FAQ´s

Got a Question? Choose an FAQ to find the answers you seek.

Rainbow Play System

Q. What type of lumber do you use?

A. Rainbow Play Systems uses 100% natural redwood and Western red cedar, only from certified sawmills and grown in Washington and Western Canada. We do not import our wood from overseas. These woods are naturally more insect and decay resistant and tend to split, check, splinter and warp less than other commonly used woods.

Q. Pressure treated lumber is less expensive. Why should I purchase a play system made from redwood and cedar?

A. Most pressure treated lumber is made from Southern Yellow Pine, fairly brittle softwood. Pine has a reputation for severe splintering and checking (cracking) under all weather conditions and is highly susceptible to insect infestation and decay. In order to reduce the risk of decay and insect damage, chemicals, such as arsenic and chromium or ammonia and copper, are injected into the wood. There is considerable debate as to the safety and durability of pressure treated lumber. Studies show extreme leaching of the chemicals out of the wood and the treating process can alter the molecular make-up of the wood. weakening its structural integrity. While the chemicals render the wood resistant to decay and insects, they do not prevent or reduce splintering and cracking. Redwood and cedar's natural resistance to decay and insects makes it a logical choice when faced wit the possibility of chemical-related hazards.

Q. What type of maintenance is required for the play system?

A. The play systems come with a lifetime warranty against wood rot, insect damage, or structural failure. The lumber has been pre-stained and sealed at the factory, with a non toxic water-based sealer giving the wood a beautiful red finish. We do recommend re-sealing your play structure as needed with Rainbow sealer, available at all Factory Direct Showrooms, to keep it looking new. With normal use and as the wood expands and contracts with the weather, some of the bolts may loosen. We suggest checking and tightening all nuts and bolts within 60 days of installation. Also every 4-6 months re-checking and tightening as needed. The systems through-bolt construction allows you to tighten these bolts as often as necessary without risking the structural integrity of your play system. We also recommend cleaning tarps, slides, swings, ladder rungs etc. as needed to help ensure safe enjoyment of your play system for years to come.

Q. What is through-bolt construction?

A. The best way to secure two or more beams together is to use a carriage bolt that passes through all the pieces of wood and is fastened at the end with some type of locking means, such as a lock washer and nut. This is through-bolt construction. This method provides strong, reliable joints and allows the bolts to be adjusted as many times as necessary without weakening the structural integrity of the system. Through-bolt construction also allows the system to be disassembled or reassembled without damage. Good news if you decide to move and take your play system with you.

Q. Why are there no weight restrictions on a Rainbow Play System?

A. Weight restrictions are based on the amount of support the main structural beams offer. This is decided by beam size and placement. Rainbow Play Systems and their team of architectural engineers have combined the largest beams available with sound structural design to allow the whole family to enjoy these structures.

Q. What are the benefits of notched wooden brackets?

A. These brackets are designed to gain maximum support by bracing wood against wood and reduce the force placed on the bolts holding the system together. The notches help ensure a long-lasting and durable structure.

Q. Does the ground need to be level?

A. The ground should be relatively level, however there are several features on the unit that can be adjusted to accommodate a minimal grade. Rainbow Play Systems is the only company to offer extended ladders and "A"-frame legs to allow for installation on a slope. Also several components have built-in adjustable features. The best way to accommodate an un-level yard is by installing a safety surfacing before your play system arrives. This way, not only are you protecting your child from a potentially harmful fall, but also eliminating the un-level yard issue. If you have a question about your yard, please ask a member of our sales staff for assistance.

Q. What is your opinion on building one myself?

A. Building one from scratch can be a rewarding project, however, the time, effort and expense add up much faster than you might think. Finding quality lumber is difficult and once you find it, buying it piece by piece adds up quickly. Also, it is rough lumber; the wood isn't routered and has not been planed. It takes a significant amount of time to prepare the lumber so it is smooth, to make sure the corners are all rounded and the holes are recessed. Many of the safety features of the systems are not available at a hardware store, such as the vinyl-dipped ladders and plates. If a weekend project is what you're looking for, complete assembly instructions are available with each system.

