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Pit Anatomy
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Anatomy of a Landing Pit or Trampoline Pit

Below you will find basic information regarding the anatomy of a loose foam (bungee) pit. Please bear in mind that there are no established standards or requirements set by any organization for fear of liability issues. This is provided only to show the fundemental concepts of common pit assembly. You may find or be familiar with several types of pits. There are several varieties. These are the type of pits that seem to be the most popular in the United States. If you have a preference as to how you would like one provided, just let us know. As you likely know, no pit -- or any other piece of gym equipment, can be considered 100% safe. We urge you think safety first. (See warning below.)

Training pits should be longer and wider than competition matting requirements. Since gymnasts have not yet mastered the skills they will be performing, like they would in competitions, they need a larger margin of safety in the size of the safe landing areas. Gymnasts landing in pits may fall backwards or sideways striking the edge of the pit if it is not wide or long enough.

Concrete
Building your pit begins with excavation and forming up of the pit walls. Footing should be placed on at least 4" of gravel. Water-proofing of foundation wall is required. Have your contractor use 3500 psi (or better) concrete with aggregate (rock). The walls should have a smooth (slick) finish and be 8" thick on all sides. Many recommend that #4 rebar be used on concrete around the pit. They should be absolutely straight for mounting hardware - it is best to use forms. Do not use block.
It is also recommended that it cure for 30 days before mounting the hardware.

Tramp Section
You then attach the angle iron hardware (with zig zag wire welded on for spring attachment) to the concrete with provided wedge bolts through it's pre-drilled holes. Attach 3' to 5' below ground level. Three to four feet are fairly standard. And attach the tramp bed to it with the springs (normally 6" springs). Spring attachments are spaced approximately 4 1/4" apart and set back from the edge leaving a flap to go over top of the springs. The Flap has holes about every two feet so it can be secured. The tramp bed is made of the same polypropylene material as our trampoline beds.

Use some sort of foam to protect users from contact with the bare concrete. Many use a sections of Carpet Bonded Foam. It seems to hold up best. You will likely need to apply this with contact cement. Make sure you have adequate ventilation. As stated in the graphic above, if you fear that the bed may bottom out, you may want to consider adding some cubes (or other foam) underneath the bed for added peace of mind.

Pit Edge Matting velcros to the Carpet Bonded Foam and provides maximum protection around the perimeter. You may not need it all around the pit depending on use. Fill with foam blocks and you are ready for action!

About Pit Cubes
Pit cubes are very expensive to ship. They are bulky and light, so they are not popular with freight companies. Most suppliers will supply them vacuum packed to save on the freight costs. They should be opened immediately on receipt -- left vacuumed packed for too long and they may be permanently and irreparably damaged. All pit cubes are made of polyurethane foam. This type of foam deoes fade or yellows when exposed to fluorescent light sources. This in no way diminishes nor compromises the useful life and/or energy absorbent properties of these cubes. It is merely a cosmetic issue inherent to this type of material and will occur regardless of the manufacturer.

Foam cube pits do require maintenance. Foam cubes will compress and compact over time and need to be "fluffed" regularly. Fluffing means that all cubes should be removed from the pit, and the pit should be cleaned and debris removed before putting the cubes back in. Raw foam will break down over time and the pit will have to be replenished. Most customers will replace a small amount of cubes annually or bi-annually.

If you would like us to price the hardware, pit edging, cubes or Carpet Bonded Foam. Sketch and dimension your pit (it can be any shape) and fax it to us at 859-273-2890 or email us - here. Be sure to:

• Describe exactly what you are requesting with dimensions.
• Give your city and zip code.
• Give your name and phone number.
• Give your email address.

We will email you a delivered price.

Warning: Head-first entries should be avoided at all cost. The current state-of-the-art in loose foam training pits does not preclude the possibility of serious, catastrophic injury or even death. Use the pit under direct supervision of competent gymnastics professional.