The 9 Best Pool Basketball Hoops for Summer Fun and Fitness
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Challenge your fitness while having a blast with these top picks
Verywell Fit / Alli Waataja
Playing basketball is a great way to challenge your endurance, agility, and strength, but playing outside in the summer heat is not always ideal. Pool basketball combines the fun of traditional basketball, with the added benefit of staying cool and the challenge of moving around against the water’s natural resistance. The best pool basketball hoops offer a safer way to stay active, cool off, and have a blast all summer long.
When shopping for a pool basketball hoop, look for one that fits your pool type, budget, and style of play, suggests aquatic experts Cristina Alvarado and Bebe Hall. You also should prioritize water safety, they add, so your hoop should be age- and skill-appropriate as well as stable and sturdy. It’s also important to determine whether a deck-mounted, movable, adjustable, or floating hoop is appropriate for your type of pool.
To help find the best basketball hoops for your pool, we spoke with Alvarado and Hall for their expert advice on water safety as well as recommendations on which features set the top pool basketball hoops apart from others. We also researched dozens of options on the market, evaluating them based on cost, materials, size, and safety, and appropriate features to suit different ages, types of pools, and styles of play.
Best Overall: Lifetime Pool Side Basketball System
Pros
Sturdy
Adjustable height over six feet
Clear backboard
Cons
Difficult to move once filled
Ball not included
The Lifetime 1306 Pool Side Basketball System is our top recommendation because it accommodates both serious and casual play for a variety of different age groups. Its adjustable rim height and sturdy construction make it a stand-out option for just about any pool. The hoop features a 27-gallon plastic base that can be filled with water or sand, ensuring exceptional stability.
What sets this non-mounted hoop apart is its versatility and convenience—it can be left out between uses, but also comes on wheels so you can move it along the pool’s edge or easily roll it into storage during the off-season. However, it's worth noting that once filled, it can become quite heavy, so having a buddy to assist with moving it is recommended.
The steel pole is powder-coated with a weather-resistant finish, making it durable against rust. And the see-through 44-inch shatterproof backboard’s graphics are UV-protected, ensuring they won't fade over time. We also love that the rim can be adjusted in six-inch increments from 4 to 6 1/2 feet, accommodating players of different ages and skill levels. While this pick doesn’t come with a basketball, we appreciated that the standard 18-inch metal rim means you can use a regular basketball for easy play.
Price at time of publication: $210
Key Specs:
Type: Poolside | Materials: Steel (rim), all-weather nylon (net), polycarbonate (backboard), polyethylene (frame), powder-coated steel (pole), plastic (base) | Size: 18 inches (rim diameter), 44 inches (backboard), 4 to 6.5 feet (hoop height)
Best Value: Poolmaster Pro Rebounder Swimming Pool Basketball and Volleyball Game Combo Set
Pros
Two games included
Above ground version available
Easy to assemble
Cons
Basketball hoop not adjustable
For a value-packed option, we love Poolmaster’s Pro Rebounder Swimming Pool Basketball and Volleyball Game Set that combines two water games in one. The set boasts a durable polyform backboard, a 30-foot adjustable volleyball net, and the two water-safe compatible balls needed to play each sport.
Whether shooting free throws or spiking the ball, we appreciate that the bases of both poolside game bases can be filled with either water or sand to ensure excellent stability for poolside play. With durable construction and versatile gameplay options, this two-in-one set is easy to assemble for summer parties, family gatherings, or friendly competitions. Additionally, this set is also available in a version specifically designed for above-ground pools.
You should note that the basketball hoop is not adjustable in height, but you can easily customize the length of the volleyball net to fit your pool size.
Price at time of publication: $109
Key Specs:
Type: Poolside | Materials: PVC (rim), all-weather nylon (nets), polycarbonate (backboard), PVC (posts), plastic (bases) | Size: 13 inches (rim diameter), 34 x 25.5 inches (backboard), 34 x 35 x 32.5 inches (full unit), not listed (hoop height), 8 inches (basketball diameter), 38 feet x 30 inches (volleyball net)
Best Floating: GoSports Splash Hoop 360 Pool Basketball Game
Pros
Lightweight and portable
Budget-friendly
Compatible with all pool types
Cons
Might be too challenging for small children
The GoSports Pool Basketball Game is a bright, floating hoop that provides a fun, budget-friendly twist to traditional poolside baskets with its movable, all-angle play. We love this hoop for its sturdy construction that is fade-proof, easy to clean, and far more durable than other inflatable alternatives. Nothing but net in more ways than one–this hoop has a 360-degree design that foregoes a backboard, allowing players to showcase their skills from all angles.
