If you have spent any time shopping for a pool volleyball net, you have probably narrowed it down to two names: GoSports and Dunn-Rite. They are the most recommended brands in the space, and for good reason. Both make solid products that hold up in a pool environment.
But they are not the same product. The GoSports Splash Net PRO and the Dunn-Rite WaterVolly take different approaches to build quality, setup, stability, and pricing. Depending on your pool, your budget, and how seriously you take your water volleyball game, one of these will be a better fit than the other.
We broke down every important difference so you can make the right call without guessing.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | GoSports Splash Net PRO | Dunn-Rite WaterVolly |
|---|---|---|
| Net Width | 14 feet | 20+ feet (adjustable) |
| Base Type | Weighted PVC | Weighted PVC with ballast |
| Setup Time | 10-15 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Portability | Easy to disassemble | Moderate |
| Net Height Adjustable | Yes | Yes |
| Included Ball | Yes (water volleyball) | No (sold separately) |
| Pool Type | In-ground and above-ground | Primarily in-ground |
| Price Range | $$ | $$$ |
| Best For | Casual play, smaller pools | Serious play, larger pools |
Build Quality and Materials
GoSports Splash Net PRO
GoSports uses PVC poles and a nylon mesh net. The PVC is thick enough to resist flexing during play, and the net itself is tightly woven with a reinforced top band. Everything feels well-made for the price point.
The base units are hollow PVC that you fill with water for stability. They are lighter than the Dunn-Rite bases, which makes setup and takedown easier but also means they can shift during aggressive play in larger pools.
The included volleyball is a soft-touch water volleyball that works well for casual games. It is not competition quality, but it is perfectly fine for backyard play and saves you from buying a ball separately.
Dunn-Rite WaterVolly
Dunn-Rite builds heavier-duty products, and you can feel the difference immediately. The bases are thicker PVC with more substantial ballast capacity. When filled, they are noticeably more stable than the GoSports bases. The net uses a heavier mesh with a sturdier top band, and the poles feel more rigid.
The overall construction says “permanent installation” rather than “set up for the weekend.” If you plan to leave your net up for the entire swim season, the Dunn-Rite materials will hold up better to prolonged sun, chemical, and chlorine exposure.
No ball is included, which means you need to purchase one separately. Check out our guide to water volleyball balls if you need a recommendation.
Stability in the Pool
This is where the two sets diverge the most, and it matters more than you might think.
GoSports
The GoSports bases work well in calm water and during casual rallies. They stay put when people are hitting the ball back and forth at a moderate pace. But when the play gets competitive, when people are spiking hard and bumping into the net, the lighter bases can shift. You may find yourself repositioning the net once or twice during an intense session.
For family games and relaxed play, this is not an issue at all. For serious players who play hard, it can be a minor frustration.
Dunn-Rite
The Dunn-Rite bases sit heavier in the water and resist movement better. During aggressive play, they stay planted. This matters if you play competitive water volleyball rules with proper rotations and hard spikes. The net holds its position, the height stays consistent, and you spend zero time readjusting mid-game.
If stability is your top priority, Dunn-Rite wins this category clearly.
Net Quality and Size
GoSports
The GoSports net spans approximately 14 feet, which works well for pools up to about 20 feet wide. For smaller residential pools, this covers the playing area adequately. The net height is adjustable, letting you set it higher for adults or lower for kids and mixed-age groups.
The nylon mesh is durable and resists sagging over a season of use. It dries quickly when you take it out of the pool, which helps prevent mildew if you store it between uses.
Dunn-Rite
The Dunn-Rite net system extends over 20 feet, making it suitable for larger pools and giving you a wider playing field. This extra width is a real advantage if you have a big pool and want a more authentic volleyball experience with room to move laterally.
The net mesh is slightly heavier duty and maintains its tension better over long periods. If you leave the net up all summer, the Dunn-Rite net will hold its shape more consistently than the GoSports.
For a full breakdown of net options beyond these two, check our best pool volleyball nets guide.
Portability and Storage
GoSports
This is where GoSports shines. The entire system breaks down quickly and stores in the included carrying bag. The pieces are lightweight, the assembly is intuitive, and you can go from box to pool-ready in about 10 to 15 minutes. If you want a net you can set up for a pool party and take down the same day, GoSports makes that easy.
The carrying bag also makes it simple to bring the set to a friend’s pool or a vacation rental. It travels well.
