Hobbies And Interests
Types
Swing sets can be made of several different materials. The support structure can be either wood, metal or plastic, or a combination of several. Wood (usually redwood or white cedar) is durable if treated with weather resistant stains but will eventually splinter or crack after about 10 or 15 years. Metal lasts the longest but is susceptible to rust. Plastic swing sets are usually the least expensive, but can crack and fade over just a few years. The swings themselves are most often suspended by chains, but sometimes rope. The swing seats can be made of plastic, flexible canvas or rubber, while a glider-style swing is generally made from molded plastic or metal bars. Up until a few decades ago, swing sets were usually just swings or a swing and slide combination. Today's swing set selection offers a variety of types for residential or commercial use. Elaborate swing sets often include other play features, such as slides, climbing poles, see-saws or fort and sandbox features.
Size
Swing sets come in a variety of sizes, with park swing sets generally being the largest, and backyard sets the smallest. Park swings can reach heights as tall as 15 feet, while backyard swings are usually not above 6 feet. The length can vary from model to model, as swing sets can have as few as one swing or as many as 6 swing features, again depending on the height and length of the support frame.
When planning to install a swing set, careful consideration should be given to the amount of space surrounding the equipment. A good rule of thumb is to plan on 6 feet of space to surround the swing set on all sides, measured out from the widest part of the set (usually the bottom of the A-frame). In planning for space to accommodate a swing set, start with the length of the set and add 6 feet on all sides. Make sure there are no obstacles, such as trees, bushes, fences or other playground equipment within the required space.
Benefits
A swing set can benefit kids in a number of ways, including encouraging imaginative play and stimulating them to exercise. Children will use the swing set in different ways as they grow and mature. Because a swing set encourages climbing, jumping and pumping on the swing, children get the benefits of active outdoor play.
Warning
Swing sets can be dangerous when the equipment is not installed correctly. Swing sets should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and properly anchored or weighted down. Screws or bolts should be capped so they won't injure children and chains should be rubber coated. Swing sets should be inspected twice a year for cracks, splintering and other structural problems. Inspections should include checking fasteners, bolts and missing caps as well as reassess the structural stability of the entire set.
Children should be taught swing set safety rules, such as not to run in front of a swing and not to jump from the top of the set.
Expert Insight
Many home owners have questions on how the addition of a swing set will affect their home owner's insurance. The answer is that a basic home owner's policy covers any structural damage that might occur to a swing set as well as personal liability coverage if someone is harmed on the swing set. Swing sets are grouped with other backyard structures that are not part of the dwelling, such as swimming pools, sheds, gazebos or detached garages. A standard policy will cover structural damage and liability for a swing set, but since there is generally a coverage limit of 10 percent of of the main dwelling's coverage amount, some home owners purchase an umbrella policy that provides additional coverage for backyard structures.