Portable Basketball Hoop Maintenance Guide
It is rather unfortunate that almost half of portable basketball hoop owners lose their first hoop due to lack of maintenance. It’s because it doesn’t take that much maintenance. A Portable Basketball Hoop does require some occasional maintenance and care from you, but it’s nothing unattainable.
Depending on how frequently you use it, it may also get some other issues like the pole getting crooked or the rim getting tilted. As the portable hoop is made up of several pieces, it is not unusual for them to require some fixing. So if you want to learn about Portable Basketball Hoop Maintenance, here is a complete guide that will help you ensure its prolonged lifespan.
How to keep the basketball pole from rusting?
Rust is a dangerous development on the basketball hoop because it can make the hoop dangerous for the players as it weakens the hoop. But it is quite inevitable to prevent the exposure to the moisture in the weather.
Moisture will always lead to some rust development. But you need to keep a keen eye on the hoop and take necessary preventive measures. This way, you will certainly be able to prevent it from happening. The best tip to prevent a basketball hoop from rusting is to move it indoors during the winter. Also, you should keep it covered whenever you are not using it. This will prevent rust and ensure a stable portable basketball goal for a long time to come.
How to get rust removed from the basketball hoop?
But what if it has already got some rust on it? Well, here is how to remove the rusts from spreading further into the hoop.
Get sandpaper or emery paper and some rust prevention spray as well. Look how much of the pole is affected by the rust. Get the rust cleaned with the emery or the sandpaper. Get a damp cloth and give it a good cleaning with it. Now let it dry for a while.
Once it is dried completely, now apply the rust prevention spray on it. It is recommended you give the pole a coating of oil-based enamel paint as well along with the rust prevention spray. Combining the spray with a layer of enamel paint will make sure to prevent the rust.
How to clean a basketball backboard?
To clean a basketball backboard, all you need is a microfiber pad or a cleaning rag and some regular washing detergents to clean it. You will also need a squeegee. A squeegee can help to make sure there is no steak left on it.
Otherwise, there will be steaks on the backboard, and it can be quite visible on the basketball backboard.
You can clean all types of basketball backboards with pretty much the same cleaning agents, be it the plastic backboard or the glass. Here is a step by step process to clean a basketball backboard
Get some cleaning solution on the backboard and start mopping it with a rag or preferably a microfiber pad. If you do clean it with a rag, make sure the rag is clean.
You don’t need to wet the whole backboard but put enough cleaning solution on it.
Make sure the backboard is wholly dried and steak free with a squeegee.
If you don’t have access to squeegee, you can use paper towels as well. The paper towels are quite handy at removing steaks from the backboard.
How to fix a bent basketball rim?
Using a rubber mallet
If the rim is not bent too much, you can fix it with just a rubber mallet. So get the basketball rim detached and lay it on the ground. Find the part that is bent or crooked and start working on that with the rubber mallet. Get the piece that is not bent under on the ground and put it under something that can keep it on the place. Now, you need to pound the bent part until it becomes straightened out and get back its original shape.
How to fix a cracked basketball backboard?
Using sealant to fix the crack
Using a Fiber Reinforced sealant can be a great way to fix any crack on the basketball backboard. Locate the crack and fill it with the sealant. Make sure you have covered the entire crack and the edges around it as well. Let it dry for an hour or so. If you want to hide the crack, use some paint to match it with the rest of the board.
Additional maintenance tip to keep it in the best condition
Check the pole cap frequently.
Frequently checking the pole cap is quite necessary because having a crack on it will leave it vulnerable to water getting inside. This is something you certainly want to avoid to keep the Portable Basketball Hoop in the optimal condition and usable for a long time.
If you find a tear on the pole cap, you should replace it as soon as possible. Otherwise, rainwater might get inside the hoop and do some damages even before you know.
Check the net
The net is one the least durable parts of a Basketball Hoop. as the basketball net is the most used and frequently contacted part of the entire hoop, you need to keep it on a frequent check.
Make sure it isn’t worn out or damaged. If it seems like it’s damaged, make sure to change it as soon as possible as it leaves the player vulnerable to injuries.
Closing Notes
Considering the average price of a Portable Basketball hoop, you certainly don’t want it to get rusty or lose its durability due to lack of maintenance. But it’s not like you install the hoop, practice on it and just let it lay there without any maintenance.
It requires constant attention and active maintenance to make it last for long. As a portable Basketball Hoop is an excellent way to get better at the sport and up your competitive edge, this guide can certainly help you take proper care of it. But the best tip of all will be proactive. This way, you will be able to find the rust or leak or crack before it ruins the entire hoop.
