In-Ground Basketball Hoop Installation Process

Installing your basketball hoop with concrete is better than mounting it. The benefits include durability and a longer period of use. The pole will stay where it is installed. 

While this certainly seems like a commitment, having an in-ground basketball goal will give you countless opportunities to practice and improve your skills. Installing it may be challenging, but following these steps should help you finish in no time.

1. Choose the Location and Call Before Digging

Choosing the perfect location is essential in installing a basketball pole. It should be next to a level playing surface, free from any obstacles. Before digging, make sure to call 811 to check for utility lines that may or may not be in the area. Also, examine your local ordinances or homeowner’s association rules before placing a pole on your property. Next, mark the spot and begin digging.

2. Dig a Hole

Dig a hole to the desired depth and width using a shovel and a hole digger. Usually, there is a specified recommendation from the manufacturer on how big the hole should be. Each basketball pole also has a recommended depth to ensure a secure anchor. The gap should be wider than the pole on all sides to accommodate the concrete.

3. Slide the Pole

Make sure that the pole is secure by using ropes and stakes to tie it around. Tie one end of the rope to a stake and pull the rope tight around the bar. It should mark the corners around the bar and create equal tension in every direction. Ensure that the pole is perfectly vertical in location order. Use the ropes as a guide until it is fully straightened out.

4. Pour the Concrete

Once it’s all set, secure the basketball pole in the ground with poured concrete. Have someone hold the stake in place and another run the concrete around. Some bars have poles with a rebar-mounted anchor that you’ll have to set into the concrete after pouring. Either way, agitate the concrete with a shovel to remove any pockets of air.

Next, smoothen out the top of the concrete and make sure everything is clean and leveled. Wait for it to dry for at least 24-48 hours, checking once every few hours to see if the cement has shifted.

5. Attach the Backboard

Some setups require the backboard to be attached before raising the pole. But for many of the upscale models, the backboard has to be attached after the pole has been cemented on the ground. The backboard is usually heavy. Ask for assistance from other people if needed. Next, loop in the rim and the net together. Bolt the edge on the backboard and fix the net so it falls into place. 

Conclusion

The installation process of a basketball pole is possible on your own. However, if you don’t have the skills or tools for it, some companies can do all the work for you. Consider the amount of time needed for this task and the time you’ll save by calling a professional to do it for you. There’s also the option of simply mounting a hoop until you’ve decided whether a permanent structure is for you.