Using water to keep your portable basketball hoop in place is often preferred by many since it is cheaper than gels or sand. However, there are factors that you should arm yourself with before using water. What will happen when cold winter knocks in? Since the water in the base might freeze and expand, some guidelines or precautions are laid down to keep the water from freezing. It is now possible to use water regardless of the weather change as we will equip you with the necessary information you require.
Benefits of Using Water to Fill Your Portable Hoop Base
We find it necessary to equip you with benefits that you will likely enjoy when you fill your portable hoop base with water. Here are the advantages you will reap:
1 A cheaper and easier method
If you compare the use of water with gel, you will realize that water is cheaper as you may not spend any cent to obtain it. You might only be required to purchase bleaching agents to protect against the growth of algae. Additionally, filling and emptying your portable basketball hoop base is easier since it does not require any skills.
2 Ensures stability
It is evident that with water, your portable basketball hoop will be kept in place. It will be in a position to withstand strong wind or any interference; hence won’t fall anyhow. Similarly, a stabilized base will also curb any force accompanied by a ball.
3 Easy to carry around
A portable basketball hoop with a water-filled base is often lighter compared with sand or gel. You can also easily empty it; hence, it could save you time whenever you want to move it.
4 Can withstand the cold winter season
During cold seasons, water freezes hence might cause your portable basketball hoop base to crack. However, there are non-toxic antifreeze agents that protect water from freezing. With this feature, you won’t need to empty the base during cold seasons.
How to Fill Your Portable Basketball Base with Water?
This is one critical task that you should undertake with great care since you might crack the base. However, we will equip you with techniques that will help you fill the bottom without any breakage. We also advise you to keep and follow the manual instructions that come with it. Here are the steps;
- Select an open place where you will work on.
- Lay the basketball hoop system properly on the ground, ensuring that the base plug faces upwards.
- Remove the screws from the cap of the base.
- Fill the base with water using the garden hose.
- Add antifreeze if you are experiencing cold winter to protect it against water solidification.
- You are also required to add a bleaching agent such as chlorine to protect the base from algae’s growth.
- Return the screws to its original positions and slowly stand the portable basketball hook up.
How to Keep Your Portable Basketball Hoop Filled with Water from Freezing?
Did you know that it is needless to empty the base during the cold winter? There are ways you can keep your portable basketball hoop filled with water operating regardless of how cold the weather is. However, antifreeze is there to keep the water from freezing. With this method, you are required to take precautions before acquiring.
How toxic is it? If antifreeze is mishandled, it can cause great hazards. Similarly, you should keep them away from children and pets. Plants are also in a dangerous position if antifreeze spills on. If you accidentally spill, clean it up immediately before it causes damage.
How can you determine the amount of antifreeze required? This is the key part; you might add less antifreeze that might not impact the freezing water; hence should observe the required ratio. However, it would help if you used the rate of 1:1, which means that the amount of water should equal the amount of antifreeze to be added.
Uniquely, some manufacturers have come up with lifetime bases made of a high-density polyethylene material that can comfortably accommodate the expansion of freezing water.
Care and Maintenance of a Portable Basketball Hoop
We all desire a long-lasting portable basketball hoop, but the lifespan is generally dictated by how we handle it. Here are what you should always check when it comes to a portable basketball hoop.
Always check the water behavior;
If your portable basketball hoop is prone to cracking, be sure to monitor it during cold seasons. Water often expands hence could damage the hoop. You should also keep track of the water level for easy refills.
Conduct regular cleaning and paint replacement;
Since it is portable, there’s a high chance of getting dirt and rust. Similarly, the paint always fades or gets scratched, making your portable basketball hoop dull. When you encounter this, be sure to use a good color that will last long.
Good quality hoop net replacement;
When it comes to changing the nets, especially when yours wears out, always go for a high-quality material made so that you won’t be replacing regularly.
Check the nuts and screws;
You should always tighten the screws whenever it becomes loose. Failure to do so can lead to great damage to your portable basketball hoop.
Condition of the pole;
You are required to constantly check if there are cracks. These cracks often allow the entrance of water; hence can cause rusting. Similarly, for the adjustable pole, ensure that it doesn’t swivel, always adjust it appropriately.
Keep the manual.
The manufacturers often provide a manual on how you should handle it. Ensure that you follow each step.
Conclusion
From what we have shared, if you enjoy playing basketball, then a portable basketball hoop is best for you. However, using water to fill your mobile basketball hoop base is the best way to stabilize as it possesses more benefits than other methods. It would be good to arm and observe the necessary maintaining skills as it is the key to a lasting portable basketball hoop.
