Swing Maintenance

Playground swings are enjoyed by all ages of children and adults. A few key factors determine if a playground swing meets commercial safety standards:

✔ Connection Points: Attachments must be securely fastened with no pinch points.

✔ Equipment Design: Cannot be directly attached to a slide, climber, etc.

✔ Seat Type: Must keep like seats together on each bay, no mix matching.

✔ Use Zone (Safety Zone): Space required varies by seat type. Maximum required is 2 times the height of the top rail to the finished surfacing in back and front. 8-foot high swing needs 32 feet uninhibited by other equipment use zones in one direction.

Commercial Swing Set Design

The general rule of thumb is to have no more than 2 seats per bay. A swing bay includes a top rail and in-ground posts. In commercial settings, swings cannot be attached directly to another event such as a structure, slide, or climber. Although this is allowed in residential playgrounds, the CPSC and ASTM do not allow for a combination of swing and events.

Age-Appropriate Swing Seats

Toddler Age (ages 6-23 months): Bucket Seats, Half-Bucket Seats, Specialty Seats for ADA Purposes

Preschool and School Age (ages 2-12 years): Belt Seats, Specialty Seats for ADA Purposes

School Age Only (5-12 years): Tire Seats

Adult Age (13+ years): Specialty Seats for ADA Purposes

According to current safety code, you should not place two different types of seats in the same swing bay. For instance, do not place a belt and a bucket seat in the same bay, but you can place two belts or two buckets in the same swing bay. By choosing a T-Swing, you can bypass this rule as each seat is in it’s own bay. As a single swing can have an unlimited amount of bays, each bay can provide belt or bucket seats, just not mix matching in the same bay.

Swing Set Hardware: Tools Are Required

Swing set hardware is not limited to chain, hangers, s-hooks, and shackles. For time savings and convenience, we recommend buying shackles over s-hooks. Shackles simply tighten up with a security wrench, whereas s-hooks require great force. When several seats are being installed, a set of S-Hook Pliers may be needed to close open hooks.

✔ Chain: Galvanized or Zinc Coated Chain is available. Most chain should last 10-15 years without replacement depending on weather conditions and usage.

✔ Hangers: Hangers are needed to attach to the top rail of your swing bar and hold the chain. A pendulum movement allows for swinging. Many sizes are available. Some modern swings have hangers welded to the top bar.

✔ S-Hooks: S-Hooks are the traditional way of attaching chain to seats and hangers. The hook must be closed entirely so that a dime cannot pass between at the closing points.

✔ Shackles: Modern technology has arrived and the S-Hook has met its match! Shackles allow for fast and simple attachment of chain and seats. Check out modern swing hangers with shackled pendulums attached.

Recommended Schedule for Playground Swing Maintenance

Monthly, or in the least annual maintenance checks should be taken on all swings, hardware, and surfacing. It is the responsibility of the playground owner to maintain equipment to current safety regulations. Many parks and cities have been liable in lawsuits due to injuries directly resulting from a lack of swing maintenance. Consider rubber swing mats to keep loose surfacing in place.