Suggested Maintenance
Swing Set Maintenance Guide: Seasonal Tips, Safety Checks & Wood Care
Why Regular Swing Set Maintenance Matters
Your play equipment should be inspected on a regular basis. Check all nuts and bolts twice monthly during the usage season for tightness. Tighten as required. It is particularly important to check & tighten bolts at the beginning of each season.
Year-Round Safety Inspection Checklist
Check swings, chains, and slides for cracks or deterioration. Replacement should be made at first sign of deterioration.
What to Check During Every Inspection
- Bolts & hardware
- Chains & ropes
- Wood condition & splinters
- Ground anchors & stability
Signs You Should Repair or Replace Parts Immediately
If any of the following conditions are noted, they should be removed, corrected or repaired immediately to prevent injuries.
- Hardware that is loose or worn, or that has protrusions or projections;
- Scattered debris, litter, rocks, or tree roots within the play area;
- Rust and chipped paint on metal components
- Splinters, structural wood imperfections, or decayed wood components;
- Missing or damaged equipment and or components, such as hardware, handholds, panel slats, etc.
Seasonal Swing Set Maintenance Tips
If your area experiences regular snowfall, remove your tarp/canopy to avoid stretching, sagging, or tearing of the material. Store it inside, folded up, and it will be as good as new when winter is over. If your area experiences extremely cold temperatures, remove swing belts and other pliable features to prolong the lifespan of these play activities.
Spring Start-Up Checklist
- Cleaning, inspecting, tightening
- Resealing wood
- Checking for winter damage
Summer Mid-Season Touch-Ups
- Heat-related expansion issues
- Shade and sun exposure tips
Fall & Winter Prep
- Removing accessories
- Covering or storing elements
- Snow/ice safety reminders
How to Stain & Seal Your Wooden Swing Set
It is recommended that you use a high quality stain/sealant. We recommend our own water based acrylic sealant that is specifically designed for the cedar lumber used on our swing sets (purchase clear sealant here, or a tinted sealant here), but any reputable paint store will be able to recommend a suitable product for your play system.
It is also important to stain and seal the wood components of your play system as needed. We recommend that you apply a sealant or semi-transparent stain with sealant within the first 90 days of owning the swing set and every other year after that.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation: All surfaces must be clean, dry, dust-free, and clear of any other contamination that will come between the sealer and the surface. Clean weathered wood with appropriate wood cleaner (check your local hardware store) prior to applying product. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry before applying sealant.
Application: Stir before, and occasionally during, the application. When using more than one container, combine all containers to ensure color consistency. Test a small area to ensure acceptable appearance and penetration. Apply an even coat with a high-quality brush, roller, or paint pad. For best results, apply in shade with surface temperature between 50°F and 90°F. Full cure to a hard finish will take approximately 7 days.