The Best Way to Anchor a Metal Swing Set
A swing set in the backyard is a great investment for your family. As parents, it's our responsibility to ensure the swing set is safe. One important precaution is to properly anchor your backyard playset. Let's dig a little deeper into why anchoring a swing set is so important, the different types of swing set anchors available, and the best way to anchor your heavy duty metal playset.
What are the Best Swing Set Anchors?
There are many different types of swing set anchors available. The type of anchor you ultimately choose depend on the type of swing set you have and the type of soil and surfacing you're placing it on.
Types of Swing Set Anchors:
- Heavy-duty screw style earth anchors/penetrators.
- Corkscrew swing set anchors
- Rebar swing set anchors
- Metal pipe strap clamps
- Concrete footers with bolts
Some swing set kits come with anchors, but many don't. Read carefully to see what is provided. Here at SwingSesh, we include high-quality heavy-duty earth anchors with every swing set we sell.
Heavy Duty Earth Anchors for SwingSesh Playsets
All SwingSesh fitness playset swing set kits include heavy duty earth anchors. And we're not messing around - we're talking 18-in long, screw-style ground penetrators designed to hold some serious weight... not just a little piece of rebar or a tent stake like you buy at a big box store. No concrete needed with these tough anchors, and they can be removed and reused in another location if you need to relocate your set.
Swing Set Earth Anchor Installation
Tools Required:
- 1/2" drive or impact driver
Instructions:
- Insert Earth Anchors through the center of the hole in the feet of SwingSesh posts, per the specific installation instructions for your model and attachments. Anchors are not required in every post, but additional anchors can be purchased if desired.
- Use a 1/2” drive or impact driver to screw the anchors into place. Take care to insert the anchor vertically. Anchors must be fully inserted below the level of the playing surface to prevent tripping or injury resulting from a fall.
- Earth anchors provided may not be adequate in certain soil conditions, particularly sandy soils, and the equipment may need to be anchored with larger anchors or concrete footers.
How to Pour Concrete Footers for a Swing Set
In cases where earth anchors are ineffective due to soil conditions or other factors, concrete footers are an acceptable alternative to anchor your SwingSesh equipment.
Tools Required:
- Post hole digger
- Shovel or small trowel
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- J-Bolt (5/8” x 10-in long) with 5/8” flat washer & nut, qty one per footer
- 1-in flat washer (outside diameter 2-in), qty one per footer
- Stakes
- String
- Sharpie Marker
Instructions:
STEP 1: Determine footer location.
Start by staking the location for the footers. Tie a loop end large enough to fit over the stakes in a ~ 20 ft or greater string. Hammer one stake in line with the center of the anchoring hole on the post foot, approximately 12” from the post foot. Hammer the second stake in line with the second post. Run a taut string across the center of the holes between each stake approximately 4” above ground level with one end secured by the loop and the other secured by wrapping several times around the stake. Mark the center of each bolt hole required using the sharpie marker. Remove the parts or posts that will be anchored from the area. Lightly mark the outline of the six-inch diameter hole by disturbing the ground. Care should be used to not cut the string if marking with shovel/diggers. Once clearly marked, remove the looped end of the string, but do not move the stakes.
STEP 2: Dig holes for the footers.
Using post hole diggers, dig a 6” diameter hole 36” deep or 12” below local frost line and minimum 12” below undisturbed soil. Undercut the bottom of the hole so the bottom of the hole has a slightly larger diameter.
STEP 3: Pour concrete.
Determine the appropriate amount of concrete based on the number and depth of footers. Mix concrete in wheelbarrow or bucket according to manufacturer recommendations. Once the holes are filled, smooth the top to level using a shovel or small trowel. Replace the string to locate the center of the holes for bolt placement. Place the J-bolt in the wet concrete such that the top threaded portion is sticking above the concrete face approximately 1” – 1.5” and centered on the string marking locating the center. Ensure the threads are clean and free from concrete. Ensure the J-bolt is plumb.
STEP 4: Anchor the equipment.
After the concrete has hardened ~24 -48 hours or per manufacturer recommendation, place the posts over the J-bolt and secure using a washer and nut.
