Top five tips of playground safety
1. Supervise your child closely and ensure they know how to use equipment safely.
2. Teach them playground safety rules: Wait their turn; go down the slide feet first; hold on to railings and sit down on swings and slides.
3. Remember to keep clear of moving swings and the bottom of slides.
4. Before using the playground, remove helmets, scarves and drawstrings. Avoid playing with skipping ropes around the equipment.
5. Check the playground. It should have a deep, soft surface as well as handrails and barriers to prevent falls. Watch out for sharp objects or spaces where your child's head could get stuck.
Q: How old should be the children who use the amusement equipment?
A: It depends on different kinds of equipments. For example, seesaw is not fit for children under 5-year; slide is fit for 3-year and above children and some large equipment gets higher requirement. For more information, please read the instruction before let your child play, and do please choose the right one for safety.
Q: How should I organize the equipment?
A: There should be enough open space around playground equipment so that children can use the equipment safely. Swings, slides, and other equipment need a buffer zone of empty space to prevent collisions by users and with objects. Also, equipment should be grouped by recommended age range and activity levels of children. Popular items should be spread around the playground to avoid crowding.
Q: What kinds of material you adopt for your products?
A: Plastic parts: environment-friendly engineering plastic, it's safe for human beinga. And anti-UV, static-free, durable and color last long.
For the pipe of naughty castle, we use galvanized pipe.
For steel pipe of outdoor playground, we adopt the steel tube of which the diameter is 114 for the upright post. After special process of descaling and polishing, plastic spraying treatment and high temperature curing, It's smooth, UV-resistant and colorful.. For wooden pipe of wooden outdoor playground, we use the best quality of teak.
As per the sofe play, we use high density sponge inside and high quality of PVC outside.
For trampoline, The frame tube made by galvanized steel; Jumping mat: PP mesh/made in USA, UV-resistant; Pad: PVC (500D/500D) cloth; Foam of pad: EPE, closed-cell foam that will not absorb water, mildew or lose shape; Tubes: double galvanized for inside and outside; Springs: super high-strength galvanized.
Q: What else should I consider when buying and installing new equipment?
A: Make sure that the equipment is properly installed and anchored. Loose equipment is a leading factor in playground injuries. Also, check the product's durability and safety record to ensure that you are purchasing equipment that is proven to be safe. Any finishes and paints applied to the equipment must meet lead safety standards and should be resistant to corrosion. Finally, look for equipment composed of plastic, wood, or vinyl instead of metal when possible.
Q: What after service you provide?
A: our company is responsible for making some modifications as you need and your purchase can be reproduced and refunded if there are serious quality problems.
Q: What free service you supply with the items?
A: For the electric items, we will supply 3-5 pcs of carbon shoes for free. For some big items like outdoor playgrounds, swing sets and naughty castle, we can supply you some screws or fasteners for free.
Q: How long is the guarantee period?
A: For electric products, the guarantee period is ONE YEAR; for other items, the guarantee period is THREE YEARS.
Q: I want to buy some bumper car, what about the space for each bumper car?
A: Well, if the you have over 10 pcs of bumper car, we suggest 15 squre meter for each bumper car; if the tatal quantity is less than 10 pcs, you should arrange 20 square meter for each one.
Q: I would like to know what kind of bumper car I should choose for my amusement park.
A: There are three kinds of bumper car you can choose, ceiling-net bumper car, floor bumper car and battery bumper car. For ceiling net bumper car and floor bumper car, you should arrange the special playing field for them. The power of ceiling-net bumper car is from the electric net of ceiling, and the bumper car should connect with the power net with powe cord, it's not so convenient. For floor bumper car, the power is on the floor, and bumper cars can work on the special floor freely, the voltage of the electric poles of bumper car is 48V (it's the universal voltage of floor bumper car, and it's safe for people to walk on it prove by experiment), floor bumper car is the most exciting one; as per battery bumper car, it's the most economical investment for short-run operating activities caused it works on any flat place.
Q: What kind of power supply modes of the electric train?
A: Usually speaking, there are two kinds of power supply modes of the mini train, battery and orbital-draw. For small type of mini train, like 4 seats train, the power supply mode is usually battery. For the big one (more than 4 seats), the power supply mode is orbit-draw, that is to say, the electric powe is from orbit, the voltage is DC 24V, safe for human being.
Q: Can I add some cart for the mini train to increase the seats?
A: For battery mini train, you can't. But for the orbit-draw mini trains, yes, you can add some carts to increase the seats.
Q: How long is the orbit of mini train? And what about the width of of the orbit?
A: Usually, the shape of the orbit of mini train is round or 8-shape. The diameter of round orbit is uaually 5 meters, 6 meters, 8 meters and 10 meters; the 8-shape is usually 10.6*5.3m.
The width of the orbit is about 80cm.
