What Sizes Are Available for Commercial Swing Sets?

Commercial swing sets are usually available in the following sizes:

• 7 feet high (20' x 22' Safety Zone for T Swing: 2 Cantilevers)
• 8 feet high (24' x 32' Safety Zone for Single Post Swing, 1 Bay)
• 12 feet high

ASTM International and the U.S. CPSC have guidelines on the sizes of commercial swing sets.

Allow us to guide you through the choosing process of commercial swing sets by understanding the following:

• Exploring Size Variations In Commercial Swing Sets
• Choosing The Right Size Swing Set For Your Space
• Overview Of Standard And Custom Sizes For Commercial Swings

Exploring Size Variations in Commercial Swing Sets

Commercial swing set sizes are determined by the height of the top rail.

According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), commercial swing sets should be 7 to 8 feet for children aged 5 and below, but for older children and adults, they can be extended to a maximum height of 12 feet.

The US CPSC and ASTM International made the safety considerations for playground equipment including outdoor swing sets, whether wooden swing sets or metal swing sets, or on a commercial playground or school playground.

The height of the top rail determines the maximum height and distance of the commercial playground swings. This height is calculated from the top of the safety playground surfacing to the horizontal beam of your park swings. Thus the common available commercial swing set heights are as follows:

7-foot Top Rail Height

Often paired with bucket seats specifically designed for toddlers aged 6–23 months. This allows for a shorter chain length while keeping the bucket seat closer to the ground, making it easier to access and meeting safety standards.

8-foot Top Rail Height

The most versatile option. This can be paired with all the common types of playground swing seats, most commonly the belt seats, to accommodate preschool and school-age children.

12-foot Top Rail Height

Best suited for older children, teens, and adults. Usually paired with the standard belt seats. With its higher top rail height, it offers the highest distance in swinging, giving older children and adults the thrill they seek.

Choosing the Right Size Swing Set for Your Space

These factors need to be considered when choosing the right playground swing set size for your space.

Measure Your Space Accurately

• Accurately measure your chosen space.
• According to the U.S.CPSC, playground swing sets must have a safety zone.
• This safety zone must extend 6 feet beyond the playground swing set's edges and twice the top rail height at the back and front.
• This safety zone must be free from obstructions and have adequate safety playground surfacing.

• A single-bay, 8-foot-high playground swing set requires a 24-foot by 16-foot safety zone.

• You may save up space by choosing to include Tire and Nest swing seats since these can accommodate quite a few children at the same time.
• Choosing the single-post playground swing set over the beautiful arch-post swing can also save you some space.

Consider Your Children's Age Group and Appropriate Seat Type

• According to ASTM International, toddlers aged 6 to 23 months must use bucket seats for enhanced safety when paired with 7–8-foot-high commercial playground swings.
• Nest Seats may also be used by toddlers to be paired with a 7-foot-high playground swing, but they need additional space for 360-degree rotation.
• Older children with greater motor control and coordination may start to use the standard belt seats, which can be paired with an 8–12 foot-high commercial playground swing. 
• Tire Seats may also be used by older children to be paired with 8-foot-high playground swings, but they also need additional space for 360-degree rotation.

Determine the Number of Playground Swings Needed

How many children do you want to be able to play with the commercial playground swings simultaneously? The number of children you want to accommodate simultaneously would affect the number of bays you need, directly affecting the playground swing's size.

Explore Customization Options

• If your playground has specific requirements or an irregular layout, customization might be the best option. You can adjust the top rail height, choose different seat types, and configure the playground swing set to match your space.
• Modular designs also allow for future expansion as your playground's needs evolve.

• Find a contact representative near you, and begin exploring your options.

Overview of Swing Set Configurations

With the variety of options available, selecting the right size and configuration for your commercial swing set can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be.

By understanding the standard sizes, the flexibility of single and multi-bay setups, and the possibilities for customization, you're well on your way to creating a playground that suits your space perfectly.

Whether you're catering to toddlers with lower, safer swings or providing a thrilling experience for older kids with higher top rails, the key is to match your playground's needs with the right setup. And if your space has unique requirements, don't hesitate to explore custom designs that can bring your vision to life.

Remember, the size and configuration of your swing set not only determine how well it fits in your playground but also how much joy it brings to the children who use it. So take the time to choose wisely—because a well-chosen swing set will keep kids swinging and smiling for years to come.

 

Curious for more?

These articles delve deeper and provide additional information about the topics discussed in this article.

1. What Is the Standard Size for a Swing Seat?
2. How Big Are Playground Swings?
3. How are Commercial Swing Sets Different from Residential Swing Sets?
4. What Are the Best Swing Sets for Your School?
5. What Are The Best Swing Sets For Community Playgrounds?
6. The Ultimate Buyer's Guide For Purchasing A Swing Set
7. At What Age Can You Use Playground Swings?
8. Is a Metal or Wooden Swing Better?
9. What Are Some Swing Sets For Every Budget?
10. How Much Should I Spend on a Swing Set?

Sources

1. ASTM International. (2021). F1487-21: Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use. ASTM.
2. ASTM International. (2017). F2373-11(R17): Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public Use Play Equipment for Children 6 Months through 23 Months. ASTM.
3. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2015). Public Playground Safety Handbook. CPSC.
4. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (n.d.). Public Playground Safety Checklist. CPSC.

Learn about the author: Ben Thompson