Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a "Gym"?
A.The central play platform of your Swing Set; it's where ladders, slides and other accessories attach. We measure the "Gym" from the ground to the peak of the roof.

Q. What is a swing "Play Deck"?
A. The actual elevated play area on the gym, a "Play Deck" is measured from the ground to the deck.

Q. What is a "Swing Module"?
A. A "Swing Module" or Swing Beam connects directly to the gym and is the component from which all swings and swinging accessories hang from. The "Swing Beam" is available in both 7ft. and 9ft. heights. Please note that the number of swinging positions vary from set to set.

Q. What is the difference between "Residential" and "Commercial"?
A. Creative Playthings "Residential Swing Sets" are intended for private residences only. "Commercial Playgrounds" refer to play sets designed for use in non-residential spaces such as childcare facilities, home day cares, with 6 or more children, home owners associations, religious institutions or any other public setting.

Q. What is the difference between our Swing Sets lines?
A. Our Premium Pine™ Swing sets are completely modular, meaning they can be customized in countless exciting ways! Every other Creative Playthings swing set is sold as a pre-configured package that cannot be altered. A warranty is included with every Creative Playthings swing set, the specifics of which vary from one series to another.

Q. Is the wood in your play sets pressure treated?
A. Creative Playthings Premium Pine™, Classic Pine™ and Playtime™ swing sets are made of Southern Yellow Pine and treated with ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary). ACQ contains no arsenic or chromium and is completely safe for children.

Q. Why do I see lighter colored bands on some of the wooden components?
A. These lighter colored bands (what we call stick marks) are noticeable at first but will gradually fade in sunlight. During our pressure treatment process, we use thin sticks to separate the lumber. This ensures the treatment covers the wood evenly and allows for better air flow when it dries.

Q. What are the weight recommendations for Swing Set Accessories?
A. Your wooden swing set has been designed to accommodate as many children as there are play positions. A maximum of 200 lbs. per child is recommended for play activities designed for individual use and 120 lbs. per child for multiple use activities. Please remember that your swing set has been engineered for children.

Q. Now that my swing set is assembled and installed, will I have to do anything to it?
A. Yes. You must provide routine inspections and regular maintenance. These procedures are covered in the "Required Maintenance" section of your Creative Playthings Owners Manual.

Q. How often should my assembled swing set be inspected?
A. An initial inspection should take place one week after installation and twice a month thereafter for the remaining life of your play set.

Q. When should the necessary maintenance be performed?
A. At the beginning of each play season or as often as may be deemed necessary from inspection. Major maintenance (primarily a thorough inspection and re-sealing) should be performed at twelve-month intervals from the date of installation.

Q. Why does it seem that my swing set is developing cracks?
A. As wood is a natural material, no two pieces are exactly alike. Each piece has its own characteristics and personality and reacts differently to climate changes. When any wood product is exposed to the elements, it develops "wood checks". A check is the radial separation of the wood fibers running with the grain of the wood. These are caused by the varying temperature and moisture conditions. A check is not a crack - it does not affect the strength or durability of the part and is not covered under warranty.


Before We Install Your Swing Set

Q. Should the installation site be pre-determined?
A. Yes. The installation will go more quickly and efficiently if you've already decided where the swing set is going to be placed.

Q. Can the set be moved once assembly has begun?
A. No. Problems arise when moving a Swing Set after it has been (even partially) put together. To avoid stress to the wood beams or any damage to the ground, it is important to have the installation site determined prior to the date of installation.

Q. Does the installation site have to be level?
A. Yes. To ensure a safe and stable installation there should be no more than a 6in. grade from left to right and front to back. Please note: our installers are not equipped to perform landscaping services.

Q. Does the installation site have to be clear?
A. Yes. Our installers will not be able to remove things like branches, timbers, small trees, bushes, rocks or old playsets. Such obstructions will result in the delay of installation at the customers expense.

