A question about leveling the ground for a swingset in our backyard....?

Question

We are getting a home that has a fairly large slant in the ground which makes it not level enough to put a swing set on for our kids. My husband and I aren't sure how to level the ground safely to put a swing set on it.

Any ideas on how to do this so the swing set can sit on a level piece of land and how much this might cost?

Answer 1

I have had some slanting ground in one of my houses, it was quiet steep which worked as an advantage,
We got some treated railway sleepers put them into the ground and cemented the bottoms then in front of those pillars layered 6 on top of each other- which gave us a very strong wall,
Using a mini bobcat moved the dirt back onto the flat surface.
moving the dirt around leveling off the hill to the back of the house.

It helped greatly with water drainage too, instead of everything running to the house.

You dont have to do big walls you can go and build three or more lower walls so they look like long steps.
and if you want put shrubs along the edges of the walls so the kids dont fall down off the steps.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

As the other answerer noted, when multiple kids are swinging, eventually they'll all be swinging in the same direction at the same time, and judging from the steep "A" angle of the swingset, it's highly likely that their weight could tip the swing in the direction they're swinging. Now, having said that, it's unlikely that the entire swingset will pitch over, but man, if it ever did, I'm not sure I'd like to see what injuries could result from getting bonked by the top cross-member. Yep, either stake it with some long-lasting wood (redwood or pressure-treated) stakes, some type of metal stake (well protected from falling children), or partially embed the swingset legs in concrete, or use some type of wet-set concrete anchor that can then be bolted to the swingset.

Answer 4

Without any detail about the degree of the grade variation the Q will be difficult to answer here,,,BUT...AND, I've installed my share of PLAY equipment in my time and offer the following.

First determine WHERE you want to install the set. At the highest point, determine the FOOT PRINT of the set IE: the back to the front feet, and mark that. Then with even a simple few pieces of lumber a clamp or two and a decent level, find the height of the Lower spot that levels with the high one.

For saftey overall, no matter a level surface or not the 4 or more FEET of a swing set should be "anchored." To do that you might dig holes, pour concrete footers, add PIPE before the footers set and arrange the swing set to couple with those pipes protruding, using galvanized bolts/nuts, etc.

Again, without knowing the grade, safety may still be an issue, especially if a child slides off, jumps off intentionally, or falls off accidentally, and happens to ROLL down the grade?

Certainly with some extra investment you can raise the lower grade with "FILL" or design some manner of safety cushioning just in case.

To bring the lower feet to level with the upper, might take some FORMING to pour the concrete into, and buffer that protrusion with FILL or plants, etc.

The cost to accomplish the leveling certainly will be less than the swing set itself if it's a DIY project. Some Lumber, premixed concrete, hardware to secure the legs, perhaps Fill or an old mattress (smile),,,and instructions to the children about the issues and possibilities.

Good luck, and enjoy.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

Why not just use a lot of sweat and remove the ground on the high side of the hill down to where it is almost level with the low side, then sink legs in the ground the last few inches? Remove plenty to give clearance for kids to play all around it. Doesn't cost a dime except your time and labor.

Answer 6

You can burry the rear supports of the swingset, in the ground about 4 inches. Then place the front supports on bricks above ground. Level it and be certain to surround the area with soft mulch or simalar material for safety.
The cost would be, 'sweat equity' if you DIY. To hire it out, could be $$$.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I think the safest solution would only work if you have a suitable tree in your yard. Go for the swing-from-the-branch thing. A little planning and effort you can have two or more swings, a slide and even a glider. Maybe even adapt parts of the swing set to tree use. Done right, it can be better and more fun for the kids than any swing set you can buy.

Answer 9

set feet in concrete ( the ones that are above ground ) - make swing set level, then add sand to fix the ground +/- $ 50 to 100 a load!

Answer 10

Build a retaining wall into the hill or slope. Use wood or concrete retaining wall blocks and then fill will dirt. Place swing set.