Q: How do you ship the goods?
A: Usually shipping by sea. But it's variable at customer's need.
Q: What about size and color?
A: The color can be changed according to your requirements (not spot color) or according to our webpage or catalogue.
For the size, we can design the nauhgty castle, outdoor playground, swing set, trampoline or soft plays according to your required size. For the plastic toy or other item of which the mold is necessery, the size is unchangeable.
Q: Where should I display these equipments?
A: Display your equipments on the ground plain enough to set them up and place free of sharp stones or something that could be dangerous for player.
Q: Can I use options from other manufacturers?
A: We do not recommend using accessories from other manufactures. This is because we do not know the extent to which they have been tested for strength and weight, etc. Any modifications or changes you make to your play set are at your own risk.
Q: Can I install the slide and ladder in different positions?
A: In many cases the positions at which you install the slides and ladders are interchangeable but not always. We suggest you follow the directions and assemble the play set as described there.
Q: Can I leave off the monkey bars or switch the position of them and the swing beam?
A: We do not recommend changing the way in which the play sets major components are assembled. This includes attachment of swing beams and monkey bars. Any modifications such as these are at your own risk.
Q: Can I buy a different slide or swing for my set?
A: Yes. In many cases you can purchase spiral slide or a toddler swing for your set. However, not ALL slides work with all sets. Until we complete an accessory application matrix on our site, please don't hesitate to email us with your questions so we're sure you order the correct accessory.
Q: How can I disassemble my equipment?
A: Each piece of equipment goes with a USES' MANUAL if it's a new one, please read it before your usage. And please disassemble it accordingly.
Q: How level does the place which I would like to place the play set need to be?
A: It is recommended that the area in which your play structure is to be installed be fairly level & free of debris. The fort can be dug into the ground for leveling up to 6". Another option is to use wood leveling blocks. Any leveling that requires more than 0.5 man hours will result in additional charges.
Q: What is the weight limit for the outdoor playground?
A: The platforms on our sets are stronger than most decks on a home, so it will handle several adults. The chains are rated at 800lbs per link holding 250 lbs swinging.
Q: What is the weight limit on the slides of outdoor playground?
A: The wave slide has a 250lb weight limit. The newer Rensino wave slides have a double wall thickness made to take heavier weight.
Q: Can we attach a fun ride or zipline to a play system?
A: Due to safety reasons we strongly oppose this. This in effect will void any warranty. We suggest mounting the fun ride between two immobile items such as trees according to installation & safety guidelines provided with this product.
Q: How many years will my children play on the system?
A: Children's interests vary, but we have found with the larger sets with more options, your children will continue to grow into, not out of, your new set. In fact, many parents & grandparents have as much fun as the kids.
Q: Why do we coat the chain and what is the coating made of?
A: The chain is coated with a marine grade plastisol so it won't come off. The chain is heated at 300 degrees and double dipped in plastisol. The purpose for the coating is to keep little fingers from being pinched and hair from being caught. It also helps keep the chain from getting hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
Q: Why do you use spring clips on the swing hangers?
A: Spring clips make it easier to change out accessories and to adjust the height of the accessories. Also, it provides an added safety feature not allowing swings to come off when swinging.
Q: Can I design my own set?
A: Yes, or we can design one with you. You can add an extra swing beam, climbing ramp, rock wall, monkey bars, additional slides, or you can link towers together with a clatter bridge (or connecting bridge) to make the most ultimate play set in the neighborhood. We have custom designed.
Q: Which wood is better, Southern Yellow Pine, Redwood/Cedar or other?
A: Redwood has been used for decades in outdoor furniture, decks, and play sets because it is attractive and naturally rot and insect resistant without the need of additional chemical pressure treating. Redwood tends to shrink, warp, and check or crack less than other woods in their natural state. However, these conditions still occur. Redwood, cedar and cypress are softer woods that will show more wear (nicks and dings) from normal use and from such things as weed whips. These woods also turn gray or even black, fairly rapidly, especially if left unsealed or unstained. Although these woods are naturally rot resistant, they will still rot, especially at ground level much faster than pressure treated pine. This is why most decks made of these softer woods (redwood, cedar, etc) still rely on the strength and durability of pressure treated pine for the in-ground posts and under carriage.
Southern Yellow Pine is much more attractive and durable than White Pine that you see at your typical lumber yard, such as Lowe's or Home Depot. The Southern Yellow Pine we use is pressure treated with an arsenic and chromium free process and also injected into the core of the wood with a water repellent to help resist the elements from the inside out. The wood is then kiln dried to help eliminate further shrinking, warping, checking or cracking, although these conditions can and do still occur.
Redwood, Cedar, Cypress and Southern Yellow Pine are all suitable for play structures. So the choice is yours. We've found that Southern Yellow Pine with pressure treatment is the most popular because of it's durability lower maintenance and ability to be left natural or stained to any color you would like, including redwood & cedar tones.