Q. What is the advantage of using vinyl-dipped steel over powder-coated metal?

A. Rainbow Play Systems starts with a 1/4" steel pipe for all their ladder rungs. These rungs are then either vinyl-dipped or powder coated. The vinyl-dipped rung has a layer of insulation in the form of a commercial grade liquid vinyl and provides a non-slip surface. The powder-coated rung is covered in a special type of powdered paint that is baked into place, not offering any kind of non-slip surface and with time and weather may chip off.

Q. What is Rainbow Play Systems exclusive Safety Scoop slide?

A. The Safety Scoop slide is a straight slide manufactured from UV-stabilized high density polyethylene which is the same exact material used in commercial playgrounds for over 20 years. The elbow design landing offers a safer, easier exit and the edges are rounded for added safety. A thicker mold and higher sidewalls provide a steady, safe journey from beginning to end.

Q. What type of artificial surfacing do you recommend to put underneath the set?

A. We encourage our customers to use some form of resilient surfacing. We suggest some form of playground engineered rubber mulch or wood mulch.

Q. Are Rainbow Play Systems canopies available for non-Rainbow play systems?

A. The red, yellow, and blue canopies atop all Rainbow's play sets are a trademark of Rainbow Play Systems and come only in specific sizes. Separate solid colored tarps are available but not kept in stock.

Q. What form of site preparation is required?

A. In order to install your Rainbow Play System in a proper manner, we require that you have a level or flat surface to install your structure on. For safety reasons we recommend some form of resilient playground surfacing. Because Rainbow Play Systems are designed to sit on top of the ground and in order to maintain the structural integrity of your play system, we do request that you have your resilient surface installed prior to the installation of your play system. In the case of rubber chips, installation after the play system is installed is ideal. If your site is not prepared when we arrive to install your play system, you will be charged a trip fee and we will reschedule your installation for a later date.

Goalsetter

What sets Goalsetter Systems apart from other basketball goals?

At Goalsetter, we are dedicated to producing the absolute best basketball goals in the world. No compromises ... no excuses! Goalsetter goals are so durable they are used in city parks, schools and camps throughout the world, yet practical enough to be installed in your own driveway or backyard. They're built for heavy use — and to withstand the elements!
With a simple turn of the Height Adjustment Handle, Goalsetter goals will infinitely adjust for maximum skill development and enjoyment. The performance of the patented Compression Lift System provides a smooth transition at any height & has proven to be superior to pull or winch systems.
The Installation and Assembly of the Goalsetter goal can be accomplished by two to three people without the use of ladders or scaffold. The patented ground anchor hinge system allows complete assembly of the Goalsetter goal before it is raised upright.

What is the difference between goals?

The differences between the goals are in pole size, pole design, backboard size, height adjustability, and warranties. Please refer to the comparison chart for specific details.

How are Goalsetter Systems anchored into the ground?

Unlike many basketball goals, the Goalsetter System does not use a pole-in-the-ground method or "J" bolts assembly. Each Goalsetter System is anchored using our patented ground anchor hinge system. First, the 4' ground anchor is placed in a 4' deep hole (18" diameter) and secured using QuickCrete. When dry, the hinge system allows complete assembly of the Goalsetter goal before it is raised upright and bolted to the ground anchor.

What types of backboards are available? Which type do I need?

Acrylic backboards are most commonly used in residential settings. This board is clear, giving the appearance of glass. Next to glass, this board has the best ball response. It carries a 10-year warranty.
Polycarbonate boards are most often the choice of parks, playgrounds, schools and other institutional settings where purposeful vandalism may occur. This board is clear and carries a lifetime warranty.
Glass backboards are for the customer who desires the same ball response found in an indoor gymnasium competition setting.
Steel backboards are most often the choice of schools, parks and other institutional settings where purposeful vandalism may occur.

Can I choose a glass backboard for my goal?

Yes, each Goalsetter Systems basketball goal comes standard with a 3/8" Competition Tempered Glass Backboard.

What type of rim should I order?

