Playing basketball is an excellent option to gain some excitement and exercise in your life. Buying an outdoor basketball hoop for your home allows you to play a pickup game or a round of “horse” with friends and family.
However, before you start dribbling and shooting, you want to make sure you assemble your portable basketball hoop properly. The most important part when assembling the hoop is creating a sturdy base.
Why? Well, because you need a strong base for accurate playing and to fight against unpredictable weather. You want to make sure the base is filled correctly.
You are probably wondering what to fill a basketball hoop base with. We will discuss the best options to make sure your basketball hoop is stabilized and safe.
How to Stabilize a Basketball Hoop
Portable basketball hoops have the advantage of being mobile. This means you can play in your driveway, backyard, and when done, easily store it in the garage.
When you are playing, you need the basketball hoop base to be filled with the correct weight to keep the stand upright.
The most common options to fill a base with are sand and water. A third less-common option is a basketball hoop base gel.
Using Water For a Basketball Hoop Base
Water is the easiest (and cheapest) option when deciding what to fill a basketball hoop base with. It's more accessible than gel or sand, and the cleanup process is a breeze.
With water, you don't have to run to the store. You can simply use a water source like a hose to fill in the base. This is an easy way to add and remove water.
How to keep a basketball hoop base from freezing?
This is a good consideration to have in mind, especially if you are subject to cold weather. Water can freeze and expand during cold weather. This will cause the base to break.
To remove the water, just empty the base. If it spills all over your driveway, there will be little cleanup, and the water will dry naturally. Water's also less dense and lighter, which makes it easier to move the hoop around.
Another option on how to keep a basketball hoop base from freezing is to use a non-toxic antifreeze agent. When using antifreeze, make sure to keep it away from pets and small children as it can be harmful to them.
You can also add a small amount of bleach to the water to help prevent the growth of algae.
Disadvantages of Using Water
Water is less dense than sand or gel, making the base less stable. The density difference between sand and water is thirteen pounds per gallon versus eight pounds per gallon.
Additionally, overtime, water evaporates and will need to be replaced to upkeep the base's stability. You need to make sure to remember to refill the water so the stand does not accidentally fall to the ground. This can be quite dangerous during a game.
Using Sand For a Basketball Hoop Base
Consider using sand to fill a basketball hoop base if you want a more stable option. Because sand is denser than water, its weight creates more stability. The downside of having a heavier base is that it is less mobile.
Sand's also heavier to move if it becomes wet, which further decreases mobility. However, sand is the most stable base and works wonders in preventing the hoop from falling.
Therefore, there's less worry about possibly breaking outdoor furniture or injuring a player if it were to fall over.
How Much Sand Is Needed?
Wondering how much sand for a basketball hoop is needed? The standard weight of a portable basketball hoop is 130 pounds (without sand or water).
With water, you can gauge how much to fill from your hose, but with sand, it is recommended to buy ten 50-pounds bags of sand. The easiest way to add sand to the base is by creating a funnel and slowly pouring it in.
What Kind of Sand Is Best?
The best sand for basketball hoops can be found at any home supply store. You can also use “play sand,” which is the kind kids would use in a sandbox.
We like play sand since it can be funneled smoothly into the base. It also evens out well in the basketball hoop base.
When you are finished using your basketball hoop and need to store it back in the garage, it would be wise to remove the sand for a smoother move.
How to empty sand from a basketball base? This is a two-person job. You will need to lower the basketball hoop on its side, which will make it easier for the sand to pour out of the valve.
Using Basketball Hoop Base Gel
The third and less common option for filling a basketball hoop base is a base gel. This is a polymer absorbent that is mixed with water.
It can create the same weight as sand and works wonders if you live in colder climates. Base gels are also mold-resistant, so you don't have to worry about any fungi growing within the base.
Why isn't base gel as common as water or sand?
Well, because this is a product that isn't as accessible. You would need to go to a specific shop like a sports store to obtain it.
Conclusion: Water, Sand or Gel for Filling Basketball Hoop Base
No doubt, you want to take full of advantage of your basketball hoop. This includes caring for it well and protecting those using the hoop.
Deciding what to fill a basketball hoop base with is a great first step. The substance you go with depends on how much you're willing to spend, the functionality you're looking for, and the effort you're willing to commit to the project.
Your options include water, sand, or gel to make sure you safely get the best use out of your portable basketball hoop.
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