Q: How difficult is it to install the play system myself?
A: If you decide to tackle the job yourself, step-by-step instructions are included. Having the proper tools, and a bit of patience, the sets go together well and can be a fun family project. (The Warranty does not cover improperly installed play systems).
Q: How long does it take to install my new play system?
A: It varies depending on the size of the set and amount of options. For the average homeowner it's a two day project if you stick with it.
Q: What happens to my play system if I move?
A: The sets add value and can be sold with your home, or dismantled and reset up at your new home (this is a service we can also provide).
Q: Can I add or delete items to my play system?
A: Yes, you can add, delete, or exchange items. See your sales associate to see what is available.
Q: Will children get splinters?
A: Sometimes manufacturers promote "splinter free wood" but have you ever seen a "splinter free tree"? We sand and round the corners on all wood components to reduce splinters to a bare minimum. We do recommend light sanding where needed and periodic stain/sealer if desired to maintain your set as splinter free as possible.
Q: Do I need to put something under and around my play system such as wood chips?
A: It is recommended. Most injuries occur due to falls and a shock absorbing surface is far less likely to cause a serious injury. Surface materials that can be used would include sand, fine (pea) gravel, wood chips, bark or mulch & recycled rubber. We can assist you with any of these products including a variety of recycled rubber surfaces which have been shown to be more trouble free resilient and safe.
Q: How far apart should the swings on my swing set be?
To prevent injuries from impact with moving swings, swings should not be too close together or too close to support structures. There should be no more than two swing seats suspended in the same section or bay of the support structure. The tire swing should be suspended in the same section or bay of the support structure.
Q: I would like to put a swing set in the backyard for my children, what kind of surface should I put down on the ground?
A: Since almost 60 percent of all playground injuries are caused by falls to the ground, protective surfacing under and around all playground equipment is the most critical safety factor on playgrounds. Asphalt and concrete do not have any shock absorbing properties. Similarly, grass and turf's ability to absorb a shock during a fall can be reduced considerably through wear and environmental conditions. Certain loose-fill surfacing materials such as double shredded bark mulch, wood chips, fine sand, and fine gravel are acceptable. Certain manufactured synthetic surfaces are acceptable; however obtain shock-absorbing performance data before using these surfaces.
Q: What are some of the things I can do to make sure our swing set and play area are safe for children?
A: Playgrounds should be inspected on a regular basis. Look for hazards, such as, hardware that is loose or worn, protrusions and projections, exposed equipment footings, splinters, large cracks, decayed wood components, damaged swing sets, handholds and guardrails, and deterioration and corrosion on structural components which connect to the ground.
Q: Where should I use the safety mat?
A: Well, if you have an outdoor playground, you should let the playground on a safety surface caused the safety surface can reduce the impact if kids fall off. The safety mat should be used when the play set is high and kids would get hurt when fall off. And the thickness of the safety mat depends on the size of the playground.
Q: What kind ofsafety mat should I choose?
A: There're two kinds of safety mat made from different material, EVA mat and rubber mat. Usually speaking, the rubber mat is used for outdoor playground, and the EVA mat is used for indoor. We have various sizes of these two kinds mat which are environment-friend for your choice.
Q: What do they mean by "Fall Zones" concerning swing sets?
A fall zone, covered with a protective surfacing material, is essential under and around equipment where a child might fall. This should be free of other equipment and obstacles onto which a child might fall. Stationary climbing equipment should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6 feet in all directions. Swings should have a fall zone that is two times the height of the pivot or swing hanger in front and in back of the swing seats.
Q: How should I maintain my set?
A: A play set is a large wooden & steel structure that requires maintenance. There are many customers whose play sets last for years as a result of simple steps taken to ensure the wood's longevity. The wood on your Adventure Play set comes with a thin coat of stain that provides uniform coloration. Stain does not protect wood, however. Most customers have the best results when they sand and stain their wood then seal it with an oil-based sealant. In order to maintain your warranty you must maintain the wood and inspect it monthly. Remember, stain is for color and sealant is for protection.
Q: What do I do when a bracing element breaks?
A: Bracing elements break when the play set becomes unlevel. As a play set settles, its center of balance can sometimes shift placing an undue amount of tension on a single area. When a bracing element cracks, it's time to check the set monthly for levelness. Take a level and ensure that all areas of your play set that are supposed to be level are level. If the ground is not level, dig out the high ground with a shovel. Make sure all of your hardware is loosened and then re-tightened uniformly afterward to accommodate the leveling changes made. Test it out with swinging and let us know if you need any further help.
Q: My play set is swaying. What should I do?
