Sand or Water: An Expert Guide to a Basketball Hoop
Is a portable basketball hoop worth it?
If you are someone who enjoys playing basketball and wants the flexibility to play anywhere, a portable hoop can be a great investment. It is inexpensive, versatile, and suitable for all ages.
What makes a portable basketball hoop great?
A portable basketball hoop comes with adjustable stands that allow you to set up the hoop at different heights. Even if you have the best players and the best basketball, you still need a stable and safe basketball hoop to complete the game. That's why it's important to fill the base of the basketball hoop with the right material, like sand or water.
Pros and Cons of Adding Water to the Basketball Base
Water is another popular choice for filling basketball bases because it is easy to find, inexpensive and simple to use. Additionally, it offers excellent stability and is easy to adjust or move when necessary.
The main disadvantage of using water is that it can be difficult to drain it from the base if you need to move it. In addition, water can freeze in cold weather, which can cause the base to become unstable or even break. Additionally, water evaporates easily, which can lead to frequent refills.
To avoid this, add a small amount of non-toxic antifreeze. When adding antifreeze to water, follow these steps:
1. Add 1/2 cup antifreeze per gallon of water.
2. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
3. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the mixture through a sieve and discard any solids.
5. Refill the base with new water.
6. After filling the base, tighten the screws on the base as quickly as possible.
7. Wait until the water has cooled before storing the basket.
Antifreeze increases the boiling point of water, preventing it from freezing. However, this process is not 100% effective. You can also drain the base and store it indoors during the colder months.
Pros and Cons of Adding Sand to the Basketball Base
Sand is also a good choice. It is denser than water per gallon. The stability coefficient is also very high. This makes the basketball system safer and the possibility of tripping is negligible.
However, the disadvantages are challenging. First, the transportability of a system with a sand-filled base is difficult. During rain, when the base absorbs moisture, the sand inside becomes wet. Removing wet sand is frustrating.
How to minimize such problems? When it starts raining, place some empty garbage bags on top. This way it won't absorb water. When transporting it, use wheels or jack stands as a base. When you fill the bottom of the basket with sand, have a funnel ready. The funnel makes it easier to pour the sand into the base without creating unnecessary mess. If you don't have one, you can make a funnel out of cardboard or use a 2-liter bottle. Just cut the bottle in half and you're good to go.
Which is better? The choice is yours!
If you need to move your system frequently, fill the base of your portable basketball hoop with water as it will be easier to remove and refill. However, if transportation options are not high, it is better to choose sand for great stability of the basketball hoop.