been used for centuries when it came to protecting and anchoring heavy objects during storms - placing sandbags.
You can use other heavy objects aside from sandbags, but they are the most useful due to their size and width since they can cover the entire structure.
The process is relatively simple, and anyone can do it.
Even if you're not at home during the storm, your kids can do it and finish in a matter of minutes.
The way you place the sandbags depends on the structure of the trampoline and the design of the legs.
Trampolines have three main leg designs - poles, U-shaped legs, and W-shaped legs.
Sandbags will only work with the U and W-shaped legs since there's no clear way of utilizing sandbags with pole legs, in which case you should try to disassemble the trampoline before the winds hit.
It depends on the size and diameter of the trampoline, but it'll usually have at least four legs that keep the structure together.
You'll place the sandbags over the central parts of the legs so that they secure to the ground.
You'll use one sandbag for each leg, and that's it, a no-brainer.
This method has been used for a long time, especially for securing the overflow of rivers along the banks.
If you don't have sandbags, Amazon offers a variety of products for a really low price.
Also, you can use other objects that are wide and strong enough to secure the legs.
2. Wind Stakes
Another simple way of securing a trampoline is by using wind stakes.
They are super affordable, don't require a lot of time to set up, and it's a solid way to keep a trampoline in place.
Generally, wind stakes are manufactured in a U-shape, and most of the products you'll find on Amazon or any other site have this design.
You can also find some J-shaped ones, but there's a slight risk that the trampoline will lift off a bit and that the leg will go under the stake, which is why we prefer the U-shaped ones.
The process of installing them is incredibly simple - you'll need a hammer and five minutes of your time.
If you don't own a set, we highly recommend you purchase the Skywalker trampoline wind stakes, as they proved to be the most effective and the most durable.
You'll take each stake, place it over the leg of the trampoline and hammer it down, but not too much since it'll be hard to pull them back out when the wind passes.
We recommend going about ¾ in for maximum efficiency.
Also, the Skywalker wind stakes are made from galvanized steel, which is a non-corrosive type of steel that will last you for a long time.
Therefore, make sure not to get low-quality stakes since it is very important that they are durable and that they remain intact for further use.
3. Anchor Kits
The best way to secure a trampoline by far is by utilizing an anchor kit that consists of corkscrew stakes and tie-down straps or belts.
You won't need any additional equipment for installing it, and you can use it time and time again.
The concept is simple - you'll screw the stakes into the ground the same way you'd use a corkscrew bottle opener.
They usually have a spiral design, so you'll stick the stakes into the ground and twist them until they are all the way in.
You'll place them between each pair of legs and connect them with the trampoline frame by using the tie-down straps.
The straps have a belt design, so there's no way they're breaking if you purchase a quality set.
You'll pull them down tightly to completely secure the trampoline, and voila, the job is done.
The only problem with anchor kits compared to the previous ones is that they're the most expensive method of keeping a trampoline from blowing away.
Still, it's the most effective one, which is why you might consider trying this one out.
After all, it's expensive compared to them, but you'll usually find quality sets for around $50.
We recommend you try the Eurmax Trampoline Anchor Kit since it's a well-reviewed, high-quality product that will last for years.
Additional Information
Now that we've covered the basics of trampoline security, we should probably compare the three methods and see the pros and cons of each one.
The best one, by far, is using anchor kits to stabilize the trampoline during extreme weather conditions.
Once you screw in the stakes and secure them with the straps, there is little to no chance that the wind will be able to pluck them out, except in very extreme situations.
Also, they are easy to install, but it will require a bit of muscle to screw the stakes all the way in.
Relying solely on wind stakes without using any belts is also a good method, especially if there's constant wind in your city.
They can be quickly set up, and it'll take you a couple of minutes to place them and hammer them down.
They are more affordable than anchor kits and will prove efficient in the long run.
Lastly, we have sandbags that have been around for quite some time, and they're still an efficient method of securing heavy objects.
On the other hand, the risk of using sandbags is that you cannot always count on them if the wind speeds are not constant.
Therefore, it's best to get the biggest one you can find.
Also, the wind stakes and anchor kits won't work if you have a concrete garden for the obvious reason.
In this case, you should either learn how to disassemble the trampoline in the least amount of time, or you could use the sandbags.
Of course, disassembling is the most secure method of protecting the trampoline by removing the net, jumping mat, and the pads, but you won't always have time if you're in a time scramble.
Final Thoughts - Conclusion and Summary
Now that you're packed with knowledge on how to secure your trampoline and keep it from blowing away, all that's left is to order a quality set and wait for the first time when the winds hit.
Our recommendation for the wind stakes is undoubtedly the Skywalker trampoline wind stakes, one of the best stakes out there.
- FITS: Any trampoline with leg diameter up to 2 inches. Easy to install
- MATERIAL: Made of weather resistant galvanized steel
- SAFETY DESIGN: Helps stabilize trampoline during storms or strong wind
Skywalker is a trusted trampoline manufacturer, and their parts never fail.
As we mentioned previously, the best anchor kit we could find is the Eurmax Trampoline Anchor Kit.
- Rugged and Heavy-Duty:These galvanized steel heavy-duty trampoline ground anchors are crafted for durability, designed to withstand tough conditions and various weather, ensuring they hold up during energetic jumping sessions and windy weather.
- Easy Installation:Simply screw the spiral trampoline stakes into the ground with minimal effort. No specialized tools required, and the bonus T-hook makes setup and removal of the trampoline stakes quick and hassle-free.
- Enhanced Stability:Our trampoline stakes fit various sizes and shapes, anchoring the trampoline to the ground for increased stability. These canopy stakes are crucial in windy conditions to prevent tipping or blowing away.
- Bonus Belt for Additional Security:Wraps around the trampoline frame, connecting it more securely to the stakes for enhanced stability.
- Multiple Applications: Perfect for securing trampolines, tents, tarps, canopies, carports, and dog tie-outs.
Its straps are fantastic and won't snap that easily, and the heavy-duty steel stakes do the job in an efficient manner.
That's all you have to know about trampoline protection when it comes to anchoring. Hopefully, you'll use this knowledge in your time of need, and you'll never worry again!
My name is Larry Dunn from Dallas Texas and I have a deep passion and love for the trampoline.
With many years of experience in the field of healthcare service, I have decided to start his own website which is about a trampoline.
With this website, I will share his experiences and expertise advices on different factors to consider when deciding whether or not a trampoline is safe for you and your family.