We appreciate that the set comes with everything you need—the floating hoop, two compatible balls, and a hand pump. It’s also lightweight and easily portable for easy carry on all your summer travels. Compared to traditional pool basketball hoops, this hoop floats around during play—making it more challenging and a great acqua jogging workout. But while the moving target offers a challenge for older players, it may be too tricky for small children.
Price at time of publication: $40
Key Specs:
Type: Floating | Materials: Plastic (hoop and frame), all-weather nylon (nets), foam (floatation base) | Size: 14.5 inches (rim diameter), 19.7 x 19.7 x 21.7 inches (full unit), 8 inches (basketball diameter)
Best Poolside: Poolmaster 72783 Classic Pro Rebounder Poolside Basketball Game
Pros
Easy to assemble
Weather-resistant
Easily Movable
Cons
Basketball hoop not adjustable
With a weather-resistant and rebound-friendly backboard, as well as a sturdy fillable base, Poolmaster’s Classic Pro Rebounder Poolside Basketball Game was an easy pick for our best poolside hoop. It comes with everything you need for summer-long play: A durable backboard, 14-inch hoop, and one compatible basketball.
We love that the hoop can be conveniently moved around your pool’s edge, whether you want to play near the deep or shallow end—making it a solid choice for players of all skills and ages. You should note that the basketball hoop height is not adjustable, but playing on your pools deep end offers a more challenging game.
Price at time of publication: $200
Key Specs:
Type: Poolside | Materials: PVC (rim), all-weather nylon (net), polycarbonate (backboard), PVC (posts), plastic (base) | Size: 13 inches (rim diameter), 34 x 25.5 inches (backboard), 34 x 35 x 32.5 inches (full unit), 20 inches (hoop height), 8 inches (basketball diameter)
Related: The 9 Best Basketballs of 2023
Best Mounted: Dunn-Rite Deck Shoot Poolside Deck-Mounted Basketball Hoop Set
Pros
Superior stability
Anchor included
Challenging for more advanced players
Cons
Basketball hoop not adjustable
Cannot be moved once installed
If you’re looking for a more permanent option for your in-ground pool, we highly recommend Dunn-Rite’s Poolside Basketball Hoop Set. This deck-mounted hoop offers exceptional stability, durability, and space efficiency. The fully weatherproof hoop is permanently secured to your poolside, so it won’t tip or wobble during even the most powerful slam-dunks.
Because this hoop is permanent, it is the most expensive basket on our list and its installation is more involved than other non-mounted poolside hoops—but thankfully, it comes with an installation kit, mount, and clear instructions. Just note that once installed, you won’t be able to move this stationary hoop around—like Poolmaster’s Classic Pro Rebounder Poolside Basketball Game.
Price at time of publication: $500
Key Specs:
Type: Mounted | Materials: Steel (rim), all-weather nylon (net), polypropylene (backboard), steel (post), brass (anchor) | Size: 18 inches (rim diameter), 28 x 41 inches (backboard), 3.8 feet (hoop height), 9 inches (basketball diameter)
Related: The 10 Best Portable Basketball Hoops of 2023
Best Adjustable: Dunn-Rite Splash & Shoot Outdoor Adjustable Height Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop
Pros
Adjusts in small, customizable increments
Extremely sturdy base
Regulation-size rim
Cons
Difficult to move once filled
As a water safety expert, Alvarado prefers adjustable hoops because they work for a variety of heights, ages, and skill levels. We particularly like Dunn-Rite’s Adjustable Height Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop for its tight-locking, customizable adjustability that calibrates in small increments for fun shots for every player. That, along with the super-sturdy construction and fillable base, make it a great investment to last a household for years.
