Have you never installed a basketball goal before and you don’t know where to start? That’s okay. No matter where you bought your basketball hoop, you have the option of installing it yourself or hiring a professional. The following post will walk you through the entire process.

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MIXING CONCRETE FOR AN IN-GROUND INSTALLATION

The key to a long-lasting basketball hoop is the proper foundation. Getting the proper dry concrete and water mix can extend the life of your goal!

A thin mix lacks the strength needed to safely hold steel poles in place. A thick mix will make it difficult to fill cavities that can’t be seen from underneath, reducing strength. So, how can you strike the right balance? Let’s find out.

Compressive Strength

Concrete is rated based on its compressive strength, which indicates how much pressure per square inch a typical cylinder of concrete can withstand before cracking. These ratings are based on standardized equipment that can apply pressure uniformly across the surface of a concrete cylinder.

The composition of the mix has a significant impact on compressive strength. Visit any home improvement store and you will find a range of mixes advertised as ‘quick setting’, ‘high strength’, ‘crack resistant’, etc. The main difference between each of them is that some mixes may contain additional chemicals such as fiberglass to increase bond strength.

If you already know what combination you want, this is great. However, if you are just trying to follow the directions for your basketball hoop, your normal ‘high-strength’ mix will suffice.

What Does Sports Yodha Recommend?

Sports Yodha suggests buying 12-13 bags of Quikrete concrete mix. This amount conforms to the ASTM C387 standard specifications for concrete mix.

While the instructions say you only need 11 bags, it’s not a bad idea to have an extra bag or two on hand in case the installation gets a little messy. As you’ll find, concrete mix can be tricky to transport, and it’s easy to accidentally tear a bag.

Mixing the Concrete

Once you have all the necessary components, start by opening 1-2 bags and pouring them into a large container. Add water according to the instructions.

For an 80-pound bag of concrete, use 6 pints or 2.8 liters of water, while a 60-pound bag requires 4 pints or 1.9 liters of water. If you don’t have a measuring bucket, a 2-liter soda pop bottle will suffice to get a rough estimate.

Make a well in the center of the dry mix and add water. Stir the mix with a hoe or other tool to achieve uniformity throughout the batch. Properly mixed concrete should be moist, yet stiff enough to hold its shape, and have a consistency similar to oatmeal. Take a handful of concrete and wear gloves to assess its consistency.

Letting the mix rest for too long runs the risk of it drying out. Pour the mix into the newly dug hole as quickly as possible, and keep stirring it to eliminate any spaces. A trench shovel and an extra pair of hands will be useful here.

On very hot days, you may need to add additional water to the mix as the water evaporates. Always stir the mixture to make sure it stays consistent.

Repeat these processes as needed until you get the desired amount of concrete.

Pouring Concrete in Cold Weather

Installing a basketball basketball hoop in the winter is possible, but there are some limitations. If the outside temperature stays below 40°F (4.44°C) for a prolonged period of time, you should reevaluate your installation date. Temperatures below this level can cause a variety of problems that a normal DIY installation can hardly handle, let alone handle.

If you decide to pour concrete during the winter, there are a few things you and the installer should keep in mind.

1. If the ground is frozen, you should wait until it thaws before starting work. You should never pour concrete on frozen ground as it will crack, scaly, and set unevenly.

2. Mix fast-setting mix with warm water. As the name suggests, fast-setting mix often sets in less than an hour. Although it may set in less than an hour, it will still take several days to cure. When mixing concrete at these temperatures, regardless of the type, use warm water.

3. Use an accelerator. If you don’t have access to fast-setting concrete or you’ve already purchased conventional concrete, you can purchase an accelerator to help increase the concrete’s hydration rate. This shortens the setting period and allows the concrete to reach a higher strength faster. Avoid any accelerators or additives that contain calcium chloride, as they can rust rebar and even crack the concrete. Do not mix fast-setting concrete with an accelerator.

4. Use curing blankets. Concrete curing blankets, in particular, can help retain heat and moisture during cold weather, helping the concrete achieve its true strength. Additionally, these “blankets” prevent the concrete from freezing. Blankets can be purchased at your local home improvement store for around $50 and $60, depending on your location. Keep in mind that they do not resemble the blankets you might use in your home. These blankets look like tarps and usually come in rolls.

In addition to these considerations, some expert installers may employ other methods or strategies to set the concrete in cold temperatures. In this case, it may be better to hire a professional as they often have the appropriate supplies, such as curing blankets, on hand.

As the expense of additional supplies increases, as well as the difficulty of working in the cold, you may decide it is better to have someone else do the job for you.