basketball.jpgLast week, 49 of 50 states in America had snow on the ground in at least some part of the state. Florida was the only state to escape the big snow storms hitting the rest of the country. 

With cold temperatures upon us, there are many questions that come up about winterizing basketball systems and what steps should be taken to ensure your system is ready for next spring. Here are some FAQs that will hopefully shed some light on questions you may have concerning your basketball hoop.

Q:  Should I use antifreeze in a Lifetime portable base during the winter months?

A:  No, antifreeze is not necessary. Lifetime bases are made out of high-density polyethylene plastic that is flexible enough to expand with the water when it freezes.

Q:  What other maintenance is required to weatherize my basketball system?

A:  Lifetime’s basketball systems are built specifically to withstand all types of weather. All of our parts are designed to handle both cold and hot temperatures, so there really isn’t much maintenance needed to prepare your system for weather changes. However, it is usually a good idea to take down the nylon net when the system is not being used so it does not deteriorate over time.

Q:  What routine maintenance is suggested to get my basketball hoop ready for play again in the spring?

A:  Even though our systems are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, there are a few things we suggest doing in the spring to ensure optimal performance.

  1. Make sure to check the water level in your portable base and fill it to capacity.
  2. Check and replace the nylon net if worn or damaged.
  3. Though not required, it is usually a good idea to spray lubricant on pivot points or moving parts for optimal performance. 

Q:  Is it better to use sand or water in my portable base?

A: Lifetime uses water in our bases to test the performance of the basketball systems. We ensure the systems can handle up to 40 mph winds without tipping over. However, sand is also a good option, and each one has pros and cons.

Sand: Is about 45% denser than water, making it more difficult to tip the system over. This is good if you slam-dunk a lot, but bad if you regularly move the portable system around. Sand is more expensive and difficult to put in the base, but sand does not evaporate like water. 

Water: Is cheaper and usually takes less effort to obtain. However, water can also evaporate over time, making it necessary to check the water level in a base regularly.