Available in a white or transparent, shatterproof backboard, you’ll want to leave this hoop in place outdoors most of the season since it gets quite heavy once filled. Thankfully, the plastic base and powder-coated aluminum pole are salt-, chlorine-, and weather-resistant and easy to clean. We love that this hoop, which can raise over 4 feet, is designed with a 20-inch overhang from the pool's edge to minimize the risk of injury. And the rim is regulation size, which means it’s a great investment for more serious players who prefer to practice with a standard basketball.
Price at time of publication: $360
Key Specs:
Type: Poolside | Materials: Steel (rim), all-weather nylon (net), polycarbonate (backboard), aluminum (post), plastic (base) | Size: 18 inches (rim diameter), 44 x 40 x 88 inches (full unit), 29 x 43 inches (backboard), 24 x 40 x 10 inches (base), 2 to 4.6 feet (hoop height), 9 inches (basketball diameter)
Best for Smaller Pools: GoSports Splash Hoop Swimming Pool Basketball Game
Pros
Sturdy
Compact size
Easily Movable
Cons
Basketball hoop not adjustable
A great option for limited space, the GoSports Splash Hoop is compact yet sturdy—making perfect for fun and safe play in smaller pools. The unit features a tip-resistant, water-weighted base that stands stable along the side of in-ground pools. And while the hoop is not adjustable, it’s easy to move to the shallow or deep end of your pool for customizable play.
We love that this set requires very few tools and is easy to put together. It comes with everything you need for quick play: the backboard and fillable base, two compatible water-resistant basketballs, an air pump, and simple instructions for hassle-free setup.
Price at time of publication: $130
Key Specs:
Type: Poolside | Materials: Plastic (hoop, backboard, post, base), all-weather nylon (net) | Size: 14 inches (rim diameter) 25 x 34 inches (backboard), 25 x 34 x 40 inches (full unit), 21 inches (hoop height), 7 inches (basketball diameter)
Related: The 12 Best Swim Caps
Best Splurge: Poolmaster 72900 NBA Logo Competition-Style Poolside Basketball Game
Pros
Sharp-looking graphics
Sturdy
Compact size
Cons
Graphics may fade over time
If you have the budget to spend, score on this NBA Logo Competition-Style Poolside Basketball from Poolmaster. You can choose between several team logos or opt for the classic NBA or USA logos. Plus, the near regulation-sized, 16-inch rim lets you practice your on-the-court game in the pool.
Fill the base with water or sand for an impressively stable, yet compact basket that works anywhere along your pool. It’s easier to move into storage than other poolside hoops, making it a more convenient choice. But despite the stylish design and super-simple assembly, the graphics could potentially fade over time.
Price at time of publication: $309
Key Specs:
Type: Poolside | Materials: Aluminum (rim), all-weather polyethylene (net), polycarbonate (backboard), plastic (base) | Size: 16 inches (rim diameter), 34 x 45 x 38 inches (full unit), 25.5 x 34 inches (backboard), Not listed (hoop height), 8.5 inches (basketball diameter)
Related: The Best Swimming Goggles, According to a Former Competitive Swimmer
Best for Kids: H-Style Inflatable Pool Basketball Hoop & Ring Toss Game Set
Pros
Two games in one
Great for skill development
Budget-Friendly
Cons
Not as challenging for older users
With a fun, colorful, safe, and free-floating design, we love the H-Style Inflatable Pool Basketball Hoop and Ring Toss Game Set for kids. It combines two games in one—basketball and ring toss—to keep children happy for hours of pool fun. The game is suitable for ages 3 and up, providing an opportunity to enhance aim, swimming skills, and coordination.
We love that its non-toxic and soft materials make it a safer option than hard plastic toys, especially when used in water. And it can be used as an in-water or lawn game—making it an even more versatile pick. But for older players, we recommend this other versatile option: Poolmaster’s Pro Rebounder Swimming Pool Basketball and Volleyball Game Set.
Price at time of publication: $22
Key Specs:
Type: Floating | Materials: PVC plastic (full unit) | Size: 9 inches (rim diameter), 20.8 x 28.3 x 14.9 inches (full unit), 8.3 inches (balls)
Related: The Best Swimsuits, According to a Former Competitive Swimmer
How We Selected the Best Pool Basketball Hoops
To choose the best pool games, we first consulted with two aquatic experts—Cristina Alvarado, director of programming and water safety advocate for Rose Bowl Aquatics and Bebe Hall, instructor and owner of Hall Swim Academy—for their safety recommendations, buying tips, and key features that every pool basketball hoop should have. They also provided insight on the benefits for aquatic sports, like water basketball.
