We want to share some important and helpful information in maintaining wooden swingsets for years to come. To help maintain the safety, and integrity of your swingset, the following are our recommendations:

First and Foremost: If your swingset was installed on grass, notify your landscaper not to use a weed whacker around your swingset. It can damage it! If your playground area has a sprinkler system, you might want to consider redirecting the sprinkler heads. 

Annual inspection of your swingset: Tighten only the carriage bolts. The lags, which are impacted directly into the wood, need not be tighten. Once the wood dries out, the lags will lock into the wood. Clean all plastics i.e. ladders; monkey bars, swing beam support plates, and safety handles using a cleaner strong enough to remove any mildew, etc. (recommended cleaners are Goof-Off, Goo-Gone, and Fantastic). Check all ropes for nylon frays, etc., normally we recommend replacing them every 5 years. Washing and cleaning your swingset should be a Snap! For the first couple of years, use only a mild dish cleaner and a garden hose to clean your swingset. Please use caution if using a power washer, it may take the stain off.  Performing this safety inspection annually will help ensure the safety and integrity of your swingset. For complete warranty information and processing, refer to your manufactures installation manual.
 
Power Washing, Staining, and Sealing your Swingset: You should consider PWS (power washing, sealing, and staining) 2 years after your swingset was first installed, and every 3 years after that. Exception: should you be moving to a new home taking your swingset with you, now would be the perfect time to PWS your swingset. Before PWS your swingset, it’s a good idea to prep/remove all of the plastic toys, tarps, ropes, swings, etc. When power washing, use a very low PSI 1200-1400 recommend, and a wide fan/spray of water. Warning: Keep the sprayer of water moving. If you stop, the pressure of the water will cut the wood and damage your swingset. When applying the stain and sealant, follow the manufactures application instruction. To apply the stain/sealant, we recommend using a sponge, and a small 3 inch stain brush to catch all of those drips, etc. Note: You need only apply one coat of stain. If applying more than one coat, some stains can cause the wood to become very tacky/sticky.

Take Down, Moving, and Relocating your Swingset: If relocating to a new home within the Tri-State area, moving your swingset within your yard, or shipping your swingset via a moving company, we recommend you contact our customer service department for assistance. Note: In most cases allowing moving companies to dismantle your swingset could/will void the manufactures warranty.

Well, I think that covers just about everything in maintaining your wooden swingset!  We are very excited to have shared this information with you. If we can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact our customer service department.