Be sure you’re confident with the location for your swing set. Once you pour in your concrete anchoring, it will be very difficult to move the set. Nearly any type of soft ground (such as dirt or sand) will work for this method, and you can use this method with wooden and metal swing sets.
For maximum safety, always use 4 anchors to secure all 4 legs of the swing set.
This is technically optional if your swing set has wooden legs, since you may be able to screw in the anchors without pre-drilling a hole. However, it’s a much easier process if the legs already have holes in them, especially if they’re made of metal.
You can purchase an anchoring kit at most home improvement stores and any store that sells supplies for swing sets. Typically, you’ll need to use two large bolts or screws to attach each anchoring plate to the corresponding leg.
When mixing the concrete, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the correct ratio of concrete mix to water. The ideal texture of the finished concrete should be consistent and very thick. Continue to the next step while the poured concrete remains wet.
Be sure that this bottom portion does not stick out of the ground; it could present a safety hazard if it does. For best results, have 1 person hold each leg of the swing set as you lower them into the holes to keep the swing at an even level.
Note that the total amount of time may vary depending on the concrete formula and current weather conditions. Tap on the concrete to test its hardness before use. If you’re using wood mulch or shredded bark mulch, cover the ground beneath the set with at least 9 inches (23 cm) of material. If you’re using uniform wood chips, fine sand, or fine gravel, cover the ground with at least 12 inches (30 cm). For maximum safety, check the swing set once more after covering the area beneath it. Firmly push on each leg of the set. If you anchored the set properly, the pressure should not be enough to cause any leg movement.
If you’re using a 1-piece anchor, simply hammer each stake directly in front of each leg. If you’re using a 2-piece anchor, insert the wooden stakes into the ground exactly where each leg of the swing set will be. This will require you to have someone move the leg out of the way while you’re hammering.
Make sure that you insert the anchors into solid ground. Packed soils are better than loose soil or sand, while soils containing clay or covered in dense grass are even better. If you are unable to twist the anchor with your hands, slide a metal bar through the eye of the anchor and use it as a lever to help rotate the anchor down.
The screws or bolts you’ll need should come with the anchoring kit. You may need to drill the holes with an appropriately sized drill bit before fitting the bolts into the legs, especially when working with metal sets. Position the swing set back in place so that the legs sit directly next to each anchor. Use a drill to carefully insert each screw through the eye of the anchor and into the bottom side of each leg. Be sure to cover any exposed screws with appropriately sized bolt caps.
Match up the screw holes, when applicable. Drill another bolt through each overlapping pair of holes to secure each leg attachment to its corresponding ground anchor.
Apply roughly 9 inches (23 cm) of wood mulch or 12 inches (30 cm) of fine sand or fine gravel as your ground covering.
