The following sections cover a range of pool basketball hoops that are perfect for some summer or backyard fun.
I have spent a lot of my life playing basketball, and I also grew up shooting on both permanent and plastic pool hoops. I took that experience and mixed it with both extensive research and in-depth reviews to compile the best of the best.
The GoSports Splash Hoop gets my vote for the best pool basketball hoop because it offers strong stability, additional items, and a well-rounded construction at an affordable price.
Few pool hoops give you the GoSport’s reliability. Where some break or wear down quickly, the Splash Hoop has the tough materials needed to withstand sitting out all day during the summer. It comes with a modern design and can be put together in minutes by anyone.
The model is excellent, but there are plenty of other strong pool hoops out there. If you want to get a more in-depth look at some other excellent options, take a look at the following sections.
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Who Should Get This?
Anyone who wants to bring some extra fun to their pool will enjoy a water basketball hoop. Even if you don’t own a pool yourself, getting a portable option that you can take to your friends or family is a good way to enhance your fun while you’re out in the water.
The hoops are also perfect for families with kids. Not every adult is going to want to play basketball in the pool, but children or even teenagers will have a blast shooting, splashing, and dunking. They are great for larger families as well, especially if you have a lot of gatherings.
Best Pool Basketball Hoops: Top Picks 2022
Each of the following sections goes over the top pool basketball hoops and breaks down the various aspects that make them special.
Best for: Overall
Key Features: Robust construction. Solid backboard and durable rim. Modern design. Easy to set up. Includes balls and pump.
Backboard: 31 x 21 inches
Rim: 14 inches
Height: 40 inches
If a fun poolside hoop is your ultimate goal, you don’t need to look any further than the GoSports Splash Hoop. This model comes with everything you need to bring a basketball to the water. That includes a durable hoop/rim combo, solid base, as well as two balls and a pump.
Beyond the included items, this kicks off my list because it has a strong construction that makes it perfect for people who play hard or use their pool a lot. It’s also incredibly easy to set up and put together. You won’t have to worry about getting this ready to go and the delivery is quick.
It’s not perfect, however. The balls, while functional, can be a bit hard when fully pumped up. You may want to go with something a bit softer. In addition, the decal doesn’t have the same durability as the rest of the hoop. You may see some chipping or wear after heavy use.
2. Splash 360
Best for: Floating Style
Key Features: Durable. Instant assembly. Modern look with 360-degree design. Balls and pumps included. Tall, perfect for older players.
Construction: Plastic
Height: 21 inches
Ball Size: 6.7 inches
If you’re in the mood for a well-rounded floating pool hoop, look no further than the Splash 360. This plastic model helps you beat the heat with a robust model that you can shoot and dunk on to your heart’s content. It’s also quite tall, making it a great choice for kids, teens, and adults.
Another great aspect of this hoop is that you can set it up in a matter of seconds. There are no tools or extra pieces needed. It all comes together right away. On top of that, you get two balls as well as an extra pump with your purchase. Everything is pretty much ready out of the box.
If there’s a drawback to the Splash 360 it’s that this doesn’t quite have the inherent durability you’ll see in larger models. The net can also become undone, which can be annoying if you like to dunk or put the hoop through a lot of abuse. Still, that’s a small complaint for a solid option.
Best for: Poolside
Key Features: Sturdy polyform base. Multiple color options. Durable all-weather materials. Hand-woven net and included game wall with inflation needle.
Rim: 14 inches
Height: 25.5 inches
Color: Grey or Blue
If you want a strong poolside hoop, the Poolmaster 72783 delivers. It’s a solid size and does a great job of mimicking the feel of playing on a larger model. That’s mainly due to the sturdy backboard and stable polyform base that enable you to play hard without it tipping over.
The other premium aspect of this model is that it’s made with powerful all-weather materials made to perfectly resist the elements. That’s then backed up by a hand-woven net as well as an included game ball. You also get different color options, allowing you some extra choice.
Just be aware that, unlike other poolside options, it sits a bit low to the water. That’s not a huge issue, but it can make dunking or shooting layups a bit awkward. The hoop is also on the smaller side, which means you can only ever use smaller balls with it.
Best for: Portability
Key Features: Easy to transport. Lightweight. Easy to inflate and deflate. Fun, colorful design. Affordable price point.
Material: PVC
Color: Orange/Blue
Height: 45 inches
Many premium pool hoops, even ones that float, are not easy to move. Rather, they do best in a single place. The Swimline 90285 breaks that mold thanks to the inflatable design. You can quickly blow it up or deflate it and then take it with you just about anywhere you need to go.
Another aspect of that is the Swimline model is incredibly lightweight, which makes it a good choice for younger kids. No one’s going to get hurt dunking or jumping into it. The different holes also make for a fun game, enabling you to add some extra dimensions to normal basketball.
As this does have a more unique appearance, it comes across as more of a toy than the other hoops on my list. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it does mean it’s better suited for kids than adults. The inflatable nature also means it’s prone to puncturing, which you should be aware of.
Best for: Durability
Key Features: Strong, wide backboard. Sturdy base with built-in ball rest. Pro-style basketball included. Fast assembly.
Backboard: 22.25 inches
Height: 40.5 inches
Backboard: 22.5 inches
Many pool basketball hoops are made with cheaper materials that wear down due to the constant water and sun. That’s not the case with this Swimways model. Unlike other options, it has a powerful 22.25-inch backboard as well as a sturdy base that has a built-in ball rest.
