How Much Weight To Hold Down A Trampoline To Stop It Blowing Away

Paul West/ Outdoor Games, Outdoor Sports

How much weight to hold down a trampoline so it doesn’t fly around the backyard in stormy, windy weather?

We’ve all seen the video clips of trampolines blowing down the street during storms. Hmmm….as hilarious as that looks, it also causes real damage and poses a safety risk. Don’t let your trampoline take flight! With the right anchoring system and some weighted help, you can keep it firmly in place.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Anchor trampoline legs securely using ground anchors for maximum wind resistance.
Distribute at least 75-200 lbs of weight depending on trampoline size – both around edges and middle.
Lock down bounce surface using tight straps, cords and clamps for pad and netting.
Inspect weighting system regularly, re-securing any loosened straps or anchors.
Disassembling trampoline or using a protective cover can help in extreme winds.

Start With Sturdy Anchors for the Frame

The frame is the trampoline’s foundation. Anchor it correctly and the rest of the structure will stay grounded too. You have two main anchor options:

Ground anchors connect to the trampoline legs. They are screwed or staked into the soil and offer the strongest hold against winds lifting the frame.

Spring anchors attach to the trampoline springs rather than the legs. They end up suspending the frame rather than truly securing it.

For optimal wind resistance, ground anchors are highly recommended. Here are some tips for installation:

Angle the anchors outward at 45 degrees for the best hold.
Use durable metal stakes or screw-in anchors rated for outdoor use.
Follow your trampoline manufacturer’s guidance for any weight limits on the frame when anchoring.
Check that the anchors are rated to handle the size and weight of your exact trampoline model.

Some top-rated anchor products include:

Giantex 6-Pack Anchor Kit – Rated for 200 lb weight capacity per anchor. Includes galvanized steel stakes and adjustable straps.
ShelterLogic Earth Anchor Kit – Screw-in anchors hold up to 150 lbs each. Great for smaller trampolines.
PowerDrive Aluminum Trampoline Anchor Kit – Heavy duty aluminum stakes and adjustable straps support up to 175 lbs per anchor.

Weigh Down the Mat for Added Security

Anchoring the frame prevents the structure from blowing away. But wind can still whip the trampoline mat up fiercely. Weighting down the mat restricts airflow underneath and keeps the bounce surface taut.

Where should you place the weights?

Distribute weights evenly around the perimeter and also in the center of the mat. This counterbalances the lifting force.

How much weight to hold down a trampoline is needed?

7 ft trampolines – 75-100 lbs
10 ft trampolines – 100-150 lbs
12 ft or larger – 150-200+ lbs

Adjust as needed based on your specific model and wind conditions.

Good weight options:

Sandbags – Cheap and easy to stack. But they absorb water when left in the elements.
Concrete blocks – Extremely sturdy but very heavy to maneuver.
Old tires – Distributed weight stops rolling. Drill drainage holes to prevent water pooling inside.

Lock Down the Bounce Surface

With the frame anchored and weight in place, focus on securing the bounce surface itself:

Enclosure Netting

The netting acts like a sail in wind if not properly tied down. Use:

Bungee cords – Attach at multiple points from net to frame. Allows for stretch and tensioning.
Cam buckle straps – Ratchet and lock straps into place for a tight hold.

Trampoline Pad

Pad flaps should be tied firmly to the mat edge. Clamp down the pad at regular intervals around the frame to restrict airflow underneath.

Mat Edge

Lift the edge up and weave durable straps with grommets through the mat holes. Secure these straps tightly to the frame every few feet.

Extra Protection Measures

If forecasts call for extreme wind conditions, consider these additional steps:

Custom tarp cover – Wrap the trampoline frame in a tight-fitting tarp cover secured at multiple points.

Disassemble trampoline – The nuclear option is fully taking apart the trampoline and storing indoors until the storm passes.

Maintain Your Weighting System

High winds have a way of loosening even the tightest hold-downs and knocking weights out of position. Get into these maintenance habits:

Inspect anchors, straps, and weighting after storms or periods of strong winds. Resecure anything loose.
Periodically check for shifting weights and signs of wear on straps or anchors. Safety first!
Review your manufacturer’s guidance on frame weight limits whenever adding anchors or weights.

With the right preparation, your trampoline can stay grounded through even blustery conditions. Just don’t get blown away setting up your new hold-down system! Applying these anchoring and weighting techniques now saves huge headaches later. Stay safe and enjoy the bounce!

Key Do’s and Don’t’s for Securing a Trampoline in Windy Weather

DO use heavy-duty ground anchors screwed into the soil to secure the trampoline legs. This prevents the entire frame from lifting up.

DO distribute weights evenly around the edges and center of the mat to counterbalance the wind forces.

DO tightly fasten the enclosure netting and pad using durable cam buckle straps and bungee cords.

DO regularly inspect your anchoring system and re-secure any loose straps, weights, or anchors.

DON’T rely solely on weaker spring anchors that attach to the trampoline springs.

DON’T only weight down the outer edges of the mat. You need weight in the middle too.

DON’T use light-duty cords and straps that can easily snap in high winds. Invest in sturdy outdoor-rated materials.

DON’T “set it and forget it” – check for shifting and wear at least after major storms and periodically.

Properly securing a trampoline takes some initial effort but gives great peace of mind during windy weather. Follow these tips and you can relax and enjoy the breeze! You’ve got this.