Last Updated on January 30, 2023
If you’re looking to add some poolside fun and games to your summer activities a pool basketball hoop is the way to go. A pool basketball hoop is a great way to bring people together for a friendly game, to showcase your skills, or add a fun element to your fitness routine.
With the many options available, you will no doubt find one that will bring hours of fun. But, how do you get through all of those options so you can get in the pool? Don’t worry, we will help you find the best pool basketball hoop!
Here are the best hoops we’ve found on Amazon at a glance:
How to Choose the Best Pool Basketball Hoop
When purchasing a basketball goal for your pool there are many important things to consider. Generally speaking, these products fall into two main categories: poolside and floating. Your needs and how you intend to use the basketball hoop will greatly determine which type is right for you. Before you buy, here are some things you should be thinking about:
Poolside Basketball Hoops with Weighted Base:
- These will be more sturdy than their inflatable counterparts.
- If your family will use the hoop often, we recommend this type.
- Some models have wheels for easy portability and storing away.
- These models are better if the players are a little older, such as over 12 years old.
- These models work best with an in-ground pool, or an above ground pool that has a deck.
Inflatable Basketball Hoops that Float in the Water:
- These types generally cost less than poolside hoops.
- These are more easily stored away during the off-season
- These are great for above ground pools such as Intex or Bestway
Here are the Best Pool Basketball Hoops
Top Pick for Above-Ground Pools
- MAKE A SPLASH: Beat the buzzer and the heat this summer with the GoSports Splash Hoop 360 - Includes 1 Splash Hoop, 2 Water Basketballs, and 1 Ball Pump for the ultimate swimming pool party game!
- MODERN DESIGN: Ditch the cheap looking hoops of the past and upgrade with Splash Hoop 360's new modern design
- BUILT FOR POOL PLAY: Our Splash Hoop 360 is engineered to withstand all the splashing that comes with water basketball, the sturdy frame ensures maximum fun in the pool
- INSTANT ASSEMBLY: The hoop assembles in seconds while other hoops take much longer and may require tools!
This patent-pending 360° design floats on the water allowing for play anywhere in the pool. The set-in made in the US and comes with 2 water basketballs and 1 pump. It has a sleek sturdy frame that is quick and easy to assemble. Being a floating set, it may not hold up as well to rough play as a poolside set would. However, younger kids might find a floating set easier to play with since it can be moved to any spot in the pool. It is a pretty straight forward set with high customer satisfaction.
What Customers Love
- Set on a frame, this set is not inflatable
- Well balanced and sturdy, so it doesn’t flip over
- Since it is not a fixed basketball goal, it can travel, be stored away, etc
Main Customer Complaints
- If the foam pieces come off or shift the hoop becomes unbalanced, you may have to use adhesive to put them back on
- A few customers received it missing items, such as the pump
Best Hoop for Pool Parties
- AMAZING VALUE: Experience why our customers rave about the quality and value of our Pool Hoop Set
- TOTAL PACKAGE: The included basketball will have you playing pool games in no time
- HIGH QUALITY AND DURABLE: Stronger material and improved geometry makes this the best pool hoop ever
- PORTABLE: Large bore valves allow for quicker inflation and deflation; perfect for traveling
The Hoop Shark Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop is strong and durable with reinforced seams and includes a basketball. It floats on the water with an improved geometric design. It quickly inflates and deflates making it perfect for traveling or storing away easily. It also features a numbered scoring system for enhanced game fun. Since it is a floating set, it is perfect for younger players, as well. This set is loved by customers. Some have even said that they use it indoors during the winter months!
What Customers Love
- Provides hours of fun for the whole family
- Deflates and stores well for next season
- Made of thick, durable material
Main Customer Complaints
- Need air compressor to inflate, which is not included
- No patch kit included
Best Hoop for Slam Dunking
- SPLASH HOOP PRO: Slam dunk on summer pool parties with the GoSports Splash Hoop PRO; Includes 1 Splash Hoop Pro, 2 inflatable water basketballs, and ball pump for the ultimate swimming pool party game
- MAKE A SPLASH: Take the exciting action of basketball from the court to the pool and play like the pros with a robust 34 in x 25 in backboard and 14 in rim specially engineered to withstand pool play
- MODERN DESIGN: Ditch the cheap looking hoops of the past and upgrade with Splash Hoop PRO's robust construction
- POOLSIDE SETUP: Splash Hoop PRO features a fast setup and a weighted base for secure stability (fill with water) that sits poolside making it a quick and easy addition to any inground pool for hours...
The GoSports poolside splash rim gets rave reviews from its owners. It has an all-plastic construction which means there is now worry about rusting. The plastic is tough and durable and stands up well to slam dunking. This hoop is great if you have older kids and they will have hours of fun no doubt.