Single Ring Static: This is the basic single ring rim. It is static and does not give.
Double Ring Static: This rim is the strongest available and is the choice of many schools, parks and other institutional customers. This rim will not give and carries an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Heavy Duty Reflex: This is the rim most commonly chosen by our residential customers. This is a break-away style rim and is more than sufficient for most residential play.
Ultra Reflex: This rim is a break-away style rim. It will bend at 30 lbs. and is recommended for customers who want the rim to give when children dunk. It carries a 5-year warranty.
Collegiate Break-Away: This is a competition break-away rim. It will bend at 150-180 lbs. on a spring. This rim carries a 5-year warranty.
Note: All of these are made to dunk on. They are mounted to a steel plate, not to the backboard itself.

Can I take my Goalsetter System with me when I move?

Yes you can! All Goalsetter Systems have a universal ground anchor. When you move, you simply take the system off of the existing ground anchor and purchase only a new anchor to install at your new home.

Should I install the goal myself or have it installed by a professional?

This decision is up to you! The Installation and Assembly of the Goalsetter goal can be accomplished by two or three people without the use of ladders or scaffold. The patented ground anchor hinge system allows complete assembly of the Goalsetter goal before it is raised upright. The toughest task during installation of a Goalsetter goal is digging the hole. Each goal features our patented ground anchor. First, a four-foot deep hole (18 inch diameter) must be dug where you would like your basketball goal located. After placing your ground anchor into the hole, fill it with QuickCrete (10-12 bags). When the cement is completely dry (usually two days is sufficient), the pole structure, backboard and rim can be assembled and raised upright. Most of our dealers also offer installation as an option for an additional fee.

What are the warranties?

Complete warranty information

Do I need backboard edge and pole padding?

Contact is more likely with height-adjustable basketball systems. Padding will provide protection when your backyard game gets rough.

Do you have a portable goal for home use?

Yes. Goalsetter has three to choose from; the GS1000, GS2000 and the GS3000. Each is designed to meet the demands of today's home court play. Easily adjustable and collapsible, each GS portable is great when homeowner covenants restrict in-ground units!

What is the Basketball Court Stencil Kit and how does it work?

The Basketball Court Stencil is a kit that allows you to easily create regulation basketball court markings on your playing surface. A free-throw line, lane markings and a 3-point line can be easily marked without using complicated measuring and guesswork. The kit includes six marked pattern sheets that are easily spread across the surface, a paint roller, and complete instructions. All you need is 1 quart of paint (light color on asphalt or dark color on concrete), a pan for paint, 2" masking tape, string (10 feet) and a nail or pen.

Play Surfaces- Soft Landing Rubber Mulch

Should I use some type of safety substrate under my playground?

YES! 75% of all injuries attributed to play systems are caused by falls. Most of these injuries could be easily prevented. Aside from protecting your children, mulching your play system makes it much easier to cut the grass, prevents mud from developing under the play system and protects the play system from being damaged by the lawn mover or weed eaters.

Is SLRM toxic or harmful if swallowed?

No! “SLRM” is non-toxic and non-allergenic. The non-abrasive texture of SLRM is unlikely to cause an injury if a child puts it in their mouth and chews on it. As with all surfacing products we encourage parents not to let children chew or swallow SLRM Mulch product.

Does SLRM stay wet?

No. SLRM does not absorb water and will not become compact so water drains through it. One of the best attributes of “SLRM” is that approximately 30 minutes after it rains kids can go back out and play. SLRM will also not freeze in the in winter.

Does SLRM get hot?

Any type of surfacing product can become warm on very hot days. Since SLRM does not become compact, it has room for air to circulate. These pockets of air allow the heat to escape keeping the mulch cooler than expected.

How long will SLRM last?

SLRM is made of 100% rubber. Since it doesn’t decompose, SLRM normally will not require any additional purchases. Since black SLRM is made from black tires if it does fade it will be slight and most likely not noticed.

What is the temp difference between black and redwood mulch?

The normal difference is 8-10 degrees

How should I install SLRM?

In most cases we recommend installing “SLRM” on top on your existing yard. Just put down a “typical” landscape fabric and spread the mulch over it. Unlike wood mulch products which are organic and decompose to create fertilizer, SLRM is inorganic and will naturally inhibit grass from growing once applied.

How is SLRM sold?

SLRM is sold in 40lb bags. This makes delivery or pick up very easy. Unlike bulk products no special equipment is needed for transporting or spreading SLRM.