Q. Can we install on a pre-existing Play Zone?
A. It depends. If a play zone (mulch & timbers) already exists, you will need to discuss this with your salesperson. If there is not sufficient clearance, a safe installation will not be possible.


The Swing Set Installation Date

Q. Should you be present for the installation?
A. To prevent improper placement of swing set, accessories and/or Play Zone the customer should be present during installation. If this is not possible, installation site must be clearly marked.

Q. Should I schedule right before a birthday party?
A. No. Plan at least seven days ahead of any major event (such as a birthday party) to accommodate any delays that may occur.

Q. Is the installation date/time guaranteed?
A. Unfortunately, weather conditions, traffic and other circumstances can affect the original date or time of any delivery, installation or service. All appointments are subject to change.


Further Swing Set Considerations

Q. Will the installers need access to a power outlet? 
A. Yes. Installation requires the use of power tools. Access to an outlet is essential to completing the installation.

Q. Is the installation site easily accessible?
A. If access to the installation site will be inhibited by landscapers or other work crews, has a gated entrance, narrow pathway, stairs or is a significant distance from where the delivery vehicle will be parked, please notify your salesperson ahead of time so that proper arrangements can be made.

Q. Do you know where your sprinklers are?
A. To prevent damage to your sprinkler system, we need to know where any underground pipes have been installed.

Q. Can we install directly over a septic tank?
A. No. Due to the weight of the product, we cannot guarantee that immediate or future damage will not occur.

Q. Can the Swing Beam be attached to either side of the Gym for installation flexibility?
A. Yes. Your salesperson can help decide which orientation is best for you and your unique space.

Q. Can the set be installed on concrete or indoors?
A. No. A fall on a hard surface can result in serious injury. Swing Sets must be installed on surfaces such as grass or mulch.


Before We Install Your Play Zone

Q. Does the installation site have to be level? 
A. Yes. A Play Zone can only be installed on level ground. This will allow for consistency in the depth of the mulch throughout the Play Zone. Rubber or Wood mulch cannot be used as a substitute material to level the Play Zone area. The borders will not sit perfectly flat if tree roots or rocks are present under the placement of the borders. Our installers are not equipped to level your ground.

Q. Does the installation site have to be clear?
A. Yes. There must be a 6ft Play Perimeter extending from the Swing Set, which is free of all obstructions such as rocks, fences & trees. Our installers are not equipped to perform landscaping services.


Further Play Zone Considerations

Q. Why are our Play Zones smaller than the 6ft. Play Perimeter mentioned in our catalog and website? 
A. A Creative Playthings Play Zone is an economical and more space conscious alternative to the CPSC recommended dimensions. We justify these smaller dimensions by ensuring there is a resilient surface present where the vast majority of falls are known to take place. In addition, we use Molded Plastic Borders which are hollow to further minimize potential injury.

Q. What happens if additional materials are required?
A. The Play Zone Guide will be referred to for each installation and does not take into account extra materials and labor required by any deviation from original configuration. If additional materials and labor are required to complete the job, they will be sold at a 20% discount and will include a service fee.

Q. Can my Play Zone grow along with my Swing Set?
A. Yes! Provided there is sufficient yard space, you can always purchase more Play Zone materials later to accommodate any new large accessories that significantly alter the footprint of your Swing Set (such as monkey bars or a Sky Box Playdeck).

Q. Did you purchase wood mulch for your Play Zone?
A. Wood mulch will be delivered by a third party company. The Creative Playthings service center will contact you as to when you can expect delivery and what preparations may be necessary.

Q. Can wood timbers be used to build a Play Zone?
A. No. We highly discourage this practice due to the greatly increased likelihood of injury.

Q. Is the installation site easily accessible?
A. If access to the installation site will be inhibited by landscapers or other work crews, has a gated entrance, narrow pathway, stairs or is a significant distance from where the delivery vehicle will be parked, please notify your salesperson ahead of time so that proper arrangements can be made.