A backyard trampoline can be one of the best ways to create more fun, movement, and outdoor play at home. But if you are planning to add a trampoline to your yard, one of the first questions is usually cost.
How much does it cost to install a trampoline?
The answer depends on the type of trampoline you choose. A basic above-ground trampoline is usually the cheapest option upfront. An in ground trampoline costs more, but it also offers a much different result. Instead of sitting above the lawn as a temporary piece of equipment, an in ground trampoline becomes part of the backyard.
For many families, that is the real appeal. An in ground trampoline looks cleaner, feels more premium, lasts longer when properly installed, and fits more naturally into the yard.
If you are considering an in ground trampoline, here is what to know about cost, installation, drainage, retaining walls, and why the trampoline itself should match the quality of the project.
Are In Ground Trampolines Worth It?
For many families, the biggest reason to choose an in ground trampoline is the way it fits into the yard. Instead of sitting high above the lawn like a temporary piece of equipment, an in ground trampoline becomes part of the backyard design.
It has a cleaner, more premium look and feels like a long-term addition to the home. A good comparison is the difference between an above-ground pool and an in-ground pool. Both can be fun, but an in-ground pool feels more permanent, looks better in the yard, and adds a more polished feel to the space. In ground trampolines offer that same kind of upgrade over traditional above-ground trampolines.
There is also less concern about the trampoline being moved, tipped, or blown around in extreme weather because the trampoline is installed into the ground rather than standing above it on legs.
Safety is another reason families consider an in ground trampoline, although it is usually not the only reason. Because the jumping surface sits close to ground level, it removes the large gap between the trampoline and the yard. This makes falling off the trampoline less of an issue and can eliminate the need to purchase a tall enclosure in many backyard setups.
That combination of a cleaner look, a more permanent installation, less visual clutter, easier yard integration, and a lower jump surface is what makes an in ground trampoline such a strong choice for families who want their backyard to feel intentional instead of crowded.
In Ground Trampoline Installation Price
A true in ground trampoline is a premium backyard feature, so the cost is usually higher than a basic above-ground trampoline.
The trampoline itself will typically start around $4,000 and can cost up to $20,000 or more for premium multi-trampoline backyard park setups.
The installation cost is separate from the trampoline. Depending on your yard, soil conditions, drainage needs, retaining wall design, and contractor fees, the hole, retaining wall, drainage system, and installation work can often range from $2,000 to $6,000.
That means a properly installed in ground trampoline is usually not a small impulse purchase. It is a long-term backyard investment. For many families, that is exactly the appeal, it looks more permanent, feels more premium, and become part of the yard.
There are a few different ways an in ground trampoline can be installed. Some trampolines are installed as freestanding units inside a pit. This can work in certain cases, but it is not always the best solution because the trampoline still needs proper support, airflow, drainage, and access for maintenance.
The more complete option is a trampoline mounted to a properly built retaining wall. This is what most people think of as a true in ground trampoline. The trampoline is integrated into the landscape, the surrounding ground is supported properly, and the finished result looks cleaner and more permanent.
Because the installation can cost as much as, or more than, many basic trampolines, it is important to choose the right trampoline from the start. The hole, wall, drainage, and contractor work are permanent parts of the project. The trampoline should be built to match that level of investment.
Why You Shouldn’t Put a Cheap Trampoline in an Expensive Hole
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make with in ground trampolines is trying to save money on the trampoline itself after spending thousands of dollars on the installation.
The hole, retaining wall, drainage, landscaping, and contractor work can easily cost more than a low-end trampoline. If you install a cheap trampoline in that permanent setup, you may end up with a backyard feature that looks expensive from the outside but depends on equipment that was never built for long-term in ground use.
This creates a simple problem: you are spending permanent-installation money on a not-so-permanent trampoline.
A lower-cost trampoline may work for a short period of time, but it may not be designed for the airflow, moisture exposure, frame support, and long-term access requirements of an in ground trampoline installation. If the trampoline wears out, rusts, shifts, or needs to be replaced sooner than expected, the replacement process can be more frustrating and more expensive because it is built into the yard.
That is why the trampoline should not be treated as the place to cut corners. If you are already investing in excavation, drainage, a retaining wall, and landscaping, the trampoline itself should be designed for that level of project.
Crazy Ape in ground trampolines are built for homeowners who want the finished, premium look of an in ground setup without compromising on the trampoline at the centre of it. When the installation is permanent, the trampoline should be built like it belongs there.
How Deep Does the Hole Need to Be for an In Ground Trampoline?
The depth of the hole depends on the in ground trampoline model, the size of the trampoline, the installation style, and the drainage plan. There is no single hole depth that applies to every in ground trampoline.
Some in ground trampolines are installed as freestanding units inside a pit. In this type of setup, the trampoline frame sits inside the excavated area, similar to how an above-ground trampoline would stand on a flat surface, but below ground level. This can work in some situations, but the hole still needs to allow for proper clearance, airflow, access, drainage, and maintenance.
A true in ground trampoline is usually mounted to a retaining wall or support structure. In this style of installation, the pit is built to support the surrounding ground, manage water properly, and create a clean finished edge around the trampoline. The trampoline is then mounted into the opening rather than simply placed inside a hole.
This is why it is important to follow the specifications for the in ground trampoline system you are installing. The hole should be planned around the product, not guessed based on a generic online estimate. Digging too shallow can create clearance and airflow issues, while digging too deep or too wide can increase cost and make the project more complicated than it needs to be.