Dunn-Rite
The Dunn-Rite system is not hard to set up, but it is heavier and bulkier. The bases take longer to fill and position, and the overall system is clearly designed to go up at the start of summer and come down at the end. Taking it down after every use is doable but not as quick as the GoSports.
If portability matters to you, GoSports is the better choice. If you plan to set it up once and leave it, this is not a factor.
Included Accessories
GoSports
GoSports includes a water volleyball, a ball pump, the net system, and a carrying bag. You open the box and have everything you need to play immediately. The ball is decent quality for casual use. The pump is basic but functional.
Dunn-Rite
Dunn-Rite includes the net system and bases. No ball, no pump, no carrying bag. You will need to buy a volleyball separately. This is not a dealbreaker since most serious players prefer to choose their own ball anyway, but it does add to the total cost.
If you are buying your first pool volleyball setup and want an all-in-one package, GoSports is more convenient out of the box.
Price and Value
The GoSports Splash Net PRO typically costs significantly less than the Dunn-Rite WaterVolly. The exact gap varies by retailer, but you are usually looking at a 30 to 50 percent price difference.
For that lower price, GoSports delivers a complete, functional pool volleyball set that works great for casual and semi-competitive play. It is excellent value for the money.
The Dunn-Rite costs more, but you get better stability, a wider net, and more durable construction. If you play regularly and want equipment that lasts multiple seasons without degrading, the premium is justified.
Think of it this way: GoSports is a great car for the price. Dunn-Rite is the upgraded trim level with better materials and a few features the base model does not have.
Who Should Buy the GoSports Splash Net PRO?
The GoSports is the right choice if you want a pool volleyball set that is easy to set up, easy to take down, and comes with everything you need to start playing. It is ideal for:
- Families with mixed-age groups who play casually
- Pool owners with smaller to medium pools (under 20 feet wide)
- People who want to set up and take down the net regularly
- Anyone on a moderate budget who wants good quality without overspending
- First-time pool volleyball buyers who want an all-in-one kit
Pair it with a quality water volleyball for serious play, and the GoSports system handles everything most people need from a pool volleyball net.
Who Should Buy the Dunn-Rite WaterVolly?
The Dunn-Rite is the right choice if you prioritize stability, durability, and a wider playing field. It is ideal for:
- Competitive players who follow proper water volleyball rules
- Pool owners with larger pools (20+ feet wide)
- People who leave the net up all season
- Anyone who has outgrown a budget net and wants an upgrade
- Hosts who organize leagues or regular game nights
If you play hard and play often, the Dunn-Rite handles the abuse better and keeps the net where it belongs.
Our Verdict
Both sets are good products from reputable brands. The right one depends on how you play and what you value most.
Choose GoSports if you want the best value, easy portability, and a complete all-in-one package. It is the better buy for most casual to semi-competitive players.
Choose Dunn-Rite if you want maximum stability, a wider net, and construction built to last multiple seasons of hard use. It is the better investment for serious players with larger pools.
Either way, you are getting a quality pool volleyball net that will provide seasons of fun. And if you need help improving your game once the net is in place, check out our guide on water volleyball equipment and the best pool games for adults to round out your pool setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
The GoSports net spans approximately 14 feet, so it will not cover the full width of a 30-foot pool. It works best for pools up to about 20 feet wide. For larger pools, the Dunn-Rite WaterVolly with its 20-plus-foot adjustable net is a better fit. You can still use the GoSports in a larger pool, but the playing area will be narrower than ideal.
Do either of these nets work in above-ground pools?
The GoSports Splash Net PRO works in both in-ground and above-ground pools since the bases sit on the pool floor and the height is adjustable. The Dunn-Rite WaterVolly is primarily designed for in-ground pools, though it can work in larger above-ground pools with sufficient depth. Check the minimum pool depth requirements for your specific model before buying.
How long do these nets last?
With proper care, both nets last multiple seasons. The GoSports typically holds up well for 2 to 4 seasons of regular use. The Dunn-Rite, with its heavier-duty construction, often lasts 4 to 6 seasons or more. Taking the net out of the pool and storing it properly when not in use extends the life of either product significantly. UV exposure and chlorine are the main factors that degrade pool equipment over time.
Is it worth upgrading from GoSports to Dunn-Rite?
If you started with a GoSports and find yourself playing competitively multiple times a week, wanting more stability, or needing a wider playing area, then yes, the upgrade makes sense. If you play casually a few times a month and the GoSports meets your needs, there is no reason to spend more. The GoSports is not a lesser product. It is simply built for a different use case than the Dunn-Rite.