World Class 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.
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. Make a mark 14.5” up from the dimpled end of the bottom pole, (do not scratch the powder coating).
3. Mix 8 1/4 bags of concrete, following the directions on the concrete bags. Keep in mind that a thicker mix of concrete will dry stronger. Save 3/4 bag of concrete mix to use later in the assembly. Fill the hole to the top with concrete. Insert the dimpled end of the bottom pole into the cement up to the 14.5 “ mark and 4” away from the playing surface. If the pole is buried too deep or too shallow, the Rim will not be at the correct height.
4. The slots in the bottom pole must be parallel to the playing surface. If necessary, insert a straight object, (a ruler, wire, etc), through the slots in the bottom pole. Rotate the pole until the straight object is parallel to the playing surface. Form the cement into a downward slope away from the pole to allow water runoff. Failure to do so may result in premature rusting of the pole.
5. Place the 1/2” x 3’ rebar, (not included with the 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 straight object 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. Do not overfill the pole, or you may not be able to assemble the rest of the pole sections.
7. Tamp the concrete down in the bottom pole with a broom handle to remove any air pockets. Clean all excess concrete off the 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 Inground Basketball System, download the PDF for easy instructions.