What are the advantages & disadvantages of the following borders?

WOOD BORDER
Advantage: Low cost per piece

Disadvantages:
Sharp edge can increase the chance of injury if fallen on
Slivers if walked on barefoot
Chemical’s needed in the wood to protect if from rotting
Needs to be sealed or painted regularly
Weed eaters will damage them
HARD INSTALL (BIGGEST DISADVANTAGE)
Rigid wood needs to have the surface leveled prior to installing
Wood needs to be drilled for recessed holes
Wood is butted up to each other and may shift and move in the winter

SLRT
Advantages:
Rounded top reduces the chance of injury if fallen on
Can be walked on (kids like to use it as a balance beam) without the chance of slivers
No chemicals needed and it doesn’t need to be sealed or painted
Weed eaters will not damage them
Very Easy Install (Biggest advantage)
Easy Installation
SLRT is malleable so it will go with the lay of the land, just lay the timber down and spike it in
SLRT is pre-drilled for recessed holes
SLRT interlocks with male and female ends

Disadvantage
High cost per piece

What do you use to spike down the timber?

We recommend a 12” x 3/8” landscape spike which is handled by Home Depot. If you can’t find this you can use a 10” x 3/8” landscape spike.

What is the warranty on the timber?

The timber has a 10 year warranty against structural failure (chipping, splitting, cracking)during normal use.

Will the Redwood timber change to black or?

No the redwood timber is produced using red rubber so it will not fade or chip to black

What is the difference between our SLRT and other rubber timbers?

SLRT is made using an injection mold process. This process does not use glue to bond the rubber. Other timbers are made with a compression process which uses glue. Over time the glue will break down from the sun and UV rays. As the glue breaks down the timber will fall apart.

SLRT seems expensive is it worth it?

This can be answered two ways. While the timbers may seem to have a high initial price per piece their durability and ease of installation makes them much closer in cost to wood borders.
When you consider the other advantages of SLRT; no splinters, no need to paint or seal, rounded top for safety, free of all harmful chemicals, weed eaters will not damage them, 10 year warranty and once again the ease of installation {malleable, recessed pre drilled holes, interlocking ends}, when you factor in all of the advantages of SLRT it really is your families best choice.

When installing mulch and timbers what is the recommended order?

1. Build the play system first. {if the surface is level you can lay the fabric first but is digging is needed during installation lay the fabric first}
2. Lay down the timbers where you will need them (don’t spike them down yet)
3. Lay down the fabric. On the edge put the fabric under the timbers in the middle make sure to use a landscape staple to kept the fabric down
4. Spike down the timbers
5. Open the bags of mulch and spread. We recommend you start and the timbers and spread the mulch towards the center. Remember to use less mulch in play zones and more mulch in fall zones.

Springfree

Q: How does Springfree™ Trampoline work?

Springfree™ is a rod based trampoline – using strong flexible fiber glass rods instead of springs. Imagine a circle of fishing rods standing upright with their handles stuck firmly in the ground. If you bent them all in towards the center and connected the tops of them with a tight material, you would basically have a workable trampoline. If you landed on the edge you would spike yourself on the end of a rod - not a good thing. So instead of the rods standing upright, they have all been leaned over. They still have the ends bent towards the center, so they still keep the mat tight. But if you land on the end of a leaned over rod, you cannot spike yourself. Instead the end of the rod is just pushed down. This gives a relatively soft and safe edge to the mat.

Q: Is it as bouncy as an ordinary trampoline?

Springfree™ Trampoline is more bouncy than a round trampoline with springs. Rectangular spring trampolines tend to be a little more bouncy than round spring trampolines, but children generally don’t notice the difference unless they are specifically asked. The fiberglass rods deliver a performance superior to springs.

Q: How soft is the edge?

The edge is not as soft as the center. But it has up to 350mm of give in it. Testing to USA ASTM standards shows the Springfree™ Trampoline edge is over 20 times softer than what is required by the standard.

Q: Is the soft edge bouncy?

The edge is designed as a resilient surface that is safe to land on. It is not really designed as a bouncing surface. It is not as bouncy as the center, but it does have some bounce in it. We recommend that for best bouncing you should stay near the center of the mat, and consider the edge as a safety feature rather than a play area.

