A swing frame that stays firmly in place due to its own weight even when rocking intensively does not necessarily have to be anchored. However, very few frames are that heavy. Therefore, you should always anchor a swing well for the safety of your children.
How can I securely anchor a swing in the garden?
To anchor a swing securely, you can either use ground sockets or screw-in ground anchors or encase the swing frame in concrete. Choose the location for the swing carefully and make sure the surface is level.
What anchoring options are there?
The most durable and safest option for anchoring is setting it in concrete. You can either place the posts of the swing frame directly into the concrete or use ground anchors to which you can later attach the posts. Be sure to ensure that the swing is placed on a level surface, this will increase safety and stability even further.
Anchoring without concrete
Anchoring without concrete is significantly less work than setting in concrete. In the hardware store you can find ground sleeves (€32.00 on Amazon) that are driven into the ground, or even screw-in ground anchors. Before putting the anchors in the ground, assemble the swing frame to find the right place for the anchors.
Both variants are particularly suitable if the ground is relatively firm but free of stones. It is difficult to screw or drive ground anchors into very stony ground. The same applies if there are many or particularly thick (tree) roots in the soil. If the soil is too loose, the anchors may not hold sufficiently.
Anchoring with concrete
If you decide to encase the swing or the ground anchors in concrete, then determine the exact location of the holes in the same way as if you were using simple anchoring. Dig the soil about 50 to 60 cm deep at the marked points.
Pour the concrete mixed according to the instructions into the holes. Then place the swing frame in the damp, dried concrete or the ground anchors. Only screw the swing frame to the ground anchors after the concrete has dried.
The most important things in brief:
- anchoring possible with or without concrete
- Choose your place carefully: sun/shade, preferably no slope
- Assemble the swing frame
- Mark the position of the impact sleeves or holes for concrete
- possibly: dig hole, pour concrete
- Tuck in or screw in the sleeves
Tip
The lighter the swing frame is, the easier it is to tip over and the more firmly it should be anchored.