Then, we researched dozens of pool basketball hoops from the top, trusted brands. We only chose products that ranked highly in key areas, like cost, materials, size, and type to fit your pool and style of play. We also looked at appropriate features for safety. Finally, our writer, a certified personal trainer, applied her personal and professional experience to detail our recommendations in this guide.
What to Look for in a Pool Basketball Hoop
Type
There are several different types of pool basketball hoops: poolside, floating, mounted, and movable. Poolside hoops can be mounted to your pool deck, like Dunn-Rite’s Deck Shoot Poolside Deck-Mounted Basketball Hoop, or movable alongside your pool, like Poolmaster’s Classic Pro Rebounder Poolside Basketball Game. These types of hoops offer a fixed target for a more traditional game of basketball. Floating hoops, however, like GoSports’ Splash Hoop 360 Pool Basketball Game, deliver a moving target for an added challenge.
Some hoops are adjustable in height, like Dunn-Rite’s Splash and Shoot Outdoor Adjustable Basketball Hoop. These are great for a variety of ages and skill levels, as well as for dedicated players who want to grow their game.
Material
Because chlorine and salt-water pools can be harsh on equipment, your basketball hoop should have a rust-proof finish and be made of weather-resistance materials. If you opt for a permanent mounted hoop, our experts recommend purchasing a cover to prolong the lifetime of your investment. And for non-mounted and floating hoops, consider weighing them down with sandbags or moving them inside during harsh wind or weather conditions.
Size
Most pool basketball hoops range in height from 2 feet to 10 feet (court regulation height) above water level. The height of your hoop will vary depending on style of play, age, and skill levels, Alvarado says. If you want the most versatile play, look for adjustable hoops, like Dunn-Rite’s Splash and Shoot Outdoor Adjustable Basketball Hoop.
The hoop’s rim and backboard are two other size elements to look for. The average pool basketball hoop rim is 14-inches in diameter, versus a traditional 18-inch rim that you’ll find in regulation-size options. The biggest unit on our list is the Lifetime 1306 Pool Side Basketball System, while a more compact option is the GoSports’ Splash Hoop 360 Pool Basketball Game.
Style of Play
The type of basketball hoop you invest in for your pool depends on skill level and style of play. For young players, casual play, or anyone developing aiming and swimming skills, floating hoops are a great option, says Alvarado. But for more serious players and advanced swimmers, mounted or heavy-duty movable poolside hoops might be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall are poolside basketball hoops?
Poolside basketball hoops can be anywhere from 2 to 10 feet tall and will vary depending on your style of play, age, skill level. Whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool will also play a role in the height of the basketball hoop. According to Alvarado, the best poolside hoops have adjustable heights or are movable alongside your pool to increase or decrease difficulty and accommodate a range of skills.
How do you install an in-ground pool basketball hoop?
An in-ground or desk-mounted pool basketball hoop is the most stable and durable option for your pool because it is permanently fixed on the side of your pool. But in order to make the most out of your in-ground or desk-mounted hoop, you need to ensure proper installation.
In-ground installation differs depending on whether your poolside concrete is cured or uncured. For proper installation instructions, refer to your pool basketball hoop’s instruction manual and determine whether or not to hire a professional help with installation.
What kind of basketball do I need for a pool hoop?
Most water basketballs are around 8 inches in diameter, slightly smaller than traditional court basketballs, says Alvarado. They are made of a softer, waterproof material to withstand pool water, chlorine, or salt. Because accidents happen when objects are being passed, a softer ball like this also helps to prevent head, face, or hand injuries if not caught properly, adds Alvarado.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a certified personal trainer who loves summer activities, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC hits the pool whenever she can. She’s always up for a game of H-O-R-S-E with a portable set like GoSports’ Splash Hoop 360 Pool Basketball Game. This hoop also is great for taking on vacation or playing as a lawn game. For this guide, Murtaugh prioritized similarly fun pool basketball hoops by trustworthy brands that provide safe and reliable products.
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