What Customers Love
- Provides hours of fun for the whole family
- Very quick setup
- Made of thick, durable plastic
Main Customer Complaints
- Very few complaints
- Some reports of peeling paint from the plastic
Best Pool Basketball Hoop – Best Overall
- 2-IN-1 SWIMMING POOL ACCESSORIES : The SwimWays 2-In-1 Volleyball and Basketball Swimming Pool Game Set brings a little competition to your water fun in your inground or above ground swimming pool
- NO ASSEMBLY: Enjoy backyard games with family and friends in no time! This outdoor play equipment requires no tools for assembly and has 2 heavy-duty bases to fill with water or sand for stability
- INCLUDES: The volleyball net expands up to 24 feet and the basketball net makes for a slam dunkin' good time. Both pool games come with a pro-style volleyball and basketball and an inflation needle is...
- MULTI-PLAYER: Show off your skills in the water and get a group of pals together to play some fun games of volleyball and basketball with this sports & outdoor play toys set
This 2-in-1 poolside basketball goal converts into a volleyball net across the pool. The net boasts a stretch of 24 ft across the pool, and the set comes with plastic bases that can be filled with water for stability. Both nets are mildew resistant and the bases are made of plastic so there is no concern of rusting. This 2-in-1 set includes a volleyball net and ball, basketball net and ball, and bases for both games. The basketball hoop may not hold up well to rough play, but with the addition of the volleyball net, this set is fun for the whole family. Customers really seem to love this 2-in-1 set.
What Customers Love
- Quick and easy to assemble since the pieces snap together
- The set is all plastic, there are no metal pieces to rust
- Well made and sturdy, high quality
Main Customer Complaints
- Not recommended for excessive rough play (lots of slam dunks), the plastic hoop will begin to wear out/stretch out
Best Hoop – Durable Commercial Quality
- WATER BASKETBALL FUN: Swimline's iconic Cool Jam Pro Free Standing Pool Basketball Game is designed to create a reliable, realistic basketball experience. Super easy to set up, and provides hours of...
- ENDLESS GAMES: Perfect for H.O.R.S.E, slam dunk contests, and competitive basketball games. Install one on either end of the pool for full court matches!
- STANDING & STABLE: Our innovative molded design features legs that come with fillable compartments to add water or sand to add weight and stability to your pool basketball game, for the best swimming...
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT: Features blow-molded side post stands to make the game feel like a regulation basketball hoop. Comes with various slats so you can modify the height of the rim to your liking.
This hoop is commercial quality but priced with the consumer in mind. It features a high-quality, extra-wide backboard measuring 44in wide by 32 in high. Along with having a heavy-duty net, this basketball hoop is certified shipped in frustration-free packaging. This poolside set also comes with a basketball. It holds up well to some slam dunks, according to customers.
What Customers Love
- Good quality and affordable price
- Quick, easy to assemble
- Love the adjustable height for customization
Main Customer Complaints
- Rust issues on hardware and rim – some recommend treating with Rustoleum
- Issues with quick fading on rim and decal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you dunk on a pool basketball hoop?
This depends on the type and sturdiness of the hoop you purchase. We recommend poolside hoops for dunking, and you can see our “best for dunking” recommendation here.
How high is a pool basketball hoop?
There are various types of hoops that are all different sizes. There is no “standard” height. We have seen some of the poolside hoops be installed on a ledge to add more height.
What is the best material for a pool basketball hoop?
Plastic. While metal hoops have durability advantages, the nature of being around water means that rust is a worry. We find that plastic hoops tend to be the best material.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking to add some poolside fun, or are in need of a more temporary basketball hoop solution we’ve got you covered. Some customers enjoy the versatility of the floating hoops. Others love the stability the stationary poolside hoop provides, allowing them to turn their pool into an aquatic basketball court. All of these pool basketball hoops are built to last giving customers plenty of use season after season.
I love that you showed different options based on prices. I used to play basketball and love watching it. So, it would be a no-brainer to buy one of these for a pool.
We’ve been talking about picking up a floating one as an extra ‘fun element’ that we can pull out when we have parties or have the nieces/nephews over visiting. I’ll have to check out your recommendations!
I can’t wait until we can play in the pool and play basketball! It’s one of my favorite things to play while swimming.
I dont have a pool but they look good.
I love pool games! I am looking to buy something for my family but will just have to wait for the pandemic to go away. Your post helped a lot as it gave me a clearer idea now what I should get.
my aunt and uncle have one for their pool! my kids and I play with it all of the time, super fun addition to the pool experience ; )