Inground Basketball System Installation

Instructions

1. Before beginning basketball hoop assembly, identify and inventory all of the parts. Keep the hardware bags and their contents separate. Test fit all bolts by inserting them into their respective holes. If necessary, carefully scrape away any excess powder coating buildup from inside the holes. Do not scrape away all of the powder coating. Bare metal may rust. You may need to pound some bolts into place with a hammer. Choose the location of your pole carefully! Avoid putting the pole near overhead power or utility lines. When digging, consider the location of any underground utilities.
2. Dig a round hole 24” deep and 18” in diameter. The edge of the hole should be flush with the edge of the playing surface. Measure 14.5” up from the dimpled end of the bottom pole and make a mark (do not scratch the powder coating).
3. Mix 8 1/4 bags of concrete. Save 3/4 bag of concrete to use later in the assembly. Fill the hole with concrete. Insert the bottom pole up to the 14.5” mark and 4” away from the playing surface. A thicker mix of concrete will dry stronger.
4. Insert a 3/8” x 7” hex bolt into the slots in the pole and rotate the pole so the hex bolt is parallel to the playing surface.
5. Form the cement so it slopes away from the pole to allow water runoff. Failure to do so may result in premature rusting of the pole. Place the 1/2” x 3’ rebar, (not included with basketball system), inside the bottom pole. Check the pole several times within the first hour to make sure that all sides are vertical and that the pole does not sink into the concrete. The 14.5” mark must remain level with the playing surface. Allow 1-4 hours for the concrete to set.
6. Do not continue until the concrete has set for 1-4 hours. Remove the hex bolt from the top of the pole. Mix the remaining 3/4 bag of concrete and pour the concrete into the bottom pole until it is just below the slots in the top of the pole. Tamp the concrete down with a broom handle to remove any air pockets. Do not overfill the pole or you may not be able to assemble the rest of the pole sections.
7. Clean all excess concrete off outside surface of the pole. Allow the concrete to set for at least 72 hours, (3 days), before continuing with the assembly. In humid climates or wet weather, allow additional time for the concrete to cure. Do not proceed until the curing process is complete.
8. To continue installation of your new Lifetime World Class Action Grip Basketball System, download the PDF for easy instructions.