How to Anchor Down a Trampoline

Trampolines are a great source of fun and exercise not just for kids, but for adults as well. If you have one in your backyard, it’s important that you keep it secured. Anchoring it down keeps your trampoline in place during strong winds and other weather conditions.

But you’re probably still wondering, do I really need to anchor down a trampoline? Read on and let us help you make sure your trampoline stays in its place.

Do I really need to anchor down a trampoline?

Yes, absolutely! Trampolines have a tendency to move when being used if they’re not anchored down properly. We always recommend anchoring your trampoline into the ground before you even use it. This will also prevent them from moving around during strong winds and other severe weather conditions.

Anchoring a trampoline down is very easy and will surely provide you with peace of mind!

How to anchor down your trampoline

There are three ways to anchor down your trampoline: (1) using an anchor kit, (2) using wind stakes and (3) using sandbags.

Option 1: Using an Anchor Kit

Anchor kits are the most reliable way of anchoring a trampoline. It usually comes with two sturdy anchors and straps used to tie and secure your trampoline down to the ground.

Corkscrew trampoline anchors (augers) are considered the best option out there. It provides more anchorage than the other type because of its shape. Corkscrew anchors will remain solidly in the ground more effectively than, let’s say, straight anchors.

To anchor down a trampoline using corkscrew trampoline anchors, you’ll need to do the following:

Step 1: Figure out where to place it

This is vital as once you anchor your trampoline down, you wouldn’t want to move it again.

Choose a spot behind a natural windbreak, like behind a line of trees, a barn or your house. You also need to make sure that there are no electrical or gas lines underneath.

The soil shouldn’t be too sandy as well. You can test it by inserting an anchor into the ground. If it pulls out easily without twisting, it’s too sandy. Corkscrew trampoline anchors are designed to use the compactness of the soil to help hold the anchor in place, so it’s very important to ensure that the ground is compact.

Step 2: Make sure you have all the materials needed

Kits usually come with two anchors and two straps. If your trampoline is on the bigger side, you may need to purchase an additional set or two for maximum stability.

Step 3: Measure roughly 1 to 1.5 feet inward from each leg

This is where you’ll place your augers. Measure each leg individually. To make sure that your measurements are consistent on each side, make sure the tape measure is centred on the leg.

Step 4: Insert the anchors into the ground

The point should angle slightly towards the centre of the trampoline mat. Take a firm grip on the hooked upper end and twist the auger in a clockwise direction until only the circular hook is left above ground level.

Step 5: Secure the straps to the top of the frame

Lift the safety pad of the trampoline and loop the strap over the top of the frame. Thread one end of the strap through the loop at the top of the anchor, then put it under the trampoline leg. Then put it through the buckle and pull it tight.

It’s necessary to come over the top of the frame and not just the legs of your trampoline. Securing the top of the frame from tilting will help prevent wind from getting under the mat, which will prevent the entire trampoline from being lifted by wind.

Step 6: Repeat steps 1 to 5 for the other anchors and straps

You want each of the anchors securely attached to the trampoline using the straps. Eyeball each auger from ground level to make sure they’re as vertical as possible. If you want a more secured trampoline, it’s better to have the equal number of anchors and trampoline legs.

While we recommend using anchor kits to secure your trampoline, there are some cases where an anchor kit cannot be used. Don’t worry! You still have other anchoring options to choose from.

Option 2: Using Wind Stakes

Wind stakes (also known as U-shaped anchors) are another type of anchor that you can use. This is the most basic way of securing a trampoline.

You can easily install wind stakes by hammering them over the trampoline’s legs. Cheap and easy to install, they provide basic protection that will suit trampolines in less windy areas.

Remember to set each stake at an equal distance, as it’ll provide better stability this way.

Option 3: Using Sandbags

Another basic and simple way of securing your trampoline is by using sandbags. All you have to do is place sandbags on each of the trampoline legs to hold it down and make sure it doesn’t move during storms and strong winds.

Sandbags are a great option for solid surfaces where anchors like corkscrew and wind stakes cannot be used. The more sandbags you place on the legs, the more secure they will be.

It can be time-consuming to prepare a set of DIY sandbags, but it’s a very straightforward and cost-effective approach. You can use materials that are available for you; it doesn’t necessarily need to be sand. If you’d rather just buy them than make them yourself, sandbags are available to be purchased from stores as well!

How many anchors do I need?

Ideally, you’ll want one anchor (either a corkscrew anchor, wind stake or a sandbag) for every pair of trampoline legs. Of course, you can always add more anchors to enhance your trampoline’s stability. It’s very important to space out the anchors as evenly as you can to keep the trampoline as sturdy and stable as possible.

Final thoughts

Now that we’ve talked about a few ways to anchor down your trampoline, have you decided on what to get and when to get it? You may not need anchors right this second, but it’s always best to stay prepared and secure your trampoline while you still can.

Kahuna’s trampoline ground anchor kit comes with two sturdy anchors and straps that are strong enough to prevent your trampoline from moving, toppling over, or getting damaged in extreme weather conditions. We highly recommend that you purchase additional anchors too if you have an extra large trampoline.

So what are you waiting for? Shop now and secure your trampoline today with our anchor kit!