Best Pool Basketball Hoops: 7 Popular Hoops Reviewed

In the summertime when the weather is hot, you want to make the most of your pool. For families with energetic kids, games that can keep them busy are always welcomed.

Aside from water polo, basketball is probably the most popular pool ball game for its ease and enjoyment, and a must-have pool accessory for the summer.

The best pool basketball hoops come in an array of choices for both inground and above ground pools, so we’ll explain what you should look out for to get the most bang for your buck.

Our Picks For Best Pool Basketball Hoops

We looked high and low for the best swimming pool basketball hoops across numerous categories, narrowing it down to just a select few.

Best Overall (Recommended)

Best Floating Hoop

Best Poolside Hoop

Best Budget Hoop

Types Of Pool Basketball Hoops

The basic design of a swimming pool basketball hoop is pretty standard across the board, but companies will always put their own spin on it.

Floating Basketball Hoops

Floating basketball hoops are 360-degree, have no backboard, and float freely in your pool. 

There’s two versions of floating basketball hoops that you’ll come across: an inflatable floater made with heavy vinyl, and a more durable model constructed with fluted PVC tubing.

The inflatable is great for kids, and is ultra-safe so no one will ever get hurt using it. However, they also tend to be hit and miss in terms of longevity, with many instances of them deflating over time.

The fluted PVC version is more robust, and gives a mixture of strength, durability, and lightweightness. The base is also wrapped in styrofoam padding for flotation, stability, and added protection. On average, it runs around the same price as the inflatable version.

Floating hoops are usually under 5 lbs., and they stand about 2 feet high so kids will still have the ability to pull a “Shaq Attack” on it.

As they aren’t anchored in any way, the hoop is free to move around the pool during gameplay. Depending on your outlook, this feature can either be an additional element of fun, or a pain to deal with.

Poolside Basketball Hoops

The poolside basketball hoop is a more traditional model and emulates a professional net with the inclusion of a backboard.

It’s also designed to sit comfortably on the deck of the pool, with the net hanging over the edge and out onto the water. This stability allows for gameplay in either end of the pool, and provides a static target at all times.

The poolside hoop also has a more sturdy construction than the 360-degree floating version. However, this also means it’s considerably more expensive. 

But safety is a top priority with poolside hoops, as you never want them falling over into the pool and potentially injuring someone.

The hoop materials used are weather resistant, so you won’t have to worry about metals or rust from the hoop getting into the pool water, and the backboard and base are usually constructed using a lightweight and water-friendly plastic like polyethylene.

What You Need To Consider

Now that you know the differences between the two hoop styles, you should be aware of a few things before you commit to a final purchase.

Is It Easy To Set Up Or Assemble?

While they’re both easy to assemble, floating hoops are a bit more involved.

If it’s an inflatable, a provided pump will make for quick and easy work, while the PVC tubing model interlocks effortlessly. These are also great for storage purposes, as they won’t take up much room in your pool shed when collapsed.

The poolside hoop is a larger unit, and usually requires minimal to no assembly. Most are pretty lightweight but don’t collapse or have any portability, so they’ll take up more space when it comes to storing. However, there are a few models that have wheels so you can easily roll it out when you’re ready to use it.

Do You Have An Inground Or Above Ground Pool?

Different pools call for different set ups.

For example, a large inground pool would be ideal for a poolside net as it has a deck that the hoop can rest on. On the flipside, a floating hoop might work better in a smaller, above ground pool because it doesn’t take up much space, is great for shallow pools, and can be easily added and removed. 

However, there are some poolside hoops that are specifically designed for above-ground pools. These hoops can be secured directly to the rim of the pool, for a secure and stable net. 

Likewise, if you’re handy and ambitious, you could also install a full-size driveway-style basketball net just outside your above ground pool. By simply digging a hole, filling it with cement, and setting the pole in place, you’ll have a pretty legit poolside net.

Does It Hold Steady Under Pressure?

This is probably the most important factor to consider if you’re using a poolside basketball hoop.

Not only because you don’t want to be shooting jump shots off the backboard and having the unit topple backward, but you also don’t want it to fall in the pool and hurt someone.

Thankfully, most are designed with balance in mind, and will usually have a weighted base to fill with water or sand, or a similar “anti-stumble technology” to keep them upright at all times. (At least that’s what you should look for.)

You may also have to be a little bit careful around the inflatable floating hoops. While they are constructed with heavy vinyl, if too much pressure is put on it from dunking, it could result in a tear/leak at the joints.

What Size Ball Does It Come With?

Even the very best pool basketball hoop won’t be able to accommodate a regulation-sized basketball, which has a 29.5 inch circumference and is wrapped in heavy leather. 

Pool hoops are catered to kids, so they use a smaller hoop and include its own ball, topping out around the 15 inch mark. The ball should also be made from a more friendly and lightweight rubber.

This makes it easy for children of all ages to be comfortable holding and throwing the ball, instead of being overwhelmed by a gigantic, professional grade basketball.

Does It Allow For Adjustable Height?

Floating pool hoops are unadjustable when it comes to height. For the most part, they are about 2 feet high when floating in the water, which isn’t too much of a stretch for kids to dunk.

The poolside hoops vary, some are static in their height, while others can be adjusted. If adjustable, the pole can be raised or lowered, allowing for variety if you’re looking to do a dunk competition, or play a game of horse from outside the key.

Does It Match Your Pool Design?

It would be nice to get a basketball hoop that can match your pool’s decor, but for the most part, this probably won’t happen. 

If you have things in your pool like noodles and inner tubes, you probably won’t care too much whether or not a basketball net will seamlessly match your pool design. In fact, the inflatable hoops will probably blend in with the other accessories quite well!

The majority of poolside basketball hoops look very similar to driveway hoops. They do try to keep with an aquatic color scheme, using a white or transparent backboard with blue accent colors.

In some cases, you can custom install a hoop directly into the deck’s concrete, for a permanent fixture (although if you live in a 4 season climate, this may not be the best idea).

Will It Last More Than One Pool Season?

Any basketball hoop you purchase, as long as you don’t abuse it, should last more than one season.

The inflates are always a bit iffy when it comes to long-term inflation issues, but the PVC tubing models can be considered heavy duty, well-crafted and should last several years – especially with stainless steel coating to prevent rusting.

As for poolside hoops, as long as you aren’t hanging off the rim and applying tons of pressure, there should be no longevity issues.

Our Top Pick