10 Best Pool Basketball Hoops of 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Having a pool can make for a superbly fun experience. Do you know what will enhance that even more? Getting a pool basketball hoop that you can shoot some hoops with.

But how do you choose one from a sea of similar-looking products? Don't worry. We'll make sure you can get the best pool basketball hoop in a snap. We've researched lots of basketball hoops made for the pool. It turns out; only 10 were great that met our demands.

Durability, all-weather attribute, versatility, inflatability, you name it. The 10 we have here are the crème de la crème of basketball hoops that you can use for your pool.

What Are The Best Pool Basketball Hoops?

If you're short on time, here is a quick rundown of all the 10 basketball hoops we have in this review. This section will get you right up to speed as to why we chose each of them.

1. Best Overall: Lifetime Pool Side Basketball System

"This one is our pick for the best overall. It has a balanced set of features with an adjustable height and very durable build quality."

2. Top Rated: GoSports Splash PRO Pool Basketball Hoop

"If you want something that customers love, get this one. It has the best reviews and is our top-rated basketball hoop."

3. Best Floating Hoop: GoSports Splash 360 Pool Basketball System

"Those who want to have a bit more fun will love this. It's built to float on the water and that’s something we love it for."

4. Best Heavy Duty: Dunnrite Splash and Shoot Basketball Hoop

"With a durable Polyurethane backboard and a stainless-steel pole, this one can handle a lot of punishment. So, it isn’t any surprise why this is our pick for the best heavy-duty hoop."

5. Best Inflatable Hoop: Fun Knuckles Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop

"Durable build-quality with reinforced seams and a large bore valve to easily inflate and deflate makes this one from Fun Knuckles a great choice."

6. Best Poolside in Ground Hoop: S.R. Smith S-BASK-CH Swim N' Dunk

"As far as in-ground pool hoops go, you can't go wrong with S.R Smith's option. The mounting is fantastic and keeps it planted firmly. The build quality is also solid."

7. Best Budget: Poolmaster 72783 Pro Rebounder Hoop

"If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can go with Poolmaster’s 72783 Pro. It has cool features like a large backboard and a tank that can hold water or sand."

8. Best All-weather: Poolmaster Splashback Pool Basketball System

"Those who want a solution for all kinds of weather should look into this one. It’s also from Poolmaster and is made specially to handle all kinds of weather thanks to the hard-body backboard and a secure Polyform base."

9. Best Versatile: SwimWays 2 In 1 Pool Sport Combo Set

"Don’t want to settle for just a pool basketball hoop? Then get this one. Swimways go two ways. See what we did there. You can easily convert it from a basketball hoop to a volleyball post within minutes."

10. Best Stable: Swimline Cool Jam Pro Pool Basketball Hoop

"Those who are particularly worried about the stability of their hoops should look into this one. The wide base makes it one of the sturdier options to choose from."

Reviews of The 10 Best Pool Basketball Hoops

1. Best Overall: Lifetime Pool Side Basketball System

If you’re looking for the best overall pool basketball hoop, look no further. Lifetime hit the ball out of the park with this one. It has all the right features you would want in one.

Let’s start with the solid build quality. Whether you buy one for leisurely play or plan to use it regularly, we are sure you want durability and sturdiness.

And that’s exactly what this Lifetime pool basketball hoop offers. It's super durable thanks to the unbreakable polyethylene frame backboard. The alloy steel pole is rust-resistant and also UV-protected which gives it even more durability.

No one said basketball has to be a tall man's game. Lifetime certainly doesn't think so. You can adjust the height of the hoop from 4’ to 6’5” easily. So, no matter how tall or short you are, you will still have a great time. Keep in mind the increment for adjustment is 6”.

To add a touch of color and quality into the mix, Lifetime printed the backboard with solid graphics. It looks gorgeous and is very crisp. That’s also something we are sure you will love.

Of course, it's a portable hoop so you can fill the base with either sand or water. The choice is yours. And the size is 27 gallons. Not bad at all.

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2. Top Rated: GoSports Splash PRO Pool Basketball Hoop

While the earlier one was the best overall, we also love listening to what actual paying customers have to say about products. And this one just happens to be the best rated pool basketball hoop on this list. A quick look at it and the reasons are pretty clear.

First up is the design and build. The brand has especially designed this one to be suitable for pool play. Its backboard and rim are fairly large and can withstand quite a lot of stress. So, it will hold up during some rough pool games pretty well.

It comes with a pump included and you can just fill the base with water to make it stay stable. Once it's stable, it will remain that way. Of course, it's not bolted to the ground. But it will still hold up pretty well. 

We can't help but talk about the two water basketballs that you get. Honestly, these many additional accessories are just bonuses at this point. This one really is a good choice, and we can completely see why it's so highly rated.

Apart from the cool features, the design is pretty good too! It’s modern but not in a drab or minimalistic way. The hoop still manages to look fun and whimsical which is sure to get you excited to play even more. Available colors are red and blue if you're wondering. So if you want a high-end basketball goal for pool, you can simply get your hands on this one.

