Standalone Swing Installation Overview
Please reference the installation manuals for the 8-ft standalone or 9-ft standalone swing set. Take note of whether you are installing a 2-swing or 3-swing version. In addition to the detailed installation instruction manual, here is an overview of how a typical standalone swing installation is completed.
Key Tips
- Measure the footer location based on the plan in the instruction manual; don't assemble the set first and measure from that. See below for more details on why.
- We recommend using the 50-lb bags of fast setting concrete mix to make the job go quickly.
- Have 12 bags of the 50-lb fast setting concrete mix on site. This will give you the right amount of concrete if you dig 8" round and 36" deep holes. (If you dig wider holes, you'll need more concrete.)
- Allow the concrete to fully set before using the swing set and before fully tightening the nuts on the j-bolts.
Step by Step Installation Overview
1. Verify parts and prepare the site
Upon arrival on site, the first step is to confirm that all required components are present and ready for installation.
2. Lay out the swing location
Next, measure and mark the installation area to make sure the swing will be placed in the correct location. Using the concrete footer detail and the overall dimensions of the set, build a string-line layout to identify the exact locations of the four J-bolts.
3. Mark the hole locations
Once the J-bolt locations are confirmed, you can use an 8-inch cardboard circle as a reference to mark the center and position of each hole on the ground.
4. Dig the footers
Each of the four holes is then dug to a minimum depth of 36 inches below grade using post-hole diggers. After digging is complete, the removed dirt is placed wherever the customer has requested.
5. Re-establish the string lines
The string lines are temporarily removed during digging so they are not damaged. After the holes are complete, reinstall the string lines and confirm they are back in the same level position as before.
6. Pour concrete and set the J-bolts
Then mix approximately three bags of fast-setting concrete mix per hole and pour the concrete to the established grade. The top is smoothed off, and the J-bolt is inserted into the wet concrete at the correct height and directly beneath the marked point on the string line. This process is repeated for all four holes.
7. Assemble the swing while the concrete sets
While the concrete is setting up, begin assembly of the swing according to the provided instructions. This includes:
- Assembling the swing beam and pendulums
- Ensuring washers are properly fitted between components
- Confirming the shoulder bolt is fully seated so the pendulum rotates freely
- Installing the carabiners and chains
- Assembling the swings per the swing instructions
- Connecting the swing bar to the A-frames and tightening hardware
One note: occasionally there may be washers in the kit that are slightly thicker than ideal, so special care may be needed to select and place the thinnest washers next to the pendulum so the assembly rotates freely.
8. Raise and secure the swing set
Once the concrete has set sufficiently and the swing assembly is complete, the swing set is raised into place and set over the J-bolts. At that point, the large custom stainless steel washer provided by SwingSesh is installed first, followed by the smaller washer that comes with the J-bolt, and then the nut. These are tightened to a snug, hand-tight state.
9. Secure the swings during cure time
Although the set is installed, the concrete requires 72 hours to fully cure. During that time, the swings are crossed and clipped together with the carabiners so it is clear the set is not ready for use and no child can accidentally begin swinging on it.
10. Professional Installers - Take required photos
Photos are an important part of the installation process and should be sent when nearing completion and at full completion. These should include:
- A photo showing each hole at 36 inches minimum depth before concrete is poured
- Progress photos during installation as needed
- Close-up of each foot with j-bolt, washers, and nut snug
- Level held vertically against each A-frame and horizontally across swing bar to confirm plumb and level
- Final full photos of the completed set with the swings hanging normally
- Final photos with the swings crossed and secured to indicate the set is not yet ready for use
11. Professional Installers - Remain on site for review
After installation is complete, the installer should remain on site until the photos have been reviewed by our team. If any discrepancies or issues are identified, they can be addressed immediately. Once the installation is approved, payment will be processed promptly through the method previously provided.
12. Allow concrete to cure before using the swing set
Please allow the concrete to cure before using the swing set. Wait at least 72 hours after completion of installation before using. If the install team advises you to wait longer based on concrete specifications or specific site/weather conditions, please give the concrete time to fully cure.
Standalone Swing Set Frequently Asked Questions
What if my site is not flat?
A slight slope is usually easy to accommodate with a Standalone Swing Set, but the swing set itself must be installed level.
There are a few ways to account for uneven grade:
- Raise the low side: Allow the concrete pilings to extend above grade as needed. A short section of 8" diameter round concrete form can be used at the top of the footing to form the exposed concrete. We still recommend 36" of concrete below grade.
- Lower the high side: Dig the footing deeper on the uphill side so the frame can sit level.
- Use a combination of both: In many installations, raising one side slightly and lowering the other is a good approach.
After installation, the exposed footing area can be backfilled with your planned surfacing (mulch, sand, etc). The best approach will depend on the amount of slope and the type of surfacing you plan to use, but the important requirement is the same: do not install the swing frame following the slope of the ground; each A-frame must be plumb and the swing bar must be level.
How precise do the footing locations need to be?
Follow the footing layout dimensions shown in the installation manual as closely as possible. Do not use the assembled frame to determine the footing or J-bolt locations. Because the swing beam is a welded assemblies, the welding process can cause slight inward pull at the connections. When the hardware is fully tightened, this can also pull the A-frames slightly inward and out of plumb.
The footing and J-bolt dimensions in the installation manual are designed around the correct finished geometry of the swing set. Once the frame is assembled, it may need to be gently pulled or spread into position so that:
- Both A-frames are plumb.
- The swing beam is level.
- The mounting plates on the feet of the A-frames fit over the specified J-bolt locations.
This is normal and does not mean the footing locations are incorrect. For best results, carefully lay out and verify all footing and J-bolt locations using the dimensions provided in the installation manual before pouring concrete. Do not relocate the anchors simply to match the frame in its relaxed or partially assembled position.
How do I confirm the swing set is level and plumb?
Use a quality carpenter's level during installation. Place the level:
- Horizontally along the swing beam to confirm the beam is level.
- Vertically against each A-frame/post to confirm the structure is plumb.
Do not use the ground as your reference. Even if the site slopes, the swing set itself should be installed level and plumb.
When should I tighten all of the hardware?
Start by assembling the swing set with the hardware snug, but do not fully tighten everything immediately. Leaving the connections slightly loose allows the frame to settle into its proper position while you level, square, and plumb the structure. Once the frame is positioned correctly, progressively tighten the hardware while continuing to check the frame.
Wait at least 72 hours, or longer, until the concrete has cured before tightening down the nust on the j-bolts that connect the swing set to the concrete.
How long should I wait before using the swing set?
Allow the concrete footings to cure before putting the swing set into normal use. Do not allow swinging, climbing, hanging, or other dynamic loading while the concrete is still curing.
For quick setting concrete, we recommend waiting at least 72 hours before using the swing set. Concrete continues gaining strength after that point and generally reaches its specified design strength at approximately 28 days.
Curing time can vary based on the concrete product, temperature, moisture, and installation conditions, so always follow the concrete manufacturer's instructions or the installers instructions if they require a longer curing period.
