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Do you own a portable basketball hoop? How do you make it sit stable for dunking? Probably you fill it with water or sand.
Regardless of the filing method, you’ll need to drain it at one point, right? The process is easier said than done, and you may end up breaking the base.
So, you’ve filled the hoop with water, and you need to drain it. What next? Most users get stuck on how to drain a portable basketball hoop.
Well, to drain the basketball hoop, take the stopper out and lay the goal on the side. Tip the goal around to remove the remaining water. Alternatively, use a simple hose to siphon the water out.
I fill my basketball hoop with water. I’ll share a few tips on filling it, draining the water, preventing it from freezing and choosing the right antifreeze agent.
Plus, I’ll let you know if the hoop is worth it.
Let’s get started.
Contents
Is A Portable Basketball Hoop Worth It?
When you buy a portable basketball hoop, you get an affordable way to play basketball at home or outside.
You won’t have to worry about buying expensive equipment because you can use what you already own.
If you’ve never played basketball before, then you may wonder if a portable basketball hoop is right for you.
But if you’re looking for a fun activity to do with friends and family, then you need to consider purchasing a portable basketball hoop.
Owning a portable basketball hoop means that you can enjoy playing basketball anytime, anywhere.
You can practice shooting free throws without going to a gym or spending money on renting a court.
What Makes A Portable Basketball Hoop Great?
A portable basketball hoop is perfect for players who want to improve their skills. They come with adjustable stands that allow you to set up the hoop at different heights.
You can also easily move the hoop around when you want to change locations. There are many sizes available, so you can choose the best size for your needs.
These hoops are also lightweight and compact, making them convenient to carry around. Most models fold into a small package, making them easier to store.
Portable basketball hoops are also versatile. You can use them indoors or outdoors. Some even come with wheels that make moving them around much easier.
Another cool type of basketball hoop is the so-called trampoline basketball hoop. My kids love to dunk on the trampoline. We have an extended guide on the best ones here.
Why Choose Water To Stabilize Your Basketball Hoop?
You can stabilize your hoop with water or sand. Each has its advantages. I choose water over sand because of the following reasons.
- Water is cheap and very reliable. If you hire someone to fill water in the hoop, then it’s relatively cheap.
- Water is easily portable when in the hoop, and kids can move it around
- The water mixes well with antifreeze, so no need to empty the hoop during the cold season
- Water is easy to fill and empty, saving you time.
If you want maximum stability, though, the best option for you is a roof-mounted basketball hoop.
How To Fill A Portable Basketball Hoop With Water
Now that you’ve acquired a portable basketball hoop, you’re ready to start practicing. Before you do, there’s something else you need to do first: Fill the basketball hoop base with water.
Fill the base with enough water until it reaches the top of the rim. Make sure that the water level doesn’t exceed the rim.
After you’ve filled the base, wait for the water to settle down. Once it does, tighten the bolts that hold the base together. Your hoop is ready to be used.
How To Drain Portable Basketball Hoops
Use caution when removing the base. It could break apart if you don’t handle it properly when emptying the hoop. Watch the video below for more info.
Here are two simple methods to use in order to drain your basketball hoop:
Method 1
Be sure to follow this strictly.
- Take out the stopper, then lay the hoop
- Slowly tip the hoop to empty it fully
- You might need a hose to suck if the hop is heavier
- Avoid sucking with your mouth in case you used an antifreeze
- Take advantage of gravity to empty the hoop by placing the hose in the basketball hoop base with the other end laid in a lower area
Method 2
Now pay further attention to that one.
Method two requires removing the plugs, poles, and braces, then tipping the hoop to drain fully. Just make sure that you don’t touch the metal frame.
Note that draining your hoop is an essential step if you want to convert your portable basketball hoop to in-ground.
Preventing A Portable Basketball Hoop From Freezing
If you live in a cold climate, you should know that some portable basketball hoops freeze during the winter months. This happens because they are not insulated.
The only thing you can do to avoid this problem is to keep the hoop covered while not being used.
Another solution would be to purchase a portable basketball hoop with insulation. These hoops will help protect the base from freezing.
You can drain the water from the base to prevent it from freezing. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace the base.
Draining water is a much easier option because it takes less time and effort than replacing the entire base.
Adding antifreeze to the water in the base is still an option. An antifreeze mixture works by preventing ice crystals from forming inside the base. This method is effective but requires more work than draining the water.
When adding antifreeze to water, follow these steps:
- Add 1/2 cup of antifreeze to each gallon of water.
- Stir the mixture well.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture through a strainer and discard any solids.
- Use the new water to refill the base.
- Tighten the bolts on the base as soon as possible after refilling the base.
- Wait for the water to cool before storing the hoop.
An antifreeze increases the boiling point of water, which prevents the water from freezing. However, this process isn’t 100% effective.
The water may still freeze at times. In this case, you’ll have to drain the water again.
Things To Consider Before You Use An Antifreeze
This is important so follow along.
Type Of Antifreeze
Antifreeze is lethal to the environment. If you decide to add antifreeze to your portable basketball hoop, you must carefully dispose of the old liquid.
Do not pour it into the sewer system. Instead, take the container outside and let the liquid evaporate naturally.
Some people say that types of antifreeze contain chemicals that damage plants and animals. Although this is true, most antifreeze isn’t harmful to humans.
In case of spillage, wipe or clean the place to prevent poisoning your favorite pet.
Consider What Ratio Of Water To Use
Many people mix water with the antifreeze at 50:50. This means that half of the water is replaced with antifreeze.
However, there is no need to use such a high concentration of antifreeze. You can also dilute the antifreeze to 10 percent. This way, you won’t risk damaging the base.
Alternatively, get 2-3 8lbs of calcium chloride and dissolve in water. Sometimes, the mixture might be hot so take caution before pouring it into the hoop.
There is still a non-toxic, biodegradable antifreeze concentrate that’s safe for pets and kids. I usually use this concentrate for ant freezing.
How To Move A Portable Basketball Hoop
Moving a portable basketball hoop is easy.
First, remove the base from the ground. Then, lift the backboard and slide it out of its frame. Finally, remove the top piece of the base. Now, you can easily move the entire basketball hoop.
You can also attach the base to a dolly. This makes moving the basketball hoop easier because you don’t have to carry the heavy base by yourself.
While moving the hoop, make sure not to damage the base. Better yet, move an empty hoop to reduce the heavyweight.
FAQ
Let’s see some popular questions and provide their answers.
How do I clean my portable basketball hoop?
There are two ways to clean portable basketball hoops. The first one involves cleaning the base.
Wash the base with soap and warm water. Use a sponge or rag to scrub away any dirt or debris. Next, rinse the base thoroughly. Let it dry completely before storing it.
The second method involves cleaning the netting. You can use a brush, rag, or even your hands to clean the netting.
How often should I change the oil in my portable basketball hoop?
The best thing to do is check the manual for the specific model of your portable basketball hoop.
Some models require changing the oil every year, while others only require doing it once every three years.
It’s recommended that you change the oil when you notice any signs of wear and tear.
How often should I drain the basketball hoop?
The frequency depends on how much time you spend using the basketball hoop. For example, if you play basketball for 3 hours per week, you should drain the basketball hoop once every month.
On the other hand, if you play basketball for 6 hours each day, you should drain it twice a week.
If you’re unsure about draining the basketball hoop, you can always call customer service to ask them. They will help you determine whether or not you should drain the basketball hoops.