How to Move a Basketball Hoop Filled with Sand in 7 Easy Steps!
So you’re looking to move your basketball hoop, eh? Wondering how to move a basketball hoop filled with sand?
Perhaps the in-laws are over for some hootenanny, and you just know the driveway is going to be full for days on end.
Or maybe the hoop “doesn’t look good” in the spot it’s in currently, so you want to put it in a new spot.
You bought that new portable basketball hoop for a reason, right? You want to be able to move that sucker whenever and wherever you please!
One problem, it’s filled to the brim with sand.
If I’m talking to the world’s strongest man, feel free to deadlift the base and toss it to wherever you like it to be.
Wait a second, you’re not the world’s strongest man?
Very well! Let’s go over how to move a basketball hoop filled with sand so you can get on with your life!
Why Would A Basketball Hoop Be Filled With Sand?
Stability!
Portable basketball hoops are nice for their ability to be moved from place to place, unlike in ground basketball hoops that are cemented into the ground.
However, one caveat to a portable basketball hoop is the lack of stability. Without any weight in the base, it could feel like there was an earthquake every time the ball hits the rim.
You can fill the hoop with sand or water in order to keep the hoop from shaking like a tree in a thunderstorm.
Reasons You Need to Know How to Move a Basketball Hoop Filled With Sand
Convenience.
Wouldn’t it be nice to move the hoop whenever you darn well, please?
That’s why you bought the portable hoop, right?
It’s nice to be able to move it in case the driveway is filled with cars, or when the winter rears its cold and sunless head, or maybe just to fung-shei the exterior of your home to your liking.
All are valid reasons for the need to know how to move portable basketball hoops.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Move Your Portable Basketball Hoop Filled With Sand
This may be a daunting task.
How the heck am I supposed to move a basketball hoop that’s filled with, like, a hundred pounds of sand?
Lucky for you, I have the answer.
Even luckier for you, I’m going to give you that answer.
Sort of like Jeopardy, right?
I think that’s how that show works.
Anyway, grab a coffee (or an ice-cold beer), and let’s get started!
1. Grab The Good ‘Ol Tool Belt
Before you start moving the basketball hoop, make sure you have all the necessary tools you need.
This includes a shovel, a broom or brush, a wheelbarrow or dolly, and a few extra hands to help you out.
You can try doing this all yourself. But then again, portable hoops are heavy, so it’s recommended to have a helping hand so you don’t hurt yourself.
2. Empty The Sand
To make the basketball hoop lighter and easier to move, you’ll need to empty the sand out of the base.
Use the shovel to scoop out as much sand as you can, and then use the broom or brush to sweep out any remaining sand.
This makes the base lighter, so you can transport it much easier.
3. Move It
Now that the sand has been removed, it’s time to move the base.
If you have a dolly or wheelbarrow, this step will be much easier. Otherwise, you’ll need to carefully lift the base with your helpers and walk it to the new location.
Lift with your legs, not your back.
4. Reload
After moving the base to the new location, it’s time to reload the sand into the basketball hoop base.
Depending on how much sand you removed, you may need to purchase additional sand. Use the shovel to pour the sand into the base.
A heavy basketball hoop is a stable basketball hoop.
5. Level That Sucker!
Once all the sand has been added, use a level to make sure the base is even.
This is important to ensure the basketball hoop doesn’t tip over during use. Adjust the base as necessary until it’s level.
Portable hoops tend to be slanted. Leveling everything out ensures that doesn’t happen.
6. Put The Hoop On
Finally, it’s time to reattach the hoop to the base.
Make sure all bolts and screws are tightened securely before using the hoop again.
Remember, right tighty, lefty loosey!
7. Enjoy!
Grab the family and play a game of horse or 21 and show them who the real baller in the house is!
Key Considerations for Successfully Moving Portable Basketball Hoops Filled With Sand
It never hurts to stretch before doing any sort of physical activity in the yard.
Stretch your quads, hammies, and back. A portable basketball goal is heavy, so precautions need to be taken.
Have strong communication with your helper to help you transport portable basketball hoops easy and quick.
What’s the old saying? Communication is key? This may not be a marriage, but problems can arise quickly if you’re not on the same page.
Taking It to The Next Level: How to Remove Sand From A Basketball Base
Dig!
Grab a shovel and dig that sand out of the base. This will probably be the most labor-intensive aspect of the whole thing, but the faster you do it, the faster it gets done.
Put the sand in a wheelbarrow for easy reloading once the base is in a new spot. This can also alleviate any sort of mess that comes with dealing with sand.
Alternative Methods You Can Try
To help with digging, you can try lifting up the base and tipping it directly into a wheelbarrow.
You and your helper need to be very strong to do this. This might even be a strongman competition in itself!
If you want to try it out, go for it. Stay safe!
Conclusion
Most portable hoops are pretty easy to assemble. I see a lot in my research that can be put together in 30 minutes or less.
Then comes the sand.
That stuff you seemingly can’t get rid of after a day at the beach.
This is something those sites don’t mention.
It’s messy and cumbersome, but if you can assemble a basketball hoop, you can put sand into its base, right?
Just remember to gather the necessary tools, empty the sand, move the base, add new sand, level the base, and reattach the hoop.
Before you know it, you’ll be shooting hoops in your new favorite spot.
Happy moving!
FAQ
Can you move a cemented basketball hoop?
Yes! I have a full guide on how to remove an in ground basketball hoop you can check out!
Basically, you’re disassembling the hoop, digging a new hole in the spot where you want it to be, filling that hole with concrete, and attaching the hoop to the new spot.
Can you move a portable basketball hoop full of water?
Sure can!
Once the goal is unattached from the base, tip the base over and empty the water. Then put the base in the new desired location, fill that puppy up with water, and put the goal on.
Very similar to the steps above, but no need to dig!
Is it better to fill a basketball hoop with sand or water?
This is up to personal preference. If you want more stability, go with sand. If you want to easily move the hoop back and forth, water is your best bet.
