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Frequently Asked Questions
Play Sets
Which Play Set is best for my family?
Every family’s requirements, wishes, budget and backyards vary. That is why we have created the exclusive How to Choose the Right Play System configurator conveniently found on this web site. Please take a few moments to complete 5 short questions to find the playset that is just right for your particular needs.
Does my yard have to be level?
Yes, we recommend a flat level surface in order to maximize playset stability and create the safest play area for your children. It is best to level out an area big enough for your new playset prior to assembly and installation. You can find area requirements, including a six foot safety zone for each of our Play Systems on this web site.
What type of lumber and materials should I use to build my playset?
Any lumber recommended for outdoor projects. Your PlayStar retailer can answer any specific questions you may have and assist you with your lumber selection. Please check to make sure the screws you use are compatible with your lumber choice.
Does the lumber need to be painted or sealed?
We do not recommend that you paint your playset. However a premium wood stain or sealer will protect your playset from demanding backyard environments and keep your new playset looking great.
What should I place under and around my new Playset?
The Consumer Product Safety Council recommends the following loose fill surfacing materials: wood mulch at 9” depth, double shredded bark at 9” depth, uniform wood chips at 12” depth, fine sand at 12” depth, fine gravel at 12” depth. For a complete chart as well as other safe play information please visit our “safety” section on this web site.
How do I figure cubic yards for surfacing materials? Use our Calculator to help.
Depth in inches/12 = depth in feet
Width in feet X Length in feet X Depth in feet = Total cubic feet
Total cubic feet/ 27 = Total cubic yards
Can I use these playsets in a daycare setting?
According to the American Standards for Testing and Materials Home Playground Equipment is not intended to apply to equipment to be used in places of public assembly such as schools, nurseries, day-care centers, and parks. Equipment intended for day-care centers in private homes is not exempt from the requirements of this specification. Such centers are defined as situations in which the child-care provider does not care for more than six children under the age of ten that are not residing in the household of the caregiver and the total number of children under the age of ten does not exceed ten, including the caregiver’s children.
Can I deviate from the plans that are included in each kit?
No, we can not authorize you to deviate from the original plans. Our plans are safety tested to strict standards and specifications. Safety is the number one priority at PlayStar and altering plans may lead to violations of safety zone requirements, head entrapments, pinch points, and unsafe play zones.
What are the Dimensions on the PlayStar Play Systems?
(Rounded to the nearest half foot)
View Buid It Yourself Kit Dimensions
View Ready To Assemble Kit Dimensions
Premium Dock System
1. How much does a 4' x 10' section weigh?
A fully assembled Premium 4' x 10' Dock Frame PS 1322 with Resin Dock Top PS 1320 weighs approximately 170 lbs.
2. Can I use a different top on 4' x 10' Premium Dock Frame?
No, the 4' x 10' Premium Frame can only be used with the Resin Dock Top PS 1320. However, the Resin Dock Top PS 1320 can be used on both Premium and Original Dock Frames.
3. Do I need to remove my Premium Dock during the winter?
It depends on your specific application. No dock can withstand heavy ice movement. Normal freezing and thawing will not damage a Premium Dock. However docks are left in at owner’s discretion. Consider the following:
- The history of ice movement at your location
- Do owners in your area take their docks in or leave them out?
Original Floating Dock
1. How much does a 4' x 10' section weigh?
When built according to our plans, with pressure treated lumber, a 4' x 10' section with floats weighs approximately 400 lbs.
2. Do I really need to use all the frame brackets and hardware?
The twisting forces of water, wind, and waves place continual stress on a wood frame. The metal brackets provide corner and joint support to keep your dock frame stable and secure for many years.
3. Do I need to remove Original Floating Dock during the winter?
It depends on your specific application. No dock can with-stand heavy ice movement. Normal freezing and thawing will not damage an Original Dock. However docks are left in at owner’s discretion. Consider the following:
- The history of ice movement at your location
- Do owners in your area take their docks in or leave them out?
4. How do I anchor a swim float?
Purchase a Hinge Kit PS 1070 and mount in center of the wood frame. Attach chain to the hinge pin and anchor with a boat anchor, bricks, milk jugs filled with cement, or other heavy objects.
Floats
1. What is the size of the float?
3' long x 4' wide x 9" high
2. How much weight does one float support?
The buoyancy rating is 500 lbs. Three Floats are required per dock section.
3. What are the floats made of?
High-density Polyethylene. This same material is used for fuel tanks in the automotive industry. It is impact resistant, will not rust and is impervious to gas, oil, ultraviolet light and most other chemicals.
4. Are the floats filled with styrofoam or any other materials?
No, we intentionally do not use a styrofoam filler as it reduces the overall buoyancy. Our blow-molded design is engineered with conical center supports and does not require additional support.
Adjustable Dock Leg
1. How do the Dock Legs PS 1330 adjust?
There are two methods used to adjust the height of the leg. The first method is a lower pin adjustment that allows you to manually change the height up to 22" in 3 1/2 " increments. The second method is a top screw adjustment that can be changed at any time from the top of the dock using a 1" socket. This top screw adjustment gives you an additional 17" of flexibility.
2. How far does each Dock Leg PS 1330 adjust?
A total of 39". See Adjustment explanation above.
3. What is the minimum/maximum height of a Premium Dock?
Roll-In Dock is 44" to 83" Stationary Dock is 33" to 72"
4. What are the Legs made from?
They are made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a heavy-duty steel screw and universal braces for maximum strength. Each leg is fully assembled ready to attach to the 4" x 10" Premium Dock Frame PS 1322.
5. What is the Dock Wheel Made from?
High-Density Polyethylene. This same material is used for fuel tanks in the automotive industry. It is impact resistant, will not rust and is impervious to gas, oil, ultraviolet light and most other chemicals.
6. What is the wheel size?
It is 23" in diameter, 6" wide with a 750 lb weight rating.
7. How much weight do the legs support?
Up to 750 lbs. each or 1500 lbs. per pair/dock section
Pipe
1. How do I install the pipe with the auger?
Drill one hole in your pipe 11/16 " in from the end, on center. Insert auger into the pipe, align holes and finish drilling through opposite side of pipe. Secure with nut and bolt provided with auger. Align pipe so it is vertically plumb (use of a level is recommended). Turn pipe clockwise with pipe wrench to anchor pipe to bottom.
2. How far do you sink poles with auger into the bottom?
A minimum of two feet into a firm bottom is required. However, each situation is different. Consider the following:
- How soft or firm the bottom is
- What the bottom is made of
- Number of poles being used
- Normal wind conditions
- Wake action around dock
- Amount of current
- The size and weight of watercraft you may attach to your dock
3. Can I use a different pipe than what is recommended?
You can substitute 1 7/8," x .120 thick wall pipe. Simply remove the insert to accommodate the thicker pipe. If pipe longer than 12' is necessary you can also substitute 1 7/8" schedule 40 pipe found in most plumbing supply stores.
4. How many pipes should I use?
We recommend a minimum of 1 pipe per 4' x 10' section. However each situation is different. Consider the following:
- Normal wind conditions
- Wake action around dock
- The size and weight of watercraft you may attach to your dock
- Amount of current