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3. Best Floating Hoop: GoSports Splash 360 Pool Basketball System

No one said pool basketball hoops have to be on the ground by the poolside. Why not bring them in the water and make it more fun? This one is a floating basketball hoop for swimming pool that you will just love to bits.

Be ready for dunking because that’s what you will be doing a lot with this one. That’s not a bad thing but some might have liked the traditional horizontal rim.

That aside, we love the ease of use here. Assembly was super easy and there is a pump included in the package. So, you can get going in just minutes.

Then there is the sturdy frame that keeps it all together. It’s robust and durable and built to last. As we mentioned already, pool plays can get rough. You don't have to worry about this one breaking or anything like that. 

Assembly is super easy too. You can get from unboxing to playing within just a couple of minutes, actually. Other floating basketball hoops for pool may take you longer to assemble. That's how well thought out this one is. 

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4. Best Heavy Duty: Dunnrite Splash and Shoot Basketball Hoop

Okay, we are going to be the first ones to say it. The design of this hoop isn't that fun. It looks very drab, actually. You might be asking why is this product even on the list then? Well, because of its durability. This one is a perfect choice if you want a heavy-duty pool basketball hoop.

From the backboard to the pole, everything screams quality. The materials used on this one are meant to withstand the toughest of play. If you have kids or just enjoy rough and rigorous play sessions, get this one. It's as simple as that.

The backboard is made from durable Polyurethane. That gives it rigidity and sturdiness. It’s a pretty big backboard as well, which is always good. And the rim uses a stainless-steel construction that easily makes it one of the strongest on this list. Not only that, the pole is aluminum powder coated. 

There is a tank to hold the water, of course, You can fit 25 gallons of water to make sure it’s weighed down and it won’t be floating away. We also loved the fact that you can adjust the height.

You can adjust the height easily up to 56” above the swimming pool. The best thing is it can do it in infinite increments. That makes finding the perfect height much easier. 

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5. Best Inflatable Hoop: Fun Knuckles Swimming Pool Basketball System

We don’t know what the brand was thinking about when they came up with this basketball hoop for swimming pools but we love it. This hoop just outright looks like fun and we here are all up for some fun.

It does everything well. This one is well built, has a cool design with bright and attractive colors and even the seams are reinforced for greater durability. If that wasn’t enough, Fun Knuckles even includes a basketball in the package. Really, what more can you ask for?

The shape and geometry of this one help it to float in your swimming pool easily. Oh, yes, did we mention it's a floating basketball hoop? We can't seem to get enough of those.

There is an included pump and a large bore valve. So, inflation and deflation should be a complete breeze. Actually, with so many right features, this one is easily the best inflatable basketball hoop for pool you can get right now.

As we mentioned, we love the colors of this one and the overall design. You can’t change the height of it, though. That’s the case with all inflatable hoops, so it shouldn’t be a major concern.

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6. Best Poolside in Ground Hoop: S.R. Smith S-BASK-CH Swim N' Dunk

Here is the thing about S.R Smith’s basketball hoop, if you want an in ground basketball hoop for your pool  this might just be your best choice. The build quality is solid and it also comes with a fairly large glass backboard.

We particularly liked the mounting mechanism. The single-piece rail and solid anchor system keep it firmly mounted into the ground. Once it's installed properly, you can be sure it isn't going anywhere. 

And the stainless-steel and vinyl coating mean it's super durable as well. The whole package just feels absolutely solid and very durable. We are sure it will last you for a long time. 

Salt won’t be a problem either. Thanks to that same vinyl coating, it handles corrosion and other abrasions pretty well. Just like a champ should!

The rim and net are all regulation size. If you have played basketball before, you will be right at home with this one then. All in all, it's a pretty well-rounded piece of kit that should give you years of fun.

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7. Best Budget: Poolmaster 72783 Pro Rebounder Hoop

When you have a brand name like Poolmaster, you would expect it to be the perfect swimming pool basketball hoop. Fortunately, Poolmaster did everything right here and we are just in love with it. If you want to save a little money but still don’t want to skimp on quality, this is the perfect pick.

The base can be filled with either sand or water. So, you have the choice and versatility to pick whichever works for you. Also, we loved the sheer quality of this thing. 

It uses durable materials for construction. On top of that, this hoop is made to withstand all sorts of weather conditions. Now, that isn’t something you can say for a lot of hoops out there in the market. 

Overall, we loved it and we can’t see why you won’t either. The backboard is a generous 34” x 25.5” in size and the hoop itself is 14”. That should make your shots go in easier.

Guess what? The net is an all-weather hand-woven one. This just goes to show how much the brand cared about the quality and the ball included is high-quality as well.

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8. Best All-weather: Poolmaster Splashback Pool Basketball System

Yes, we know we said that the previous one can be used in all weather conditions. But if you're after the best pool basketball goal which you can use no matter what it’s like outside, the 72820 Splashback from the same guys over at Poolmaster is a no-brainer.

It does everything well and also manages to look pretty good while doing it. We are talking about the design. The color is an off-white tone with bright blue water graphics on the backboard. This gives it a splash of character. We quite like it.

How about the build quality then? Well, to no surprise to anyone, it's just fantastic. This one uses high-quality materials for its constructions like a hard-body backboard and a secure Polyform base.

