Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Swimming Pool Basketball Sets

Updated February 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
GoSports Splash Hoop PRO Swimming Pool Basketball
GoSports
Splash Hoop PRO Swimming Pool Basketball
Check Price
Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

This sleek hoop is built with a 31" x 23" backboard and 14" rim. It can be enjoyed for many seasons by people of all ages.

Pros

Comes with water basketball hoop, 2 balls, and a ball pump. High quality and nice design. Base has a very solid and strong build. Does not tip over easily. Fast and easy to assemble.

Cons

The rim is a bit more flimsy and cannot handle dunking.

Best Bang for the Buck
Intex Floating Hoops Basketball Game
Intex
Floating Hoops Basketball Game
Check Price
Lightweight Build
Bottom Line

A fun and inexpensive floating basketball set for those who are looking to jazz up their pool time without breaking the bank.

Pros

Non-inflatable, puncture-safe build. Splash hoop, ball pump, and 2 basketballs included. Very strong, sturdy, and durable build. Easy to store and assemble. Very buoyant. Slick, modern build. Lasts for many swim seasons.

Cons

Some had the base connector pop out a few times while using.

SwimWays 2 in 1 Pool Sport Combo Set
SwimWays
2 in 1 Pool Sport Combo Set
Check Price
Most Versatile
Bottom Line

The perfect set for any sport-loving family, as it includes necessities for both volleyball and basketball in the pool.

Pros

Heavy-duty build that withstands elements and roughhousing. Comes with a volleyball net, basketball hoop, and 2 balls. Simple to set up, install, and disassemble. Easy to clean. Compact size.

Cons

Reviewers had some issues with the base of the basketball hoop and some said it was flimsy.

Lifetime Pool Side Basketball System
Lifetime
Pool Side Basketball System
Check Price
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Sturdy and attractive pool basketball set that has occasional quality control issues.

Pros

Consumers appreciate that this has an appealing design. Height is adjustable. Sturdy enough that it doesn't tip with a 44 inch shatterproof backboard. It's also good for multiple ages from young kids to adults.

Cons

Some experienced rusting. Installation also tends to be more difficult than other models.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

52
Models
Considered
89
Consumers
Consulted
12
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best swimming pool basketball sets

When summer arrives, everyone looks forward to long days of fun in the sun, and many people choose to spend those days at the swimming pool. While lounging with an umbrella drink and a book may be optimal for some, others take the opportunity to enjoy some more active fun. With a good swimming pool basketball set you can mimic your favorite NBA stars while staying cool and getting a nice tan at the same time.

Choosing a swimming pool basketball set is something that you might end up doing every year. Some are very inexpensive and designed to last a season, while others attach permanently to the pool deck. Whether you want to impress your friends with your skills, or you just want to practice your three-pointers, a swimming pool basketball set can be a great addition to your poolside summer.

Content Image
No need to follow the rules of traditional basketball when using your poolside rim. Making up new rules is part of the fun.

Key considerations

Long-term vs. temporary

How often and how aggressively you plan to use your swimming pool basketball set will dictate how you go about choosing one, as some sets are far more durable than others. Thinking about how seriously you play will help you figure out which hoop is the right one for your needs. Take the following factors into consideration:

Durability

Inexpensive inflatable basketball sets are made of plastic or vinyl. A good number of sets are made of PVC pipe. In others, you’ll find stainless steel used for the rim and parts of the base. Consider whether you want to spend a little extra money to have something that will last longer than plastic.

Poolside vs. floating

Many swimming pool basketball set designs require weighing down, usually with water, so that they sit securely on the edge of the pool. These sets offer a more traditional version of basketball in the pool. Other sets are inflatable toys that float on top of the water. These offer a more dynamic and free-flowing game. Decide if you want something closer to the real game or just some fun in the sun.

Swimming pool basketball set features

Sports equipment differs from other products because the features can have a huge impact on your enjoyment of the game. When looking at all of the available features for swimming pool basketball sets, consider your own game-playing experience. If a feature will make your game more fun, you probably want to consider getting a set that incorporates that feature. Remember safety when looking at these sets, too.

Height: Most of the poolside models range in height from about two feet to over six feet. Although some of them are adjustable, the majority use a fixed-height design. The height of the hoop you choose will depend on factors like the age of the players and the games you plan to play. Determine if you’re okay with the height of a given hoop before you make a final choice.

Some swimming pool basketball sets have a telescopic pole that you can adjust to be taller or shorter depending on your preference. If you want the ability to play with others with different abilities, you might want to opt for a set with an adjustable pole.

Backboard: Sometimes you just need to dunk the ball. That’s when you need the safety of a shatterproof backboard. The last thing you want in the middle of your pool fun is a bunch of plastic shards floating in the water.

Base: Many of the most popular swimming pool basketball sets include a large, hollow plastic base that you fill with water in order to secure the hoop in place. The advantage of a refillable base is that the hoop becomes a semi-permanent fixture at the side of the pool, but when you want to move it, you simply empty the water. A refillable base means your swimming pool basketball set has the benefits of both a permanent set and a temporary one.

Hoop: While the majority of swimming pool basketball sets have a hoop that is smaller than regulation size, and use a smaller ball, there are a few hoops that have a regulation-size rim. That means that you can also use a regulation-size basketball and get in some practice even while you’re at the pool. This can be useful for student athletes who want to practice and enjoy the water at the same time.

Swimming pool basketball set prices

Prices vary widely for swimming pool basketball sets, from the cheapest going for $5 and the most expensive sets costing $900.

Inexpensive

Between $5 and $25 you’ll find a number of different swimming pool basketball sets, from inflatable to poolside, for a reasonable price.

Mid-range

This price category runs from $25 to $100. As with the inexpensive range, this one contains most styles of swimming pool basketball sets. This price range includes pool-side baskets made with PVC and plastics that are more heavy-duty than their less-expensive counterparts.

Expensive

If you spend between $100 and $900, you can get a solidly built and durable pool basketball set. Most of these models are poolside units, and some models will permanently affix to the pool deck.

Tips

  • Play safely. Don’t jump from outside the pool to slam dunk the ball into your basketball hoop. This can result in serious injury. Never push anyone’s head underwater when playing basketball in the pool.

  • Install the hoop properly. If you plan to permanently affix your basketball set to the pool deck, make sure you secure it tightly so it doesn’t come loose during play.

  • Never hang on the rim. Even a shatterproof backboard can be damaged if it’s subjected to too much weight.
Content Image
You may not like the ball that came with your swimming pool basketball set, so feel free to use any ball you want.

FAQ

Q. Are swimming pool basketball sets safe?

A. Yes. As with any piece of recreational equipment used in or around a swimming pool, if used properly, a swimming pool basketball set is perfectly safe.

Q. Is a swimming pool basketball set an effective way to practice for traditional basketball?

A. Not necessarily. Because the size of the ball and the rim are likely smaller than in a traditional basketball game, you won’t get the same experience. Pool basketball sets are intended for more recreational use, but that doesn’t mean they offer no practical benefits. They just aren’t suitable replacements for practicing with the real thing.

Q. If I purchase a swimming pool basketball set that mounts to my deck, do I need to have it professionally installed?

A. No. Most sets come with easy-to-follow instructions. You can have someone else install it if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.

Q. Are inflatable sets durable enough to withstand extremely rough play?

A. Not necessarily. Although all swimming pool basketball sets are intended for somewhat rough play, they aren’t indestructible.

Our Top Picks