Ready to shoot some hoops while cooling off in the pool? There are a lot of great basketball sets to use while you swim. Play one-on-one or in small teams. It’s a great activity for everyone regardless of age or gender!
A ball and hoop are all you need, but of course, you want one adapted for pool use. Even then, there are a couple of types to choose from, so let’s have a look!
Two Basic Styles
Pool basketball sets come in two basic styles.
The first has a hoop that looks like traditional basketball. It sits on the edge of the pool deck with the net hanging over the water. The rim ends up about 30 inches above the water level. The base is weighted down with sand or water to keep it in place.
The second kind of pool basketball game floats on the water itself. It’s a simple ring hoop with no backboard. A successful basketball leaves the ball inside the ring at the base. These are typically shorter than the other type, with the “rim” about 14 to 18 inches above the water.
The floating type is easier to dunk on but can be a bit harder to shoot into since it moves with the flow of the water!
Both include a scaled-down basketball made of a material more suitable for water play.
What’s Essential
The basics of any pool basketball set are a ball and hoop.
You’ll want to be sure the ball will stand up to use in the water. It should be light enough to enjoy in the water, but also heavy enough that every breeze won’t blow your shots into the lawn.
If the rim sits on the edge of the pool, it should have a sturdy base so it doesn’t tip over. The rim also needs to be tough enough not to break during normal use. Of course, none of these are going to be designed for rim-grabbing dunks. And most won’t hold up well to a heavier ball (like a real basketball). But you don’t want it to break with regular use, either.
Nice Options
One of the great things about basketball is that it doesn’t require a lot of equipment, and the same is true of the swimming pool adaptation. But there are still some extras that can make your purchase more rewarding!
One of these is a multi-sport set. The most common type is another pool favorite: volleyball. There are a lot of great pool volleyball sets, but why not go for two-in-one?
Some sets also include two basketballs and a pump. The pump is especially handy if it’s a floating hoop since both that and the balls will need to be blown up. The extra ball helps keep the fun going if one ends up out of the pool. Or it can make for faster shooting practice!
The Top Swimming Pool Basketball Sets
Here are some of our favorite swimming pool basketball kits – we hope your family finds them as enjoyable as ours does!
GoSports Splash Hoop PRO Swimming Pool Basketball Game
GoSports has some of the best pool toys around, and they do a great job with this basketball set.
It’s designed for the net to sit on the side of the pool. Use water to fill the base and practice your bank shot on the 31” by 23” backboard. Overall, the system measures 40” high.
The base, support, and hoop all are made of solid plastic. It’s not too heavy to move when you need to, but it’s sturdy enough to stand up to play.
Two 7-inch water basketballs are included as well as an air pump. And if they ever get lost, you can order a replacement set of just the balls and pump.
Poolmaster 72783 Classic Pro Rebounder Poolside Basketball Game
Poolmaster’s basketball set is another that sits on the side of the pool and will offer endless hours of exciting water hoops action.
With a 34” by 25.5” backboard, there’s plenty of room to line up your shot from anywhere in the pool. The default version may be blue or gray. But they also offer various editions featuring the logo and colors of some of your favorite NBA teams.
The base can hold water or sand, although Poolmaster recommends using sand.
Assembly is required, but it’s not overly difficult. You can also purchase replacement parts if you need to, including a new rim, net, bracket, or other pieces.
One basketball and an inflation needle are included.
SwimWays 2-in-1 Pool Sport Combo Set – Volleyball Net & Outdoor Basketball Hoop
Here’s a great combo volleyball and basketball set! In both cases, the bases rest on the sides of the pool.
One basketball and one volleyball are included, along with an inflation needle.
For volleyball, the net stretches up to 24 feet across the pool. It’s easy to switch the volleyball pole out for the basketball support and net. You can use either sand or water to stabilize the bases.
The basketball net is slightly higher than most other versions we’ve seen but very enjoyable.
We’d like it if the basketball rim were a bit more sturdy, but it’s not horrible, either.
Intex Floating Hoops Basketball Game
Intex is known for its inflatable pools, so it’s not surprising they do a good job with inflatable pool toys, too.
This floating basketball hoop is colorful and a decent size, measuring 26.5” by 21.5”.
To help keep it steady, you can fill the base with water. It still floats, but it won’t move or get knocked over that way.
The entire thing, including the net, is made of vinyl.
It includes an inflatable ball and a needle for your air pump.
It’s a nice toy and holds up well. It’ll add a lot of fun for all ages!
GoSports Splash Hoop 360 Floating Pool Basketball Game
Returning to GoSplash, they offer this floating hoop, too!
Available with red or blue trim, this is not inflatable. Instead, it has foam floats around the base. The uprights and top and bottom rings are PVC. It measures approximately 20 inches in diameter at the base and 22 inches tall.
Two non-slip balls and a pump are included.
To help keep it in place, we recommend using an anchor bag. Otherwise, it tends to move around a lot. Other than that, it’s a fantastic addition to your swimming pool!
Conclusion
Enjoy some B-ball in the pool with a great basketball hoop! There are floating ones as well as others that sit on the edge of the pool. We love all the models we show here, and hope you will, too!
