Swing Sets

Backyard Discovery Saratoga Cedar Swing Set

By · November 11, 2016

The Saratoga Cedar Wood Swing Set by Backyard Discovery is a popular full-featured adventure for you very own backyard.  With all the different things to do your kids will be busy for hours.  This is a great swing set for large families or families with room to grow.

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What makes the Saratoga fun?

Clubhouse

The Saratoga swing set is fun twist on the traditional swing set you might find in backyards with the upper deck stacked on top of the ground-level clubhouse.  The clubhouse features a wooden door and windows on three sides.  The fourth side features a railing so kids can wave to friends on the swings.  The adorable windows are covered with muntin bars to mimic the look of panes of glass held together.  The door to the clubhouse is located under the monkey bars.  The roof of the play house is the upper deck and is 4 feet off the ground.  That is plenty of room for most kids to walk without bumping their heads.  The clubhouse with the realistic door and windows will be the ultimate play house for kids.  The swing set is recommended for kids aged 3-10.

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Snack bench

On the side opposite of the ladder to the upper deck is a neat snack bench with a cute canopy overhead.  The bench includes built-in seat and table.  This is a great place to have a rest, eat a snack, play restaurant, or read a book.  The canopy offers shade for the bench.

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Upper deck

Above the club house is an upper deck that measures 41 inches by 43 inches and is covered with a sturdy wood roof.  The peak of the roof is about 5 feet above the deck.  The height of the roof makes the deck feel very spacious.  The upper deck can be accessed by the standard, easy-up ladder.  From the upper deck kids can go down the 8 foot Super Safe Speedy Slide or use the monkey bars.

Monkey bars

On one side of the clubhouse is the monkey bars.  Not many swing sets offer monkey bars so this is a nice surprise.  Monkey bars are great for building strength and coordination in kids.  They rungs of the ladder and the climbing rungs are made from sturdy, anchored metal.  You won’t need to worry about the bars flexing or rolling while being used and there is no chance of splinters in little hands.

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Swings and glider

Opposite the monkey bars is the swing beam with enough space for four kids to swing at one time.  There is plenty of room for any age.  Two belt swings and one 2-person glider hang from the beam.  The glider will be a big hit as kids love to swing together.

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Safety features

Backyard Discovery uses many safety features in the construction of their swing sets to prevent little ones from getting hurt.  The hardware used in the construction are exclusive Safe-T-Fuse hardware.  The Safe-T-Fuse locking nuts resist loosening over time.  They also have rounded surfaces which won’t catch on clothing or cause cuts or scraps.  All Backyard Discovery swing sets are ASTM compliant which means they meet or exceed the regulated safety standards to ensure your kids will stay safe while playing.

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Quality Construction

The brackets used to join the major components of the swing set are made from high-strength steel.  They are powder coated for maximum protection from the elements and won’t rust.

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The swing set is made from 100% cedar wood which is an optimal wood to use outdoors as it is naturally resistant to decay, rot and insects.  The wood is naturally free of chemicals and has been top-coated with a water-based stain for appearances; it is safe for kids and animals.  The lumber is conveniently pre-cut and pre-drilled to make the assembly process a breeze.  All the plastic components of the swing set are UV resistant which means they will be protected from sun damage.

How big is the Saratoga Swing Set?

The Saratoga swing set is on the larger side and is longer than it is wide.  Before purchasing it is important to know how large it is and where it will fit in your yard.  The swing set is about 12 ½ feet wide, and 18 ½ feet long.  The swing beam is about 6 ½ feet off the ground and the top of the deck roof is about 9 ½ feet off the ground.  That is the highest point on the swing set.

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You will also need to consider the six foot safety zone around the swing set when picking out a place in your yard.  The safety zone is the area around the swing set in which no other objects come in contact.  In other words the swing set should be placed no closer than six feet from all structures or obstacles such as your house, shed, garage, barn, porch, deck, trees, clotheslines, powerlines, or garden.

It is also a good idea to pick out the surfacing material you will apply to the play area after assembly.  It is not recommended that the play set be assembled on packed earth, concrete or any other hard surface.  You will want to add a loose materials to reduce the chances of injury caused by a fall.  Surfacing materials that are good shock absorbers include: mulch, shredded tires, or sand.

If you plan on purchasing the Saratoga swings set at a retailer and transporting it home it is important to know how large the box is before you get there in case it won’t fit in your vehicle.  The swing set comes in two boxes.  The first box measures 91 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 6 ½ inches tall.  It weighs 155 pounds.  The second box measures 91 ½ inches long, 21 inches wide, and 8 inches tall.  It weighs 190 pounds.

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Does it come with a manual?

All Backyard Discovery play sets are delivered with an instruction manual.  In the manual you will find warranty information, frequently asked questions, maintenance information as well as assembly instructions.  The easy-to-follow instructions are listed step-by-step and are fully illustrated.  All the parts are labeled to speed installation.  It is a good idea to arrange the parts by part number when taking them out of the box.  This will make the assembly go quicker and will also help you identify any parts that are damaged missing.  If you find any problems you can contact Backyard Discovery support.  The swing set can be assembled by two adults in about 8-10 hours.  You will need a few common tools to help you such as a hammer, level, and drill.

How do I take care of my swing set?

To ensure your swing set will last a long time there are a few recommended tasks to keep the play set in good working order.  Most importantly, you’ll want to apply a stain or seal to the wood at least once a year.  You may need to do apply it more often depending on where you live.  The stain will protect the wood and decrease the chances of decay.  This is also a condition of your warranty.  Before applying stain be sure to sand down any splinters you find.

As the weather starts to get cold and begins to drop below freezing it is recommended you remove the swings, glider, and canopy.  These items should be stored inside or in the garage out of the elements to increase their lifespan.  Replace them in the spring when the weather begins to warm up.

When you replace the swings in the spring that is a good time to check and tighten all the hardware.  It is also a good time to lubricate all the moving metallic parts such as swings.  The protective covers of bolts, edges, pipes, and corners should be checked and tightened if loose.  If you find any rust sand it off and re-paint.

While the playset is being used in the spring, summer and fall be sure to check and tighten the hardware twice a month.  You should lubricate the moving parts and check for deterioration during these checks.

Lastly you’ll want to check the depth of the surfacing material at the beginning and end of the play season and monthly during the play season.  Be sure the material hasn’t become compacted in areas and thin in others.  You will want to add more to reach the desired depth.

Is there a warranty?

All Backyard Discovery swing sets come with a limited warranty.  The warranty covers all parts against defects for the first year.  The lumber is covered against rot and decay for up to five years.

Should I buy it?

If you are looking for a swing set that has a little bit more the Saratoga swing set is the one for you.  With the clubhouse, deck and roof, monkey bars, snack bench, and swings the fun never stops.

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