Before excavation starts, homeowners should know the in ground trampoline dimensions, recommended pit depth, retaining wall requirements, drainage plan, and finished grade height. A proper plan helps the installation look better, perform better, and last longer.
Retaining Walls and Finishing Around an In Ground Trampoline
The area around an in ground trampoline matters just as much as the trampoline itself. A clean, well-supported edge is what makes the finished project look intentional instead of looking like a trampoline dropped into a hole.
There are two main ways an in ground trampoline can be installed. The first is a freestanding trampoline placed inside a pit. This can work in certain situations, but it is usually a more basic approach. The trampoline still sits inside an excavated area, and the pit needs enough space for the frame, airflow, drainage, and future access.
The second option is a true in ground trampoline installation, where the trampoline is mounted to a retaining wall or support structure. This creates a cleaner finished edge, supports the surrounding soil, and helps the trampoline feel like a permanent part of the yard.
The retaining wall can be built in different ways depending on the yard, soil type, drainage plan, and trampoline system. The goal is to keep the ground around the trampoline stable while creating a finished opening that looks clean and lasts over time.
Finishing the area around the in ground trampoline is also important. Many homeowners choose grass, turf, stone, pavers, or other landscaping materials around the trampoline to help it blend into the yard. This is one of the biggest advantages of an in ground trampoline. Instead of standing above the lawn and taking over the view, it becomes part of the backyard design.
Crazy Ape can also provide extended pads that reach beyond the perimeter of the trampoline. This helps create a sleeker finished look around the edge of the in ground trampoline and can make the installation feel more integrated with the surrounding yard.
If you are investing in an in ground trampoline, the retaining wall, padding, and finishing work should not be treated as afterthoughts. They are part of what makes the final result look premium, permanent, and properly installed.
Drainage for an In Ground Trampoline
Drainage is one of the most important parts of an in ground trampoline installation. Because the trampoline sits inside a pit, water needs somewhere to go. Without proper drainage, rainwater, melting snow, or runoff from the yard can collect underneath the trampoline.
A poorly drained trampoline pit can create several problems. Standing water can make the area muddy, increase moisture around the frame and springs, create unpleasant odours, and make future maintenance more difficult. In colder climates, trapped water can also freeze and create additional issues below the trampoline.
The right drainage system depends on the yard. Some properties may only need a simple gravel base and proper grading to help water move away from the trampoline. Other yards may require a more complete drainage solution, such as a sump pit, drain tile, or connection to an approved drainage area.
This is another reason why an in ground trampoline should be planned before excavation begins. The hole, retaining wall, drainage system, and trampoline all need to work together. If the drainage is treated as an afterthought, fixing the problem later can be much more difficult and expensive.
Crazy Ape in ground trampolines are designed for homeowners who want a clean, long-lasting backyard setup. A proper drainage plan helps protect that investment and keeps the trampoline area looking and performing the way it should.
Frame Quality and Long-Term Durability
When choosing an in ground trampoline, frame quality matters. The trampoline is being installed into a more permanent backyard setup, so the frame, springs, pads, and jumping surface should be built for long-term use.
This is especially important because an in ground trampoline is exposed to different conditions than a basic above-ground trampoline. Moisture, airflow, drainage, soil conditions, seasonal weather, and long-term access all play a role in how well the trampoline holds up over time.
A galvanized steel frame is important because it helps protect against rust and corrosion. However, the frame material is only one part of the equation. The trampoline should also be designed with proper support, strong connection points, quality pads, durable springs, and materials that can handle outdoor use year after year.
This is another reason to be careful with low-cost trampolines. A cheap trampoline may seem like a good way to save money at the start, but if the frame rusts, pads break down, or parts need to be replaced too quickly, it can become a frustrating investment. That is even more true when the trampoline is installed into a permanent pit or mounted to a retaining wall.
Crazy Ape in ground trampolines are built for families who want a premium backyard feature, not a temporary piece of equipment. When the hole, drainage, retaining wall, and landscaping are built to last, the trampoline should be built to last too.
Why Choose a Crazy Ape In Ground Trampoline?
If you are planning an in ground trampoline, the biggest decision is not just the size of the trampoline. It is choosing a trampoline that matches the level of the installation.
An in ground trampoline is a permanent backyard feature. By the time you factor in the hole, retaining wall, drainage, landscaping, and contractor work, the project is much more than a basic trampoline purchase. That is why it makes sense to choose a trampoline that is designed to look premium, last longer, and fit properly into the yard.
Crazy Ape in ground trampolines are built for families who want a cleaner and more finished backyard setup. Instead of having a trampoline sit high above the lawn, a Crazy Ape in ground trampoline can be integrated into the landscape for a more polished look.
Crazy Ape also offers options that help improve the finished appearance of the installation, including extended pads that can reach beyond the perimeter of the trampoline. This creates a sleeker edge and helps the trampoline feel more connected to the surrounding yard.
For homeowners who want something beyond a basic single trampoline, Crazy Ape also offers premium multi-trampoline options that can turn a backyard into a more complete trampoline park-style setup. These larger systems are ideal for families who want a standout backyard feature with more room to jump, play, and grow.
If you are already investing in a permanent in ground trampoline installation, Crazy Ape gives you a system that is built to match the project.
Read More About In Ground Trampolines
Want to keep researching before choosing the right in ground trampoline for your backyard? These guides can help:
