Need to make a quick decision? If you want to know what my pick is for the best pool basketball hoop, then I’d recommend the GoSports Splash Hoop PRO Swimming Pool Basketball Game as the best one.
Do you have a pool at home that has not been used for a while? Are you looking for ways to get the family out of the couch for some fun and exercise? Have a fun game of pool basketball to take advantage of the health benefits of swimming while keeping your family, especially the kids engaged and excited.
I will be sharing with you my top picks for the best poolside basketball hoops in this review.
- GoSports Splash Hoop PRO Swimming Pool Basketball Game
- Lifetime Pool Side Basketball System
- Swimline Cool Jam Pro Poolside Basketball Super-Wide
- Poolmaster 72784 Pro Rebounder Poolside Basketball Game with Bracket Mounts
- Dunnrite Products Pool Sport 2-in-1 Basketball Hoop and Volleyball Combo Set
- SwimWays 2 In 1 Pool Sport Combo Set
- GoSports Splash Hoop 360 Floating Pool Basketball Game
- Hoop Shark Inflatable Hoop with Ball
Competitive physical activity is a marvellous way to get the children to take a break from watching TV and playing video games. This is also a great way to spice up pool parties.
How about a friendly 2v2 poolside basketball tournament? Watch this video to see how exciting it can be!
What Are The Types Of Pool Basketball Hoops?
There are two types of pool basketball hoops available in the market. Each one offers a distinct advantage and will be suitable for different types of uses.
- Poolside
These basketball hoops are usually fixed to the side of the pool and are heavier and sturdier than floating ones. The base is filled with either water or sand to keep it steady during games. These hoops feature a backboard, rim and basket similar to what you use during real basketball games.
Due to the size and the fact that it has to stand on the flat ground, these basketball hoops are suitable for in-ground swimming pools. These are not very portable and cannot be transported as easily. They do provide a more realistic basketball game experience compared to the floating hoops and work better if you prefer a more tournament feel to your games.
- Floating
As the name suggests, floating basketball hoops float on the pool and are not fixed to one side. These basketball hoops are great if you are looking for portability as they are either inflatable or easy to disassemble and put back together. These are very light so you can take it with you when you go on a vacation to a resort just like any inflatable pool toy.
A floating basketball hoop will work very well for both in-ground swimming pools or above ground / inflatable ones. Since these tend to be smaller than the poolside hoops, these can work for smaller swimming pools as well. They will usually come with only a hoop or net, no backboard or rim. The experience is a little different but no less exciting.
What To Consider When Choosing A Pool Basketball Hoop?
Let us now look at the things that you need to think about before choosing a basketball hoop for your swimming pool.
- Dimension
If you are choosing a poolside basketball hoop then it is worth spending a bit of time noting down the dimensions of the hoop that you are considering and checking it against the space that you have available. Poolside basketball hoops take up more space than the floating hoops and need a bit more planning in terms of where you will place them. I suggest positioning the poolside hoop at a side where you have minimal people passing through to avoid accidentally toppling it over to prevent injuries.
Take note of the size of the backboard and the length of the net. A poolside basketball hoop with a wide backboard helps with keeping the ball in the pool. A wide backboard will catch the ball more easily and bounce it back into the water in case of a missed goal. A long net will ensure that the ball drops back into the water when a shot is made.
If you are choosing a floating basketball hoop then you need to make sure that there is still enough space to move around in the pool once you the hoop is fully inflated or assembled. Check the height of the floating basketball hoop. If you are buying for younger children then get one that is not too high so they can still enjoy shooting through it. Some poolside basketball hoops are height adjustable. This is a good plus point if you want to keep the same hoop for your child as they grow.
Check the hoop diameter to know what balls are appropriate to use in case you need to purchase additional ones or buy a replacement. Most pool basketball hoops come with balls in the package so you don’t usually have to worry.
- Ease Of Assembly And Portability
Are tools required to assemble the hoop before you can start using it? Do you have the tools available or do you need to purchase them separately? Do you want something that requires minimal effort to assemble so you can start playing immediately? Or are you willing to put in a bit more time to get a sturdy and long lasting hoop? These are some of the questions that you should ask yourself when planning your purchase.
Floating basketball hoops are without a doubt easier to assemble and take apart for easy storage. Poolside basketball hoops may take more time depending on the features that it has. Some take less than half an hour to put together without any tools while others, especially height adjustable ones will need more time to put together. Certain manufacturers already include all the tools needed for assembly but it is always best to be ready. Having a basic set of tools like this one with a screwdriver, adjustable wrench and pliers will help with most installations.
- Package Inclusions
Basketballs, a ball pump, and tools are some of the items that manufacturers may include in the package that certainly adds value to the main product. These help get you up and running with your basketball hoop much more quickly compared to buying all the items separately.
There are also 2-in-1 products that are convertible from basketball hoops to volleyball nets and come with both a basketball and a volleyball for even more versatility. While this may all sound like a very good deal, I recommend that you carefully think over the purpose for your purchase. There’s no point in buying a 2-in-1 product if you are never going to play volleyball anyway. The extra accessories will take up storage space unnecessarily.
- Budget
Budget is always subjective. You should consider this aspect after you’ve looked at all the earlier considerations so you can get the best value for your money. Floating basketball hoops are generally cheaper but if you are looking for something that will last you for years then a poolside hoop made of durable materials will be cheaper in the long run. Know how much you are willing to spend on your pool basketball hoop before buying so you don’t overspend.
Additional Tips For Safety And Maintenance
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your pool basketball hoop for a longer time.
- Do not hang on your pool basketball hoop
These basketball hoops are not made for slam dunks. While poolside basketball hoops are made with a sturdy base and filled with substantial amounts of water or sand for stability, it will not be enough to support a person’s full body weight. You can touch the rim lightly to “dunk” but don’t put any more pressure on it than that.
This is the same with a floating basketball hoop. This is essentially a pool toy which can easily topple over if you put your weight on it.
- Spray with an anti-rust / anti-corrosion substance
Poolside basketball hoops may have exposed metal components. Rust-Oleum or something similar will help protect your investment by keeping it away from rust.
8 Best Pool Basketball Hoops
Now that you have enough information, let’s take a look at the top options for pool basketball hoops to buy.
1. GoSports Splash Hoop PRO Swimming Pool Basketball Game
The GoSports Splash Hoop PRO Poolside Basketball Game is not just a hoop. The package comes with two basketballs and a pump. Assembly takes 15 minutes at most so you can immediately jump into your pool and start enjoying a game of basketball right away!
There are minimal metal components (only a few metal screws) so rusting is not an issue. The only tool you will need is a screwdriver at most. The base needs to be filled with water for stability. The basketball hoop is 40 inches in height and not adjustable. This is a good height for poolside basketball hoops and can be challenging enough for most games played by children and adults alike.
The backboard of the basketball hoop is 34 inches wide by 25 inches high and has a long net which helps keep the ball in the pool when a player takes a shot. The base is 17 inches (left to right) by 25 inches (front to back). Take both the backboard size and base dimensions into consideration when planning for the space where you will position the basketball hoop. The rim is 14 inches in diameter and can take a size 3 basketball in case you want to replace the ones provided in the package.
Pros
- Wide backboard and long net helps keep the ball in the swimming pool
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with two basketballs and a pump
- No rust issues
Cons
- White decals on the backboard may peel off after a few uses
2. Lifetime Pool Side Basketball System
If you are looking for a poolside basketball hoop that is as close to the real deal as possible then this Lifetime Pool Side Basketball System will work very well for you. This hoop has a 44 inch shatterproof polycarbonate backboard which gives that professional glass backboard look.
The package does not include a basketball so you have to get this on your own. It has a classic rim (not breakaway) which is 18 inches in size so you can use any regulation size basketball. The steel pole that holds the backboard in place is height-adjustable. The lowest setting is at 4 feet while the highest is at 6.5 feet. This flexibility allows for added variety and challenge to your pool basketball games (no goaltending!).
The base can be filled with either water or sand for stability. The base is 46 inches by 30 inches so you will need a large space on your poolside. The large base allows for the system to remain stable even when the pole is adjusted to the highest setting of 6.5 feet.
Do note that this hoop requires the most effort in terms of assembly out of all the options presented here. I recommend having at least two people work on the assembly and to have a set of tools ready (screwdriver, wrench, and pliers). The steel pole, while coated with a weather-resistant finish still has a tendency to rust so use a rust preventive spray.
Pros
- Realistic looking basketball hoop
- Regulation size basketball rim
- Height-adjustable
- Can be used as a regular portable hoop for kids (not poolside) if you wish
Cons
- Basketball to be purchased separately
- Assembly takes time and may require multiple tools
- Rust can be an issue. Spray with Rust-Oleum paint or a similar substance to keep the metal components looking fresh.
3. Swimline Cool Jam Pro Poolside Basketball Super-Wide
This Swimline Cool Jam Pro Super-Wide basketball hoop has a wider than usual backboard measuring 44 inches wide by 32 inches tall. The only metal part on this poolside hoop is the rim so rust is not a huge issue.
Instead of the usual base, it comes with sturdy legs that you need to fill with water. I personally prefer using water to sand. It is easier to fill and empty when needed.
Two things about this product stand out for me. The height of the hoop can be adjusted and the rim is large enough for a regulation size basketball. Both these features allow for more challenging and exciting games.
Pros
- Wide backboard for more shooting angles
- Comes with a regulation size basketball
- Sturdy and not prone to rust
- Height-adjustable
Cons
- More expensive than most poolside hoops
4. Poolmaster 72784 Pro Rebounder Poolside Basketball Game with Bracket Mounts
The Poolmaster Pro Rebounder Poolside Basketball Game is relatively easy to assemble and comes with a basketball. A pump for the ball is not included so you need to get this separately.
This poolside hoop is specifically designed for above ground pools. It comes with mounting brackets instead of the usual base that you fill with sand or water. The mounting brackets attach to the railing of the pool. Do note that your pool must have hard, sturdy sides for the brackets to attach to. It will not work with inflatable pools.
