Setup Steps for an In Ground Rectangle Trampoline
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:25 January 2026
An in ground rectangle trampoline can be a smart option if you're after a clean, open look in your backyard during the Perth summer. It sits level with the lawn, blends in better than a tall above-ground frame, and still gives the family plenty of space to play.
That design works well, but it also means setup takes a bit more thought. Getting the right placement, digging deep enough, and setting it up for good airflow all make a big difference. If you're thinking about installing one while the weather is warm and dry, planning properly now can help avoid problems later.
Planning the Placement and Measuring the Area
Before any digging starts, it's important to find the right spot. A smooth, level surface is a good start, but it helps to look at the space around it too. We always aim for an area where kids can jump safely without hitting branches, fences, or other garden features.
• Pick a flat section of lawn or yard that doesn't hold puddles after rain
• Measure outside the frame size to allow room for edging and drainage
• Double-check all four corners so the pit ends up square, with enough support on every side
• Watch out for nearby trees or plants that drop leaves into the frame or shade the mat unevenly
That extra half-metre beyond the frame can be easy to forget but becomes important when adding a safe edge or keeping the site tidy later on.
Jump Star Trampolines offers in ground rectangle trampolines in popular sizes, including 8ft x 12ft up to 9ft x 14ft, which are designed with galvanised steel frames to resist corrosion in Perth’s conditions.
Digging the Pit and Managing Soil
Once the placement's sorted, it's time to start the pit. This stage can take a full day or more, depending on ground hardness, but rushing it usually causes trouble later. Getting the shape and depth right is what makes the trampoline safe to use once it's in.
• Mark your dig lines using pegs and string so the space stays aligned
• Dig deep enough for both the frame edges and bounce clearance underneath the mat
• Keep the soil nearby, as some will be needed to backfill around the frame once it's in
• Pitch the base slightly lower in the centre to help drain water away from the jumping area
A lot of backyards in Perth have sand-based soil, which can shift over time. If this is your case, shaping the walls carefully or compacting the earth can help the pit hold its shape better over the long run.
Framing and Airflow Setups
Getting the frame in place is where the rectangle shape becomes more noticeable. It doesn’t just need to be level, it needs to stay strong and square to spread bounce pressure properly. Soft edges or sagging can lead to unsafe tension on springs and joints.
• Set the frame into the pit with support blocks or shims underneath until it's completely level
• Add a timber or treated steel edge if the soil won't hold up on its own
• Make sure there's airflow under the mat by leaving a gap around the sides or placing vents down low
• In warm backyards, especially through a long Perth summer, airflow helps stop heat from building under the mat and affecting bounce quality
If you're working in a yard that's known to get extra hot, keeping space under the mat becomes just about as important as the bounce surface itself.
Jump Star Trampolines’ in ground models use reinforced mats and UV-stabilised safety pads, helping your installation resist sun exposure and maintain safety over years of regular use.
Placing Mat, Springs, and Safety Pads
Once the frame sits firm, it's time to install the moving parts. This phase really shapes how the trampoline will move during use, and how long it will hold up under daily stress. Installing springs unevenly or stretching the mat too far on one side can lead to strain or tearing later on.
• Attach springs one by one, going corner to corner across the frame to balance tension
• Check that each coil hooks securely and doesn't leave too much slack or pull too tight
• Lay the mat after all springs are hooked in, then press lightly on different areas to test for softness or uneven pull
• Cover the full edge with fitted safety pads so no metal is left exposed
It can feel tempting to skip the safety pads, especially since the mat is already low to the ground, but they help protect against stubbed toes or caught fingers, especially when more than one child is bouncing at once.
Final Checks and Ongoing Maintenance
After everything is installed, light testing can help catch any soft spots or shifting. A few small jumps in different corners can show whether tension is even or if part of the mat dips more than the rest.
• Walk the edge and give a soft bounce in each corner to check for wobble or uneven return
• Clear out any leftover soil, sticks, or mulch around the frame
• Keep an eye on the ground nearby, heavy rain or strong heat can sometimes shift soil or create new pressure spots
• Remove leaves and dirt once or twice a week to keep airflow clear and stop moisture from sitting under the mat
Even a small amount of trapped moisture can lead to mould or weaken fabric joins, so it's a good habit to keep the area clear as part of regular outdoor upkeep.
Designed to Last Through Summer and Beyond
A proper in ground rectangle trampoline setup adds something solid and fun to the yard without taking over your view. It offers the same bounce as a raised frame with a little less visual clutter, which comes in handy around garden beds or paved entertaining areas.
Taking the time to plan out the placement, dig the right shape, and balance each part of the build helps it stay safer and simpler to maintain once it's in. Warm weather in Perth makes summer the perfect season to install, giving everything time to settle before school breaks or holiday gatherings take up the space. When it's all done right, you get a backyard feature that’s low-fuss and high on fun.
A summer backyard upgrade in Perth, WA, is even better with an in ground rectangle trampoline that blends into your yard for a cleaner look without compromising on bounce quality. At Jump Star Trampolines, we help you create a setup that suits your family and stands up to the hot, dry Perth climate. Our team can guide you through fitting details, choosing the right size, and offering soil tips for your area, so get in touch with us to plan the perfect installation for your home.
