ᐅ Hammock Stand and Climbing Frame: Which Wood Stain or Varnish to Use?

Hello everyone,
I can’t seem to find a clear answer online to my questions – or maybe there isn’t just one?

1. Dark-stained hammock frame, 1 year old. Cracks are forming. Should I leave it as is or apply another coat of stain? If I go over it with dark gray, will that work, or will it just turn dark brown?

2. Climbing frame/swingset, 5 years old, pressure-treated wood. Does it need to be stained at some point, or will it last another 5/6/7 years as it is? It still looks pretty good and I like the appearance. But will the wood start to splinter eventually?

Thanks a lot!!!

You can leave everything as it is. Only if the appearance is unsatisfactory should repainting be considered.