The dimension of the backboard is 34 inches wide by 25.5 inches high. Hoop is 14 inches in diameter. It is about the same size as the GoSports Splash Hoop PRO Poolside hoop and not height adjustable.
One challenge that I found with this set that you should know about is the inconsistent quality of the basketball included in the package. It may be too light and flimsy for adults. You can get a smaller sized basketball size 3 or 4 to replace it if you prefer a heftier ball.
Pros
- Wide backboard and long net helps keep the ball in the swimming pool
- Relatively easy to assemble
- Compact size
- Works with hard sided above ground swimming pools
Cons
- Basketball included is too light and not easy to use for games
- Rust issues with the screws included in the package. Spray with rust-oleum as a preventive measure or replace with stainless steel ones.
5. Dunnrite Products Pool Sport 2-in-1 Basketball Hoop and Volleyball Combo Set
This Dunnrite Pool Sport 2-in-1 Basketball Hoop and Volleyball Combo Set gives you more options to enjoy pool sports. Apart from the basketball hoop, it comes with an extra base, a volleyball net, a volleyball, and a basketball. Ball pump is not included.
To convert from basketball to volleyball, you will need to detach the backboard from the base and place the two bases across the width of your swimming pool with the net attached to both sides. The net can span across a 22 feet pool. Consider these measurements to see if you can actually use the volleyball net as is. If you have a wider pool then consider other options. You will not be able to play both basketball and volleyball at the same time as there are only two bases.
The dimension of the backboard is 31 inches by 22 inches. The hoop is 13.5 inches in diameter. The base is 17 inches (left to right) by 19 inches (front to back). The height is fixed at 38 inches. The base needs to be filled with water to keep it stable.
Pros
- Dual purpose: basketball and volleyball. Comes with all the accessories.
- Wide backboard and long net helps keep the ball in the swimming pool
- Easy to assemble
- Compact size. Will not take up too much space in your deck / poolside
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Basketball rim rusts quickly. Spray with rust-oleum for prevention.
- Volleyball net may not be long enough for some swimming pools
6. SwimWays 2 In 1 Pool Sport Combo Set
This is an all plastic 2 in 1 poolside basketball and volleyball set that will give you many enjoyable hours in your pool. The set comes with all the accessories that you need. Assembly is very easy so you can get started in no time. No tools required.
The backboard for the basketball hoop converts to the base for the volleyball posts. You need to fill the bases with water or sand for stability. The volleyball net in this set goes up to 24 feet in length. This is a good option if you find the Dunnrite a bit short for your swimming pool.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with all the accessories including a basketball and volleyball
- All plastic, no need to worry about rust
- More affordable 2 in 1 option
- Longer volleyball net
Cons
- Height cannot be adjusted
7. GoSports Splash Hoop 360 Floating Pool Basketball Game
The GoSports Splash Hoop 360 Floating Pool Basketball Game is an outstanding floating basketball hoop option for those who need portability, have limited space or have an inflatable or above ground swimming pool. This works very well for in-ground swimming pools too.
The circular base is less than 20 inches in diameter. The height from the base to the hoop is less than 22 inches. This hoop is very easy to assemble as you only need to fit the parts together. No screws or bolts to tinker with. The set already comes with two water basketballs and a pump. If you can’t wait to start your pool basketball game then this is what you should go for. This can be taken apart easily for storage when not in use or brought along during a resort holiday for added fun.
Pros
- Very easy assembly
- Easy to pack and store
- Comes with two basketballs and pump
- More affordable than poolside basketball hoops
Cons
- Not as sturdy or heavy duty as poolside hoops
8. Hoop Shark Inflatable Hoop with Ball
If you prefer a larger floating basketball hoop then this is an alternative that you can consider. This Hoop Shark pool basketball hoop is 40 inches tall. The base has a diameter of 46 inches. The bright color adds to the amusement factor.
It is fully inflatable so it is very easy to pack and store. The large bore valves make inflating and deflating the hoop extremely quick. A ball comes included in the package so feel free to contact their customer service if you receive yours without one!
One thing to keep in mind is that while this pool basketball hoop is big in size, it is not going to be as sturdy as a poolside hoop. Climbing or dunking on it may cause damage.
Pros
- Very easy assembly
- Easy to pack and store
- Comes with two basketballs and pump
- More affordable than poolside basketball hoops
Cons
- Not as sturdy or heavy duty as poolside hoops
- Pump not included
The Awesome Choice
My choice for the best pool basketball hoop is the GoSports Splash Hoop PRO Swimming Pool Basketball Game. The set already comes with all the necessary accessories – not one but two basketballs and a pump. Assembly is one of the easiest for a poolside hoop so you spend more time playing and enjoying your new purchase instead of installing. This hoop does not have the rust issues that can happen with the other options. It is very easy to maintain. This is the best value for money option for those looking for a sturdy poolside hoop.
If you are also looking for a mini basketball hoop, you may want to check out the article I have written about it.