Inground Trampolines vs. Above Ground Trampolines (Key Differences)

One of the factors you must consider before buying a trampoline is whether you want the trampoline installed in the ground or above the ground. 

There are major differences between inground trampolines and above ground trampolines.

Choosing the wrong type of trampoline can lead to a plethora of problems. 

Among them?

Wasted money, a less aesthetically pleasing backyard and increased injury risk for your little jumpers. 

We won't let that happen to you. 

In this article, you will get a detailed look at how inground trampolines differ from an above ground trampolines on these crucial factors:

• Installation
• Cost
• Aesthetics
• Safety
• Durability
• Flexibility
• Accessibility 

After reading this, you will feel empowered and confident in your trampoline choice. 

What Is an Inground Trampoline? 

Before getting to the difference between the two, let’s start by going over definitions of the two types of trampolines, starting with inground trampolines. 

An inground trampoline, as you can probably guess by the name, is a trampoline that is installed into the ground rather than above the ground.  

Example of an inground trampoline (via Capital Play):  

So, if an inground trampoline is installed in the ground, that means… 

What Is an Above Ground Trampoline? 

You guessed it!

An above ground trampoline is the exact opposite of an inground trampoline. It sits above the ground rather than being installed into the ground.  

Example of an above ground trampoline: 

While the definitions of the two types of trampoline sound obvious, they require a much deeper look to see the real impact of choosing one over the other. 

How you decide to install your trampoline affects many things, and we will use the ensuing sections to discuss all of these in detail. 

7 Differences Between Inground and Above Ground Trampolines 

Let's now go through the seven key factors that distinguish inground trampolines from above ground models: 

1. Installation 

As you now know, the basic difference between an inground and above ground trampoline revolves around installation.

But how does this actually look?

Here's a good representation of an inground trampoline installation, courtesy of Trampoline Holes:  

Because inground trampolines are installed in the ground, it requires a larger investment in money, time and space.

An inground trampoline is a backyard commitment, much like a pool or fire pit would be.  

Inground trampoline installation will usually require you to hire a professional to: 

• Dig a hole 

• Ensure it is properly structured 

• Set up a proper drainage system 

Because of the advanced installation, installing an inground trampoline will take longer than an above ground trampoline.  

For context, a Springfree Trampoline (designed to be installed above ground) takes 2-3 hours to fully assemble. 

On the other hand, an inground trampoline can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to install (depending on the efficiency of the installers). 

Installing an inground trampoline will also increase the total cost of buying the trampoline. More on this in the next section. 

 Installation: Above ground > Inground 

2. Cost 

The cost of an inground trampoline can range from $1,500-$5,000+ while an above ground trampoline can range from $100-$4,500+ depending on the type and quality of the trampoline.  

The inground trampoline itself will cost over $1,000. Installing it can cost up to $3,500 or more.

With an above-ground trampoline, the price you see is usually what you pay.

You can hire professional trampoline assembly for a few hundred dollars, but most above-ground trampolines can be self-installed.

Cost: Above ground > Inground 

3. Aesthetics  

The first two differences went against the inground trampoline option, but this next difference is arguably in favor of installing a trampoline into the ground. 

While beauty is subjective, a prevailing thought about above ground trampolines is they can take away from the aesthetic of your backyard.

This is especially the case with less expensive trampolines you might find at a retail store.  

Alternatively, inground trampolines are looked at by many as the more visually attractive option because they take up less space and don’t stick out as much as above ground trampolines. 

Example of an inground trampoline with enclosure (via JumpSport): 

 

Aesthetics: Inground > Above ground  

4. Safety  

You ask any parent or supervisor, and the concern among almost all of them regarding trampolines will be safety. 

When it comes to typical inground vs. above ground trampolines, inground trampolines tend to be the safer option among the two.

However, this comes with a caveat.  

But first, let’s explain why inground trampolines are typically deemed to be the safer option.

Since the trampoline is at ground level, inground trampolines eliminate falling injuries. 

Even though almost all modern above ground trampolines have an enclosure net, there is still the chance that a jumper can fall through the net if it is not strong enough to hold the impact of the jumper, which can result in a falling injury.  

However, that is just one element of the trampoline safety conversation. 

Inground trampolines are still designed with metal springs and a metal frame. Taking a spill on one of these components can result in injury.  

You can also still incur injuries from neglecting safe jumping rules—like too many people jumping on the trampoline at once, for instance. (Springfree recommends a “One Jumper at a Time Rule).  

It can be argued that above-ground trampolines containing safety features such as an advanced enclosure system, a hidden frame and composite rods instead of springs are just as, if not, safer than inground trampolines.  

Here's a look at Springfree Trampoline's safety features: 

But these types of above ground trampolines (like our Springfree Trampolines) are on the pricier side.

So, although the quality of the trampoline matters greatly in determining its safety, a typical inground trampoline is safer than a typical above ground trampoline due to the elimination of falling injuries. 

Safety: Inground > Above ground 

5. Durability  

Durability, or how long the trampoline will last, is another vital concern among buyers looking to purchase a trampoline.  

Just like safety, the better option among inground and above ground trampolines can depend on the quality of the trampoline.

You can argue that high-quality above ground trampolines are just as durable as inground trampolines. 

However, once you get to the less expensive above ground models, you run into more durability concerns than inground models. 

Since inground trampolines are installed in the ground, they can withstand strong wind conditions much better than traditional above ground trampolines.

You don’t have to worry about your inground trampoline blowing away under heavy winds. 

Additionally, inground trampolines will not succumb to sun-related damage or rust that above ground trampolines can experience. 

Durability: Inground > Above ground 

6. Flexibility  

The next difference between the types of trampolines involves their ability to be easily moved if needed. 

Say you want to do a complete backyard makeover and want to move the resident trampoline to a different part of your yard. 

If you have an above ground trampoline, this process would be rather seamless.

You can use shifting wheels or have multiple people pick up and transfer the trampoline to its new desired location, like so:

But if your trampoline is installed in the ground, then you won't be able to easily move it. That would basically require you to start a brand-new installation process (not ideal for anyone). 

It’s also a pain if you’re moving to a different house.

Since the trampoline is in the ground, you would need to plan for professional assistance and landscaping to take the trampoline out of the ground and restore the yard to its previous form. 

An inground trampoline is a permanent structure in your backyard. So, if you need to move it in the future, it will cost you. 

Flexibility: Above ground > Inground 

7. Accessibility  

The seventh difference we will touch on in this article is accessibility, or how easy it is to get in and out of the trampoline. 

There doesn’t need to be much explanation here. Since inground trampolines are at ground level, they will be easier to access than above ground trampolines.  

With above-ground trampolines, you may need to use a ladder and will have to zip and unzip the trampoline net to enter/leave the trampoline. 

Accessibility: Inground > Above ground 

Which Type of Trampoline Is Right for You? 

We can tell you from our experience in the trampoline industry that above ground trampolines tend to be more popular than inground trampolines because they are more affordable and easier to install. 

But that doesn’t mean everybody should buy an above ground trampoline.

As you saw in the differences between the two, there are certain things—like aesthetics, prevention of falling injuries, durability and accessibility—that inground trampolines win out on.  

Our advice? Set your goals, align them with your budget and go find the best trampoline for you. 

That’s a pretty broad statement, though.

The type of trampoline you want will go a long way toward determining which trampoline is right for you. However, this is just the first determining factor you need to assess. 

There are additional aspects to consider before you choose the trampoline that will provide you with plenty of joyful moments and the least amount of issues.  

Read through our blog on what to look for when buying a trampoline, use it to set your goals and make sure you get your ideal trampoline the first time around.