Frequently Asked Questions
What Most People Want to Know About Bear Playgrounds Products
Everyone has questions when it comes to purchasing a playset, basketball hoop, or trampoline. Here you will find the most common questions our customers ask. And, if you don't find your answer here, our knowledgeable staff is happy to assist you.
Are we able to still have a basketball hoop installed if we have a gravel driveway?
Yes! This makes no difference in the actual basketball hoop installation or shooting capabilities. It can, however, make it more difficult to dribble.
Do I have the option of putting the playset together myself to avoid installation costs?
Yes! Please contact us directly at 724-443-4441 or by email info@bearofpa.com and we can give you a cost for the swingset only. Pickup and Delivery options are available.
Do I need to be at home while my playset is being installed?
No. However, it is recommended that you are at home when the installation crew arrives so that you can discuss the best placement options with them.
Does Bear's Rubber Mulch come in any colors besides black?
Yes, it does! Besides the Unpainted and Painted Black, we offer Forest Green, Terra Cotta Red, Cocoa Brown, and Royal Blue.
Does your rubber mulch blow or wash away?
Not typically. Rubber mulch chips are too heavy to be significantly affected by normal winds and rain. Using a border, like rubber curbs, will help to contain the mulch in the designated area.
How do I clean my vinyl swing set if it gets dirty?
Swing Kingdom playsets are virtually maintenance free. You can easily revitalize your playset's appearance with a garden hose, glass cleaner, and soft brush to wash away dirt and debris.
How durable are the maintenance free playsets?
Vinyl has five times the tensile strength and four times the flexibility of wood. By combining the performance of vinyl with the strength of Wolmanized treated wood, we create a swing set that is built to last.
How durable is your colored rubber mulch?
The chips are no less durable than the Black Rubber Mulch. A non-toxic, highly durable paint is used for the rubber. The end result is that the Colored Rubber Mulch should not fade any faster than that of good quality house paint, and may very well last much longer. The color is warranted for 12 years.
How is shock-absorption determined?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Testing Company, and the State of Illinois, among numerous state and federal agencies, have conducted various tests designed to measure the shock-absorption of various surface materials. Tire rubber chips have been shown to consistently absorb more shock impact than any other standard surface material.
How should the play area be prepared for a Safety Surface?
The area should be prepared ahead of time by removing rocks, stumps and any other debris. Then calculate the area that you want to surround the playset. We also recommend the use of Geotextile Fabric beneath the Wood or Rubber Mulch to help prevent weed growth. Most of our customers choose Rubber Borders to enclose the entire area which will help to contain the surfacing materials.
If my backyard is sloped can I still get a playset installed?
Yes! The installation site needs to be fairly level (within 6" grade). If you are unsure about the levelness of your yard, you can schedule a site visit with our team.
Is rubber mulch ever dusty or slippery?
No. In addition to promoting almost instantaneous drainage, our rubber mulch retains small amounts of moisture, which is just enough to prevent the accumulation of dust and slipperiness.
Is there steel content in our rubber mulch?
No. Our 1/2 inch chips are smaller than most others. The smaller the chips, the less likely they are to contain embedded steel wire. Our chips pass through 4 unique, state of the art magnets during the manufacturing process. Our mulch is guaranteed to be 99.9% steel-free.
What happens if my playset gets damaged? Is there a warranty?
Yes. All of our playsets have manufacturer warranties. If you have a warranty question or concerns, please fill out a warranty request form on our Warranty Repairs page.
Why is a vinyl clad playset better than a traditional wood playset?
The vinyl acts like a shell protecting the playset's wood understructure from environmental elements resulting in a longer service life.
Will Bear's rubber mulch crumble, disintegrate, or decompose?
No. Our rubber chips are made from 100% tire rubber. All tires are made of vulcanized rubber. The vulcanizing process makes the rubber literally indestructible.
Will my vinyl swing set fade from exposure to the sun?
Swing Kingdom's products contain extremely effective UV inhibitors that offer protection from harmful UV rays making them look great even with years of sun exposure.