How to Tie Down a Swing Set
Swing sets are an enjoyable part of outdoor play equipment. To prevent injury, the frame that holds up the swings needs to be firmly anchored. Ideally, this should be done in concrete. The age, weight and number of children who will be using the equipment will also affect the type of tie-down that can be safely used to anchor the swing framework. Home play sets should not be installed for child care settings where the number of children exceed manufacturers recommendations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screw-in eyebolts
- Cabling
- Cable U-clamps
- Prepared concrete
- Digging tool
- Swing set
- Pliers or wrench set
Instructions
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1
Select a location for the swing set that allows for movement around the equipment, good drainage and a surface that is relatively soft.
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2
Read the manufacturer's directions carefully if installing new equipment. Play sets will vary depending on the recommended age and recommended number of users. Make sure the equipment meets Home Playground Standard ASTM-1148. Some older, used equipment may not meet modern specifications.
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3
Dig holes for each leg of the swing set to the depth recommended in the directions. Dig holes on either side of the main hole, and at least 6 inches (a foot would be better) on either side and to the outside of the framework location.
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Place the swing set frame bottom ends in the holes. Place eyebolt tie-down anchors in the outlying holes. (Hurricane anchors or anchors made specifically for swing sets work well for this.)
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5
Pour prepared concrete around the bottoms of the swing set poles. Position each of the eye-bolt anchors so that the top of the "eye" will be slightly below ground level, and pour concrete around it up to the base of the eye. This will leave some space to back-fill the holes to prevent tripping over the bolts.
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6
Loop heavy-duty metal cabling over the bottom brace or drill a hole through the leg for it. Secure each end of the cable to an eye-bolt, using cable U-clamps.
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Backfill the holes over the concrete with earth, sand or pea gravel and mound the material up over the cables to prevent injuries from tripping over the tie-downs.
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Tips & Warnings
Always check manufacturer recommendations for age and number of children on the equipment.
Older children, playing vigorously, can seriously stress the safety limits of home play equipment.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Swing image by anna karwowska from Fotolia.com