Every part of the model is made to withstand being outside. On top of that, the no-tool assembly means you can get it out of the box and next to your pool in a matter of minutes. There’s even an included pro-style basketball. No matter who wants to play, this hoop delivers hours of fun.
As strong as the entire unit is, the nets could be more durable. They simply don’t have the sturdiness of some other woven options noted in other models. The hoop could also be a bit more stable. Rebounds aren’t a big deal in the water, but you don’t want to play too hard here.
Best for: Inflatable
Key Features: Large size. Thick PVC construction. Easy to inflate and deflate for better transportation. 2 included balls. Scores printed on sides.
Material: PVC
Height: 33 inches
Width: 37 inches
If you’re in the market for an inflatable pool basketball hoop that covers many bases, this model from iBaseToy delivers. It’s easy to transport, simple to use, and comes with a layer of protection that harder hoops don’t have. It’s also large in size, allowing more people to play.
Equipped with three inflation chambers, the hoop can be blown up by just about anyone. It also has the ability to sit in the water for the entire summer without wearing down and you can use the numbers on the sides to create your own games. There’s even a full money-back guarantee.
As with any inflatable option, the hoop’s biggest weakness is its durability. The PVC construction does a good job, but the model doesn’t give you the long-lasting construction of other models. It’s prone to puncturing as well, so be careful when using it on or near the side of the pool.
Best for: Budget
Key Features: Affordable price point. Heavy-duty net. Quick assembly. Robust PVC tubing. Includes basketball. Easy to transport.
Material: PVC
Height: 1.5 feet
Weight: 2 pounds
The Super Hoops from Swimline is a perfect model for people who want a high-quality option that won’t break the bank. This is a more affordable hoop perfectly designed to be lightweight and easy to move around. It also has PVC tubing for added strength and enhanced durability.
Beyond that, the hoop comes with a heavy net as well as a basketball that allows you to play right out of the box. The entire unit is also simple to put together and has a streamlined design. You aren’t going to need a lot of extra tools or time to get this pool hoop going.
As this is a more affordable model, durability is not its strong suit. You do want to be a bit more careful with it than you would more robust options. It’s also a little on the small side, making it better suited for younger players or kids rather than only adults. It’s a strong family option.
Best Pool Basketball Hoop: What to Look For in 2022
The following traits are vital to keeping in mind when picking out any single basketball hoop for your pool.
Size
There are many pool hoops on the market, and they all come in different sizes. As such, you need to make sure the one you get is an appropriate size for your pool. You don’t want to spend money on an item only to find out that it’s too big or much too small.
Little hoops are perfect for smaller pools with more cramped shallow ends. They can work in hot tubs as well. In contrast, larger pools need bigger hoops. That can even include a permanent built-in option. Get what best fits your space and keep your preferred ball size in mind as well.
Style
There are two main pool hoop styles on the market: floating and poolside. As the names suggest, floating models sit on the water where poolside options are outside of it. You want to always check which model best fits your pool and needs before making a final purchase.
Floating options tend to be cheaper and much more accessible than poolside models. However, poolside hoops are more durable, tend to be more permanent and allow you to make a solid investment. Go with the style that fits your budget and how you like to play in the water.
Material
Going off style, the material is also incredibly important. Many floating pool hoops come in at a lower price than poolside ones because they’re made of plastic or similar soft materials. That allows them to float, but it also sacrifices durability and can lead to long-term damage.
On the other hand, more permanent poolside hoops cost more because they have tougher plastic or metal construction that makes them able to handle the elements year-round. As with style, the materials you go with come down to how you play and what you’re willing to spend.
FAQs
If you have any more questions about your pool basketball hoop, or if you want more information on the one you might want, this section covers several common questions.
How Tall is a Pool Basketball Hoop?
There are many pool basketball hoops, and they all come in various sizes. The one you pick comes down to the size of your pool and the height of the players.
Is a Pool Hoop Safe?
Most pool hoops are quite safe. Of course, there’s always a certain risk when you’re being active in the water, but most models are set up in the shallow end. That minimizes any risk and the water allows you to fall without any worries.
Can I Dunk on a Pool Basketball Hoop?
Yes. With a few exceptions, most hoops are quite short. As such, just about anyone, with the exception of small children, will have no issue getting up and dunking on the hoop.
How Do You Make a Basketball Hoop for a Pool?
Making your own hoop is not as tough as you may think. All you need to do is find a rim and backboard combo at your local sports store and then mount it in or around the pool with a pole or other similar device. You then just need to paint everything and you’re ready to play.
Useful Tips and Resources
Swimming pool basketball is not only fun, but it brings a lot of extra activities to your pool. One especially fun is HORSE. That’s because there are many different trick shots and dunks that you can attempt in the water that you aren’t able to do on a regular hoop.
If you’re curious about what’s possible when you get out in the water or simply want to add a few more tricks to your pool ball game, this video is a great place for some awesome ideas. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
My Verdict
No pool basketball hoop gives you more than the GoSports Splash Hoop. The model, which sits poolside, has an incredibly tough construction that allows you to play as hard as you want. The backboard is extremely solid and the rim can be dunked on time and time again without worry.
Everything is easy to set up and you even get two balls and a pump. It’s a simple system that works incredibly well. If you want a more stable hoop to have fun in the water all summer long, the model provides excellent bang for your buck.
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