How to Fill a Portable Basketball Base

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We know you're excited to start playing on your new Lifetime Basketball Hoop.  But before you start shooting like an all-star, make sure you fill your portable base to ensure it is safe so your system will not tip over and get damaged, or possibly cause injuries.  These quick tips will help you fill your base properly so your hoop will be ready for you to unleash your Michael Jordan skills.

Filler Options
Lifetime portable basketball bases are designed to be filled with either sand or water, and each one has pros and cons.
 
Sand
• Sand is about 45% denser than water, which increases the system's stability making it more difficult to tip the system. 
• Sand makes it more difficult to move the system on a regular basis if needed.
• Sand is more expensive and more difficult to put in the base, but it will not evaporate like water.

Water
• Water is significantly easier  and cheaper than filling with sand.
• Water can freeze and if you live in a cold region, the water may possibly crack your base. (Although, Lifetime bases are made out of high-density polyethylene plastic that is flexible enough to expand with the water when it freezes.) 
• Water can evaporate over time so you'll need to check the water level frequently to keep it full and to ensure there are no leaks.

Filling Instructions

Sand
1. (Read your specific model Owner's Manual to learn how much to use of either filler option.
2. Lay the basketball system on the ground so it balances on the rim and the base plug is facing upwards.
3. Have an adult hold the pole down so the system does not tip up during filling.
4. Unscrew the base cap.
5. Place a funnel in the base hole and fill pour in sand.
6. Screw the base cap onto the fill hole.
7. Using two adults, slowly stand the system up on a flat surface.

Water
1.  (Read your specific model Owner's Manual to learn how much to use of either filler option.
2. Lay the basketball system on the ground so it balances on the rim and the base plug is facing upwards.
3. Have an adult hold the pole down so the system does not tip up during filling.
4. Unscrew the base cap.
5. Use a garden hose to fill the base with water, leaving two inches at the top for expansion.
6. Add one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to prevent algae formation.  (Antifreeze is not necessary since Lifetime bases are made of polyethylene plastic which will expand when water freezes.)
7. Screw the base cap onto the fill hole.
8. Using two adults, slowly stand the system up on a flat surface.

Choose whichever option is best for you.  Just remember, if you ever have a cracked or leaking base, do NOT play on the system.  Instead, lay the system on the ground and contact Lifetime Customer Care for assistance.