Basketball: Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase a Lifetime basketball system?
Visit the basketball retail stores page for a list of some of the major retailers who carry our products in-store, as well as those who sell Lifetime products online.
What is the warranty on a Lifetime basketball system?
All Lifetime basketball systems (including the Lifetime, Lifetime World Class®, Lifetime Competition Series™ and Spalding®) carry a 5-Year Top-to-Bottom warranty. Visit the basketball warranty information page for a complete copy of the warranty.
How do I file a warranty claim?
Please visit the  main Warranty page for instructions and more details.
Where is the model number on the basketball system that I need to register my product?
You can find your model number at the top of the warning sticker that is on the middle pole section of your basketball system, or right below the warning sticker on the middle pole. It is also on the front page of your instruction manual, and on the top of the product box.
Do I need to use antifreeze in a Lifetime portable base?
No, Lifetime bases are made out of a polyethylene plastic that will expand with the water when it freezes.
What is included in a Combo kit?
A combo is comprised of a backboard and rim. It can be attached directly to a roof, eave or wall using an extension bracket. If you do not own a pole, the combo must be mounted to a wall, eave or roof with a universal mounting bracket. Extension brackets and universal mounting brackets must be purchased separately and are available at most sporting goods stores or through the Lifetime Customer Service department. Combos are generally less expensive than an entire system. They give the ability to upgrade your backboard and rim on most existing Lifetime systems.
If I buy an in-ground system, what additional items will I need to purchase for installation?
Plan on spending approximately $15 to $20 on concrete and one 1/2" x 3' piece of rebar. Rebar is a steel rod used in the cementing process of in-ground systems. You also must wait 72 hours for the cement to dry before you can play. However, if you don't want to permanently cement your system in the ground, another alternative is to purchase a ground sleeve. A ground sleeve is a cylinder cemented into the ground for the pole to sit in. This feature makes it possible to remove your in-ground system. Simply slip the pole into the ground sleeve, and a bolt will lock it into place. To remove the pole, just unlock the bolt and slide it out.
 
How long does it take to ship parts I ordered from Lifetime Customer Service?
Your order will usually ship out the next business day and will take approximately 3-5 days for the west coast, 5-7 for the central areas, and 7-10 days for the east coast.
What is ASTM?
ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM International provides standards that are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions around the globe. All of Lifetime's basketball systems meet ASTM safety standards.
What is Shatter Guard?
Shatter Guard is the next generation of break-resistant backboards using polycarbonate. 
What is EM5 Break-Resistant Acrylic?
EM5 ™ stands for Elastic Modified 5 times. Lifetime adds an elastic modifier to its Acrylic backboards that gives the acrylic an elastic property. Acrylic is a very brittle material. By adding the elastic modifier, Lifetime's acrylic has been tested to be five times more break-resistant then standard acrylic.
Will a Lifetime backboard fade?
All products left out in the sun for extended periods of time will eventually fade. However, Lifetime backboards have UV inhibitors that help prevent fading and maintain the integrity of the backboard when exposed to sunlight providing years of color.
 
What are the advantages of welded-steel net hooks?
Welded-steel net hooks do not require replacement. They avoid the annoyance and danger of dangling net loops
What makes a Lifetime steel pole weather-resistant?
Lifetime uses a powder coating process which coats a bare metal object with an electrostatically charged powder. From there, it is baked on at a high temperature. Powder coating is the most durable coloring process on the market. It is stronger than traditional paints.
Will a Lifetime pole rust?
All steel will eventually rust over time. However, you can prevent the effects of rust with proper care. Repair rust spots or scratches by sanding the affected area lightly; using a rust-preventative spray primer; and finally, spraying with a high-gloss spray enamel paint.
I am unable to fit my bolt through the holes on my backboard brackets, what should I do?
The bracket holes on our systems are created a specific size, made with precision, to prevent excess play in those specific areas. We coat our product with a very durable and heavy powder coating that, at times, may be applied too thick around bolt holes. If this has occurred with your basketball system, you may experience difficulty with inserting the bolts through the bracket holes without using some force. If so, begin threading the bolt through the bracket hole, and then lightly tap the bolt into the bracket hole using a mallet or hammer.
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