How to Move a Basketball Hoop Filled With Water

Ahh, I know you have tried moving your basketball hoop thousands of times and got cramps in your legs. 

Hello mate, you should have checked some practical tips before going at your wits end.

So, you want to move a basketball hoop. You’re tired of it being in one place. A blurb for this article would probably be something like “how to move an immovable basketball hoop.” What makes a basketball hoop immovable? It’s filled with water! 

What if I told you there is a way to move it? There is!

In this article, I will tell you how to move a basketball hoop filled with water.

First thing first, Check the mobility or portability of a basketball hoop with filled water. It’ll give you an understanding about your basketball hoop that it’s moveable or not. Definitely, it’ll save your effort and juice. 

Thank me later!

Mind-Boggling! Points to Ponder While Moving a Basketball Hoop?

Moving a basketball hoop is not duck soup. Hoops are heavy, and some of them can get downright massive. Unless you have the right equipment and know what you’re doing, you can shed tons of sweat without finding any luck. 

Related: How to Move a Basketball Hoop Filled with Sand?

Even worse, you could end up injuring yourself or someone else from improper lifting techniques.

Before you start moving your hoop, there are some things to keep in mind, such as:

1. Collapsible or Non-Collapsible

If your basketball hoop collapses, such as a portable system, it’s usually pretty easy to move. 

Just make sure you have enough strong people and the right equipment to lift it up and carry it away. With a case in which you have the tools and know-how, you can also disassemble the base and backboard from the pole. 

You can do this if you’re moving a long distance or if the hoop is very heavy. Just make sure you don’t forget anything or lose any parts!

Okay, let see what options you have in your pocket dealing with a non-collapsible hoop?.

A non-collapsible basketball hoop is a bit trickier to move because it has a fixed pole and foundation that is buried in concrete. You’ll need to get out your shovels, concrete saws, and sledgehammers and go at it with brute force!

2. The Distance of Your move

The longer the distance of your move, the more likely you will need to drain some of the water from your portable or in-ground basketball hoop just so that it is easier for you and others to move it. 

But be very mindful that if you’re only moving across town, then you may be able to get away without draining any of the water from your portable or in-ground.

3. Size of Your Basketball Hoop

The bigger the hoop, the heavier it will be (So obvious – I am not acting like a genius). A heavy-duty basketball hoop can weigh up to 250 pounds when filled with water, so you will need at least two people (and preferably more) to move it safely.

How to Move a Basketball Hoop Filled with Water?

Even though you can move your portable basketball hoop filled with water, it’s best to follow these steps to ensure that your hoop stays in good shape.

Step 1: Draining the Water 

Let’s simplify your problem first, drain the whole basketball hoop’s base filled with water before you plan to move it. You can do this by attaching a hose to the spigot at the bottom of the hoop and draining it that way. 

Nonetheless, it’s a slow process and will take plenty of time to get fully drained – a perfect job for lazy guys.

Instead, use a drill and make a small hole in the bottom of the tank. The water will drain out quickly, and then you can use a piece of duct tape to cover up the small hole.

Free Tip Alert! I’ll go with the first step as I am least interested in drilling a hole in the basketball hoop’s base.

Step 2: Attaching the wheels 

Attach wheels to your base. Definitely, it’ll not add wings to my hoop so it can fly to my desired location, but obviously, it’s much easier than pulling the basketball hoop without wheels. 

You will be able to move it easily and quickly that way. Some basketball hoops have attached wheels, while others require you to purchase wheels separately, which is not very expensive.

If your basketball hoop doesn’t have wheels, you can buy them online or at most stores that sell basketball hoops and accessories.

Step 3: Moving Your Basketball Hoop

To move a water-filled basketball hoop:

• Tilt it slowly forward, sliding the base off the lowest support pole.

• Wait for someone to help you lift the hoop off its base.

• Lift one side of the hoop onto your shoulder and have your helper lift the other side onto his shoulder so that you are carrying it like a stretcher. You can also use this technique with one person lifting each end of the hoop in his hands without using his shoulders for support.

How Do You Maintain Your Basketball Hoop filled with Water?

Here are some tips on how you can maintain your water basketball hoop:

• The first thing you need to do is check that the level of the water inside your basketball hoop is topped off. This is important because if the water level is too low, then there’s a chance that it might tip over as someone shoots at it and throws them off balance.

• Next, you should clean all the parts of your water basketball hoop. This way, you can prevent algae formation on the parts of your water basketball hoop that constantly stay underwater. 

• You should also check if any of the parts have been damaged or have turned rusty. If they have, then you should consider replacing them before using them again.

Final Word of Advice

Hopefully, I was able to provide some valuable information that will help you on your next water basketball hoop move. For those who are a little bit more adventurous than others, however, consider the alternatives suggested above and feel free to share this article with your friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I need tools to move the hoop?

Yes. Ideally, you should have a set of tools on hand so you can disassemble parts of the pole, backboard and rim when necessary. Here are some tools that may come in handy:

• Level
• Wrench
• Ratchet
• Screwdriver set
• Safety glasses

2. Is it better to put sand or water in a basketball hoop?

Sand is much heavier than water and will weigh down your basketball hoop, making it more stable. If you fill your sand in the base of your basketball hoop, you can be sure it won’t tip over during a game. However A basketball hoop filled with water may be easier to empty and refill if you have to move it several times.

3. How do you transport a basketball hoop?

You may wish to move your hoop by pick-up truck, box truck or open trailer. Whatever vehicle you choose, make sure your backboard can lay flat in the truck bed so that it arrives safely at its destination.