How to Remove In Ground Basketball Hoop: 5 Quick and Easy Steps for Basketball Hoop Removal!
Are you looking to replace your old basketball hoop with a new one? Are the kids finally out of the house, leaving you with no need to have a basketball hoop in the driveway?
Perfect! You’re in the right place.
While basketball hoops can be a great thing to have, the installation and removal can sometimes get tricky.
I know from experience how blood, sweat, and tears can go into each process. (As well as a heck of a lot of curse words!)
This article is your ultimate guide on how to remove in ground basketball hoop quickly and easily so you can leave your frustration at the door!
What Is An In Ground Basketball Hoop?
A basketball hoop that goes directly into the ground.
It’s not just going into the dirt, either. In ground basketball poles need to go into a block of cement in order to reduce shakiness and provide the best experience.
In ground basketball hoops are a much more professional and sturdy alternative than a portable basketball hoop.
Which means they come with a bit more maintenance when installing and removing.
Reasons You Need to Know How to Remove In Ground Basketball Hoop
Maybe you bought a basketball hoop for the kiddos when they were young, but now they’re out of the house. There may simply be no more need to have a big steel basketball hoop in the driveway.
Maybe someone (we won’t name names) has backed into the basketball pole more times than you can count and you’re sick of dealing with the auto insurance company to get the car fixed.
Or maybe you simply want to move it to a different spot.
All of these are valid reasons to get rid of that hoop and move on with your life.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Remove An In Ground Basketball Pole
Let’s go over some step-by-step instructions on how to remove a fixed basketball hoop so you can have peace of mind knowing the process is easier than you may think.
Trust me, it really is easier than one would think.
So grab your tool belt, and let’s get started!
1. Gather the necessary tools
Before you start, make sure that you have all the tools needed.
These include a wrench set, adjustable pliers, a hacksaw, spray lubricant, and a large garden spade.
It is best to ensure that all the tools are in good condition and that no screws or bolts are rusted or seized.
2. Lower the system
To make it more accessible, you need to lower the basketball system.
This will make the task more manageable, especially if you are working alone.
Begin by removing any basketball nets, hoops, and backboard padding.
In my experience, it’s much better to do a job like this without the need for a ladder. Especially when you have the weight of a big basketball hoop to deal with.
3. Loosen bolts
Once the basketball system is lowered, you will see the bolts that are holding the hoop in place.
You need to loosen these bolts using a wrench set.
If they are rusted, you can use a spray lubricant to help loosen it.
Also, check the safety anchor bolts. Loosen them, but don’t remove them entirely yet.
Remove basketball pole entirely. You may need another set of hands to do this due to the weight of the basketball pole.
If you’re going solo, a tow rope is recommended.
4. Remove anchor bolts
The next step is to remove the anchor bolts entirely.
This requires a hacksaw to cut the anchor bolts that are still attached to the cement.
Be careful not to injure yourself or damage the bracket while performing this process.
5. Dig the hole
After removing the bolts, it’s time to dig the hole where the hoop was standing.
A large garden spade will come in handy in removing the cement surrounding the entire concrete base. Work in a circular motion, carefully digging out the cement in a gradual manner until you reach the anchor plate.
Key Considerations for Successfully Removing In Ground Basketball Poles
Basketball hoop removal is not always the easiest process. I highly recommend not trying to do it yourself.
Ask a neighbor to help or get the kids off the coach. Manual labor is good for the soul!
When you remove a basketball pole, lower it down to the grass side rather than the driveway to limit damage. This is especially important if you’re simply moving the hoop altogether.
Even if you’re getting rid of it, there is a market for used basketball hoops, as long as they’re in decent condition!
Taking It to The Next Level: How to Dispose Of An In Ground Basketball Hoop
Try your hand at selling the basketball to an online marketplace. If no luck, call up a local sporting goods store and see if they’re in the market for old basketball poles and hoops.
A metal basketball pole will have a big used market due to the high cost of a new basketball system, so you should be able to find someone who will take it off your hands.
If all else fails, call the local waste removal company and have them come pick it up!
Alternative Methods For Removing An In Ground Basketball Pole
Hire out!
There are plenty of people who do basketball pole removal for money. Look online for contractors and see what you can find.
If there’s one part, like the basketball goal or backboard, that is aged, you can just replace that instead of removing the entire hoop and buying a new one.
Just make sure the specifications of the replacement part are a match for your current hoop.
Conclusion
Told you it wasn’t so tough!
It can seem like a daunting task when you’re looking at that big hunk of metal.
You may think it’s an impossibility!
But with these steps, you’ll get there in no time.
You may just need your next Saturday to get it all done.
Take your time and be extra careful while disassembling the system to avoid any damages or injuries.
With the guide above, you can remove your basketball hoop easily, allowing you to move it to another location or replace it with a new one.
FAQ
Can in ground basketball hoops be moved?
Yes!
All you’ll need to do is remove the hoop from its concrete base and then dig a hole and add concrete to the new location.
How do you remove a backboard?
First, lower the hoop for ease of access. You don’t need to take the whole hoop down to replace a backboard.
Undo the bolts and, preferably with someone’s help, take down the backboard and set it on the ground.
Voila!
Which is better? An in-ground basketball hoop or a portable basketball hoop?
It depends.
If you’re looking for something that is less shaky, more professional, and more permanent, go for an in ground basketball hoop.
If you’re looking for something you can easily move from place to place, go for a portable basketball hoop.
It all depends on preference.