A: As a play set settles, its center of balance can sometimes shift placing an undue amount of tension on a single area. When a bracing element cracks, it's time to check the set monthly for levelness. Take a level and ensure that all areas of your play set that are supposed to be level are level. If the ground is not level, dig out the high ground with a shovel. Make sure all of your hardware is loosened and then re-tightened uniformly afterward to accommodate the leveling changes made. Test it out with swinging and let us know if you need any further help.
Q: My play set is leaning. What should I do?
A: Using a level, check the fort horizontally from the bottom of the play set to the top. Start by verifying that the baseboards are level. If you have high ground, dig it out. Than move higher now, and check every tier for levelness. When checking the floor, ensure that the center of the floor is as level as the outside edges and the four corners. Check to ensure that tarp assembly is level. Check the swing beam/monkey bar brace, the rungs on the deck ladder, and the rungs on the rock wall. Check to see that the rock-wall brackets are level. Check to see that the fort angle brace brackets are level with each other.
Once you've checked the horizontal levelness, it's time to check it vertically. Check all uprights, wall slats, tarp uprights, deck ladder rails, rock-wall rails, and verify that they are straight. Once the fort is horizontally and vertically level, tighten the hardware to ensure it stays that way.
For the monkey bars/swing beam portion:
Check to see that the ground beam is level. If it is not, dig out the high ground. Check that the two green plastic angle brace brackets are even with each other. Check the rungs and beams of the monkey bars for levelness. On occasion, the monkey bar or swing beam will lean into the fort causing the assembly to become unlevel. Once it is level, tighten your hardware down uniformly and make sure it is staked to the ground.
Q: How can I best prepare for our new play set so it stays sturdy and firm for years to come?
A: The most important this you can do to keep your play set from moving around is to ensure it remains on a very solid base. Many folks try to put the set on the grass but it's rare that a yard is perfectly level and without bumps. Or, they use a soft material such as mulch or sand and the set can actually make undercuts in the material which opens up the chance for movement. We suggest you take a look at these areas where the foot boards of the play set will rest. If necessary, install some paving stones and set the play set on them, then anchor it.
Q: Our slide seems to get extremely hot during the summer. Is there anything we can do?
A: You probably have a green slide. Unfortunately, the green slides tend to absorb heat while the yellow slides reflect most of the heat. If at all possible, install the set where the slide will be shaded during the heat of the day.
Q: Should I pay extra for the safety net of the naughty castle?
A: The safety net of four sides (front, back, right and left) of the naughty castle is included. So you don’t have to pay extra for the net.
Q: Can I add a safety net on top of the castle to prevent the kids from climbing to the top of thecastle?
A: Yes, you can.
Q: How could you make sure kids' safety when kids' hit on the steel pipe of naughty castle?
A: Naughty castle is intended for kids’; to stop kid’s injury from playing is very important. Considering this, we work out a method to keep the kids away from injury then playing. We use EVE pipe to wrap the steel pipe to reduce the impact when hit on the pipe.
Q: Our slide seems to have a lot of static and has lost some of its speed. Do you have anyrecommendations on how to revive it?
A: If static is a problem, wipe it down with a dryer sheet or spray pledge on it and make sure you wipe it down well. In order to speed it up, a nice coat of Armor-All or equivalent seems to do the trick. Just make sure you wipe it down well so that your child’s clothes don’t soak it up.
Our playground has process by some special technology to make it static-free both the plastic parts and steel parts.
Q: I've noticed cracks on my wooden play set, is this normal?
A: Well, it depends. Wood is a natural product and all wood has its own characteristics, so natural variations in grain, color, checking and defects are to be expected. A "Check" is a long crack that appears as the sap wood of a timber shrinks around the heart wood over time. Checking is typically not a structural problem, and usually occurs only on one or two sides of a beam. However, if you notice any blatant cracks large enough to fit a quarter inside, then you may have a problem and you should contact your local dealer for replacement. At that point the structural integrity of your play set may be in jeopardy. Please keep in mind if you are the original owner, these parts will more than likely be under warranty.
Q: We have a small backyard, do you have anything that will fit?
A: We are confident we do! One of our "Space Savers" will fit in almost any yard, and still leave room for the surrounding safe area around the play set. Visit your local Backyard Adventures Dealer to learn about the ultimate space-saving flexibility of our compact play sets and accessories!
Q: Does my yard need to be level in order to have one of your play sets installed?
A: Ideally, yes. The flatter the area in which you plan on installing your play set the better. However, we do make adjustable height swing beams, monkey bars and Peak series forts that are designed to fit the unique contours of your landscape. Please contact your local Dealer if you have any concerns about how out-of-level your yard might be.
Q: Is the equipment easily damaged by graffiti?
A: We find graffiti isn't really an issue as we only use stainless steel which is easily wiped clean. Graffiti on timber can be sanded off with no damage or need to treat the timber, as the pressure treatment process penetrates right through the wood.