Picking the right trampoline for your backyard comes down to more than just size; it’s about how it fits into your yard, your life, and your budget. In-ground and above-ground trampolines both deliver serious bounce and fun, but they're built for different families and different spaces.
In this guide, we walk you through exactly how the two compare, from installation to safety to cost, so you can make the call with confidence.
What Is an In-Ground Trampoline?
An in-ground trampoline sits flush with the ground surface. You dig a pit, install the frame at ground level, and the jumping mat ends up level with (or just slightly above) your lawn. From a distance, it blends into the yard rather than standing above it.
Because the trampoline sits inside a pit, the enclosure poles and safety net are still needed for safe use. The lower entry point doesn't remove the need for a full enclosure. In-ground models are typically custom-installed or require professional excavation before setup.
What Is an Above-Ground Trampoline?
An above-ground trampoline is the style most families are familiar with: a freestanding frame that lifts the jumping mat off the ground, supported by a set of legs. No digging required. You assemble it on a flat surface in your yard, and you're ready to go.
Above-ground trampolines come in a wide range of sizes, like our SpaceJump™ trampoline range, available from 8ft to 16ft, and typically include a full safety enclosure, padded frame edges, and a secure entry system as standard. They're designed to be installed by families, without specialist equipment or contractors.
In-Ground vs Above-Ground Trampolines: How Do They Compare?
Installation
Above-ground trampolines win on installation time and cost. Most families can set one up in an afternoon with basic tools and a second pair of hands. No groundwork, no contractors, no waiting weeks for a pit to be dug.
In-ground installation is a bigger job. You'll need to excavate a pit to the correct depth (typically 3ft or deeper, depending on the model), ensure proper drainage at the base to prevent water pooling, and often bring in professionals to complete the job correctly.
The installation process can take several days and add hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars to the total cost before you've even touched a spring.
Safety
Both types can be used safely with the right setup. The main safety consideration with above-ground trampolines is height. The mat sits elevated off the ground, which is why a full safety enclosure is essential. Our 360° Infinity Net is UV-resistant and tightly woven, designed specifically to keep kids secure during even the most enthusiastic sessions.
In-ground trampolines reduce the fall height from the mat to the ground, which some families find reassuring. However, they introduce their own considerations: the gap between the frame and the pit wall needs to be properly managed to prevent entrapment, and drainage must be maintained year-round to prevent the pit from becoming waterlogged.
Neither type is inherently safer than the other. What matters most is the quality of the enclosure, the condition of the springs and mat, and how the trampoline is maintained over time.
Cost
Above-ground trampolines are significantly more affordable upfront. A high-quality, full-size family trampoline like the Lunar 16ft typically falls in the budget-to-mid-range price bracket, making it an easy entry point for families.
In-ground trampolines carry a higher price tag when you factor in excavation, drainage, labor, and the trampoline itself. Total installed costs commonly run into several thousand dollars, and that's before any landscaping work to restore the yard after digging.
Esthetics
In-ground trampolines are a good choice if a clean, low-profile yard is your priority. Because the frame sits below lawn level, the trampoline doesn't dominate the garden view, and when it's not in use, it can be covered with a mesh or decking panel so it largely disappears.
Above-ground trampolines are more visible in the yard, but that's not necessarily a drawback. For families with kids, a visible trampoline is an invitation to get outside and move. Positioned thoughtfully in the yard and maintained well, a good-quality above-ground trampoline looks the part.
Bounce Quality
Bounce quality in both types is primarily determined by the springs. Our proprietary ThrusterSprings™, which are zinc-galvanized, high-tensile steel springs engineered for a consistent, deep bounce, deliver the same performance whether the trampoline is above ground or recessed.
Where in-ground trampolines can differ is airflow. In a pit installation, the air beneath the mat has less room to move, which can slightly dampen the rebound depending on how the pit is ventilated. Well-designed in-ground systems address this with ventilation holes in the pit walls, but it's worth factoring into your research.
Portability and Flexibility
Above-ground trampolines offer one practical advantage that in-ground models simply can't: you can move them. You can reposition them in the yard for shade or relocate them when you move house. You can even add accessories like the Rocket Slide™ or AstroJam™ Basketball Hoop, making them adaptable in a way that a permanent in-ground installation isn't.
Once an in-ground trampoline is installed, the commitment is made. The pit stays whether or not the trampoline does.
Maintenance
Both types require regular maintenance: checking springs, inspecting the mat and enclosure, and cleaning the frame. In-ground trampolines add one extra task, which is managing the pit itself. Leaves, water, insects, and debris collect in the excavated space, and proper drainage must be maintained to prevent structural damage and keep the area hygienic.
Above-ground trampolines are straightforward to maintain: inspect the components, check the enclosure regularly, and keep the frame clean. Our trampolines are built from high-tensile galvanized steel with a powder-coat finish. They’re engineered to handle outdoor conditions year-round without rusting or degrading.
Which Type of Trampoline Is Right for Your Backyard?
Choose In-Ground If…
- A seamless, low-profile look in the yard is your top priority.
- You have a large, established yard and the budget to cover excavation and drainage work.
- You're not planning to move home in the near future.
- You have access to professional installation and are comfortable with the ongoing pit maintenance involved.
Choose Above-Ground If…
- You want to get bouncing without a major construction project.
- Budget is a consideration. A premium above-ground trampoline costs a fraction of an installed in-ground setup.
- You value flexibility: being able to move or reconfigure the trampoline as your yard or family needs change.
- You want a trampoline that comes complete with a full safety enclosure, solid frame, and accessories that can grow with your kids.
For most families, an above-ground trampoline delivers everything they need: great bounce, reliable safety features, and a backyard upgrade that's ready in an afternoon rather than a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are In-Ground Trampolines Safer Than Above-Ground?
Not necessarily. Both can be used safely with the right setup. Above-ground trampolines with a quality full safety enclosure (like the 360° Infinity Net) provide strong, reliable protection. The most important factors are enclosure quality, spring and mat condition, and consistent maintenance, regardless of which type you choose.
Can You Convert an Above-Ground Trampoline to In-Ground?
Most above-ground trampolines aren't designed for in-ground installation, and attempting a conversion without the correct setup isn't recommended. In-ground installations require specific frame designs, ventilation, and drainage systems built for that use. If an in-ground setup is what you're after, it's worth sourcing a trampoline specifically designed for it from the start.
All the Fun, None of the Groundwork
In-ground trampolines have their appeal, particularly if esthetics are a priority, and you're prepared for the installation commitment. But for families who want a premium backyard trampoline without the excavation, the waiting, or the additional expense, an above-ground trampoline is the practical, high-performance choice.
Great springs. A full safety enclosure built to last. A range of sizes to fit your yard. And a crew behind it for the long haul.
Explore the full SpaceJump™ trampoline range and find the right launchpad for your family.