Q: Don't you get splinters in your hands from the fiberglass?

The design team is aware that sometimes fiberglass products cause irritation when handled, as micro glass fibers get into the skin. To prevent this happening, all the hi-tech fiberglass rods in the Springfree™ Trampoline are housed in a light plastic sheath. This not only protects you from skin irritation, but it also protects the plastic in the rods from UV deterioration.

Q: Why doesn't it have safety pads around the edge?

The Springfree™ Trampoline does not have safety pads around the edge because it doesn't need them. The edge itself has much more give in it than normal safety pads. In fact, the Springfree™ Trampoline edge is nearly equivalent to the 70mm thick padding used at the ends of Olympic gymnastic trampolines. Conventional trampolines require safety pads to protect the jumper from falling on the steel frame, falling through between the springs or getting caught in the springs. The Springfree™ Trampoline design has removed these elements completely, so there is nothing to pad over.

Q: Other trampolines have enclosures, why is the Springfree Trampoline different?

While some other trampoline companies have added safety enclosures to their products they haven’t addressed the dangerous springs and steel frame at the jumping surface. Basic enclosures are also likely to just redirect wayward jumpers back onto the springs and frame. They also use steel rods to create the enclosure skeleton which introduces another impact risk. Springfree™ is the only trampoline that addresses these impact zones, removing them completely from the trampoline design. By incorporating a safe FlexiNet™ that redirects jumpers back to the centre of the trampoline, and removing all hard edges from the jumping surface, Springfree™ Trampoline is the only safe jumping option.

Q: Is my normal trampoline really that dangerous?

Yes! Recent figures show that over 100,000 North American kids end up in hospital emergency departments after injury on traditional trampolines every year. Independent tests show your child has a 99% chance of suffering a minor injury if they impact the springs and frame of a traditional style trampoline, even if it meets the recommended safety standards. The same tests show your child has a less than 1% chance of the same type of injury on a Springfree™ Trampoline.

Q: Why do you recommend only one child on the trampoline at a time?

Springfree™ Trampoline has engineered out the dangerous elements that traditionally cause trampoline injuries. Serious collisions can occur if more than one person jumps at a time. To ensure your family avoids injuries enforce the ‘one at a time rule’ when using the Springfree™ Trampoline.

Q: I have a small backyard, how much space do I need for the Springfree?

SF40E – 12 ft all around
SF60E – 11 ft to the sides and 16 ft to the ends
SF90E – 16 ft all around

Q: What is the weight restriction?

The recommended weight is a mid-range recommendation weight that we feel is safe for normal jumpers. If the individual is close to this weight, you should ensure that when they're bouncing actively, that the mat does not touch the ground at the bottom of the bounce. Once you have assessed this with your family, if you’re concerned you can contact us and we can provide you with alternatives.

AlleyOop Trampolines

What are the differences between your Soft-Bounce™ and Staged-Bounce™ trampoline models?

The primary difference between the Soft-Bounce and Staged-Bounce is in the spring and jumping mat configurations. The differences are detailed below: 14 foot Soft-Bounce:
Equipped with 80 7" Extra-Stretch™ springs.
Does not include the patented Staged-Bounce technology.
These 7" springs provide a soft, responsive bounce that younger kids love and yet our strong frame allows it to handle the deep bounce of an adult weighing up to 225 pounds.
Spring configuration is going to be best for kids around the age of 8 and younger.

14 foot Staged-Bounce:
Equipped with 96 8.5" Extra-Stretch™ High-Performance springs. Older kids will love the increased bounce performance over the Soft-Bounce.
With Staged-Bounce technology, the springs are engaged incrementally rather than all at once, to provide for a more forgiving landing without loss of bounce performance.
Our Extra-Stretch™ High-Performance 8.5" springs are longer than those found on standard backyard units, and provide an exceptional bounce that kids and adults can enjoy. Our strong frame, combined with the longer springs, allows the 14' Staged-Bounce to handle the deep bounce of an adult weighing up to 240 pounds.
Spring configuration is going to be better for kids around the age of 9 and older. Teens and adults usually prefer the feel of the Staged-Bounce trampoline.