One of the most fun outdoor activities is playing basketball at the basketball hoop. Often located near the driveway's smooth surface and posted on a tall metal pole, a basketball hoop is composed of a net hoop with a rim that is attached to a large backboard. Many homeowners install this equipment themselves by digging a hole and pouring concrete for securing the pole. Other people pay for a handyman to do the job for them.
Once the basketball pole is permanently set, it becomes the homeowner's duty to provide maintenance and care to ensure that the equipment continues to work safely and well.
Check the net every few months to see how the rope mesh is holding up. If it appears to be deteriorating or there are broken strands, it's time to buy a new one. Inspect the rim for cracks or breakage. Don't let kids hang on the rim, which can cause it to break and let someone fall and possibly get hurt on the hard surface below. Look over the backboard for cracks or tears. If it should split, falling debris could hit someone. Make sure that all screws fit tightly and have not rusted. If they feel loose or appear to be getting rusty, replace them with new ones.
Then check out the pole. If it is getting rusty, apply an anti-rust treatment to a metal pole, or another anti-decay treatment for other types of poles. Remind the kids not to use equipment until the treatment dries and any fumes dissipate. If the pole should break, the entire fixture could tumble down and hurt someone. Make sure the pole remains fixed securely in the ground. If it becomes loose or wobbles, call a repairperson to fix it, and don’t let anyone use the basketball net until repairs are complete. The pole may need to be reset again, or it may require a simple tightening.
Examine the grassy area around the pole and the crevices at the top part of the pole that connect to the basket. Tighten loose screws and remove insect nests, like those belonging to carpenter ants or wasps, to prevent damage to the equipment or injuries to the kids. You will probably have to deal with insects after dark to avoid getting stung. Check the next day to be sure all nests are removed. Keep grass or weeds around the base of the pole trimmed down so that small animals or insects can't hide there, and when provoked by a stray ball or misstep, attack the children who are playing ball.
Keep the playing area clean of debris like rocks, broken glass, or sharp metal objects such as nails to reduce the likelihood of injury if someone should trip and fall. Don't set lawn equipment or furniture near the basketball court area, as these may become obstacles that the players will fall over in retrieving the ball.
The basketball assembly provides hours of fun, energetic entertainment. Keep it functional and safe for the kids or adults who plan to spend time out there.