Speaking of the base, you can fill it with both sand or water. Whichever one is convenient for you. Having this option is a good thing since you won’t be stuck with a single choice.

The rims are solid and for a basketball hoop that you want to use all year round. You just can’t go wrong with this one. 

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9. Best Versatile: SwimWays 2 In 1 Pool Sport Combo Set

Why settle for just a basketball hoop when you can have that and also a volleyball post all in one? That’s exactly what this one is. If you're looking for versatility, this is it right here.

You can easily switch it from a basketball hoop to a full-fledged volleyball post within just minutes. That means you aren't tied down to one sport. If you ever get a bit tired of basketball, you can just switch it up, literally. 

The base is filled with water only, though. This might be a bit of a bummer to some. But we guess some compromise had to be made to make this hoop so versatile. And frankly, we are okay with that. 

It’s also pretty easy to assemble and the best part is you won’t need any tools to assemble it. This ease and convenience are something you will love especially if you’re a particularly busy person. 

Durability is also something this hoop has got covered pretty well. The materials used are fantastic. It’s plastic but it’s a high-quality plastic that makes it flexible and also not too heavy either.

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10. Best Stable: Swimline Cool Jam Pro Pool Basketball Hoop

For our last one, we have this one from Swimline. There isn’t anything special about this one but it does all things in a pretty balanced way. We also love that you can adjust the height. This will make it easier to use for players of different heights.

And wide-body keeps it pretty stable as well. That means it won't tip over when you put it beside your pool. This hoop also comes with a basketball already in the package.

Although a lot of other hoops do also come with a basketball in the package, it’s still a great thing to see included here. All in all, we can’t really complain about this one. It’s a pretty well-rounded pool basketball goal. 

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How To Choose The Best Pool Basketball Hoop

Choosing pool basketball hoops from a list of a curated list is pretty easy. Although you won’t regret going for either one from this list, if you know what features to look out for, you will be able to make a much better decision. 

So, here are the things you need to take into consideration. Keep these things in mind and you should be all set. 

Type

The type of basketball pool that you want should be your first thing to consider. There are ones that can be set up on the side of the pool and there are some that are floating hoops as well.

Both have their benefits and advantages. The good thing about floating hoops is they can be set directly on the water and you can play just as you please. They do make for a great playing experience.

The other type is the ones that are put on the ground. You usually put water or sand in the base to make them stable. These are more of a traditional basketball-playing experience but still have their place. So, you need to choose which one works for you.

Durability

Then you have durability. If you buy a basketball hoop for your pool, you surely want it to last. Look for durable build quality that will last you a long time.

Things like stainless steel poles, corrosion resistance, and a durable backboard are all must-haves. The better the quality of the hoop, the better service you will get from it and that’s of course, the main goal.

Ease of Assembly

Not all basketball hoops will come fully assembled. In fact, most don’t. Getting one that’s easy to assemble will save you some time and headache. Look for ones that are toolless.

You need to balance things here a bit though. If you have your eyes on one that doesn't have a toolless assembly but has a lot of other cool features, it doesn't mean you should forego it.

Just make sure it’s somewhat easy to install, even if it's not completely toolless. That should be enough for an enjoyable experience. You would rather be playing than spending hours trying to figure out how to assemble your new hoop.

Adjustability

Height adjustability is one of those cool features which makes the hoop more accessible to lots of different players. A hoop that has height adjustability will allow short and tall players to have fun as well.

You won’t be stuck with just one height. And we are all up for choice and versatility here. Some hoops will give you indefinite increments when it comes to adjustability.

While those are great, what you should be looking for is the maximum and minimum height.

Design

Design is subjective but is still something you should think of. A well-designed hoop is always nice to have around the pool, isn’t it? Don’t sweat too much about this particular thing. Just pick a hoop that looks good to you and you should be fine.

Extra Features

Who doesn’t love extra features? When buying a basketball hoop for your pool, look for any extra features that might sweeten the deal. Look for things like basketballs, pumps and more.

Brand and Price

Lastly, you have the brand and the price. When settling on a price point, just decide on a budget for yourself and pick one from our list that fits within that list. Of course, make sure that all the features we mentioned you should take into consideration are there.

As for the brand, all the ones we mentioned are reputed names with a proven track record. You can pick any from the list and won't regret the decision.

FAQs

1. How long do pool basketball hoops last?

Ans: It can last anywhere up to 1 to 5 years. This depends on how well you take care of it and also the quality of the hoop itself.

2. Can I dunk with these basketball hoops?

Ans: Mostly yes. But there are a few exceptions. Some are quite short and are made primarily for children. Those are harder to dunk on.

3. Are basketball hoops for pools safe?

Ans: Absolutely. These are made in a very safe way and you shouldn’t worry about anything. But as always, we recommend you play with caution and buy high-quality hoops in the first place.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know what is the best pool basketball hoop you can buy, choosing the right one will be easier. Remember to keep our buying guide in mind. That way you will make a more informed decision and more importantly will be able to buy one that’s right for you.

Also Read:

Reviews of The Best Basketball Hoops for Kids

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