If you have been shopping for pool volleyball nets, basketball hoops, or combo game sets, you have probably noticed three brand names showing up over and over again: Dunn-Rite, GoSports, and Poolmaster. These three companies dominate the pool game equipment market, but they take very different approaches to design, pricing, and durability.
We have tested and reviewed products from all three brands extensively. This comparison breaks down what each brand does well, where they fall short, and which one makes the most sense for your pool, your budget, and the way you play.
For our full breakdown of the best sets on the market, check out our best water volleyball sets guide. This article focuses specifically on how these three brands stack up against each other across their full product lines.
Brand Overview
Dunn-Rite
Dunn-Rite is the premium brand in pool game equipment. Based in the United States, they manufacture heavy-duty sets designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation. Their products are built from commercial-grade materials and carry price tags to match.
Known for: The Pro Volly Retrofit volleyball kit, the Splash & Slam basketball hoop, and the Deck Shoot and Deck Volly series. Dunn-Rite products are what you see at resort pools, community recreation centers, and homes where the owners want equipment that lasts for years without replacement.
Price range: $150 to $500+, depending on the product and configuration.
GoSports
GoSports is the mid-range brand that has grown rapidly by offering solid quality at reasonable prices. They sell across multiple sports categories (cornhole, volleyball, basketball, and more), and their pool game line has become one of the most popular options on Amazon and at sporting goods retailers.
Known for: The GoSports Splash Net PRO pool volleyball set, the Splash Hoop PRO basketball set, and various combo packages. GoSports focuses on portability, easy setup, and all-in-one packaging.
Price range: $60 to $200 for most pool products.
Poolmaster
Poolmaster is the budget-friendly brand with the widest product catalog. They have been in the pool accessories business for decades and offer everything from volleyball sets to basketball hoops to floating game tables. If you have browsed the pool section at a big-box retailer, you have seen Poolmaster products.
Known for: The Across-Pool Volleyball Set, the Pro Rebounder basketball hoop, and numerous combo game sets. Poolmaster offers more product variations than either competitor, including bracket-mounted options for above-ground pools.
Price range: $25 to $150 for most pool products.
Volleyball Sets Compared
Volleyball is the core product category for all three brands, and it is where the differences are most obvious.
Dunn-Rite Volleyball Sets
Dunn-Rite’s volleyball offerings are built for serious, long-term use. The Pro Volly Retrofit is their most popular model, designed to install using deck anchors or weighted bases with a commercial-grade net that stretches across the pool.
Build quality: Excellent. Powder-coated aluminum or stainless steel poles, UV-resistant netting, and heavy-duty hardware throughout. These sets are designed to stay up all season without sagging, rusting, or breaking down.
Net tension: The best in the category. Dunn-Rite nets stay taut even after months of use, which makes a noticeable difference during competitive games. The ball responds more predictably off a tight net.
Setup: More involved than competitors. Most Dunn-Rite volleyball sets require deck anchors drilled into your pool coping or permanent mounting hardware. This is not a set-it-up-and-take-it-down-every-weekend product.
Durability: We have seen Dunn-Rite sets last 5+ years with minimal maintenance. The hardware resists chlorine and UV exposure far better than cheaper alternatives.
Who it is for: Homeowners who play regularly, want commercial-quality equipment, and do not mind a permanent or semi-permanent installation.
GoSports Volleyball Sets
The GoSports Splash Net PRO is arguably the most popular pool volleyball set on the market right now. It hits a sweet spot between quality and convenience that appeals to a broad audience.
Build quality: Good. Powder-coated steel frame with PVC net. The materials are not as robust as Dunn-Rite, but they are a significant step up from budget options. The weighted base system keeps the set stable without any drilling or permanent installation.
Net tension: Good, though it can loosen slightly over time. The tensioning system works well out of the box but may need occasional adjustment after extended use.
Setup: This is where GoSports excels. The Splash Net PRO assembles in about 15 minutes with no tools, and the weighted bases (you fill them with water) make it easy to position and reposition the net. You can set it up for a party and take it down the same day.
Durability: Solid for 2-3 seasons of regular use. The steel frame will eventually show some surface rust at connection points, and the PVC net may fade with prolonged UV exposure. Replacement nets are available.
Who it is for: Most homeowners. The Splash Net PRO is the right choice if you want good quality, easy setup, and the flexibility to remove the set when you are not using it. See our detailed GoSports vs. Dunn-Rite comparison for a deeper dive on these two.
Poolmaster Volleyball Sets
Poolmaster offers the widest range of volleyball options, from basic rope-net sets under $30 to their more robust across-pool models.
Build quality: Varies widely. Their budget sets use lightweight plastics and thinner netting that works fine for casual play but will not hold up to aggressive games. Their mid-range across-pool sets use sturdier PVC poles and better netting, but still trail GoSports in overall build quality.
Net tension: Their budget models tend to sag, especially in wider pools. The mid-range models do better, but Poolmaster nets generally have more slack than GoSports or Dunn-Rite equivalents.
Setup: Easy across the board. Most Poolmaster sets are designed for quick assembly with minimal parts. Their bracket-mounted above-ground pool sets are particularly simple to install.
Durability: Budget models may last one season of regular use before components start failing. Mid-range models are good for 1-2 seasons. The lightweight materials are the main limiting factor.
Who it is for: Casual players, families with young kids who want something fun but not expensive, and above-ground pool owners who need bracket-mounted options.
Basketball Hoops Compared
Pool basketball is the second-biggest product category for these brands, and the competition here is just as interesting.
Dunn-Rite Basketball Hoops
Dunn-Rite’s Splash & Slam and Deck Shoot hoops are built like scaled-down versions of real basketball goals. Stainless steel construction, regulation-style backboards, and rock-solid mounting systems.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and stable
- Regulation-height adjustability on most models
- Backboard does not flex or wobble during play
- Designed for permanent poolside installation
Cons:
- Most expensive option by a wide margin ($200-$400+)
- Requires permanent deck mounting
- Overkill for casual, occasional play
GoSports Basketball Hoops
The GoSports Splash Hoop PRO uses a weighted base system similar to their volleyball net, making it portable and easy to set up.
Pros:
- Good build quality for the price ($80-$150)
- Portable with no permanent installation
- Adjustable height
- Comes with balls and a pump
Cons:
- Less stable than permanently mounted options
- Can drift in pools with strong return jets
- Backboard is smaller than Dunn-Rite models
Poolmaster Basketball Hoops
Poolmaster offers several basketball options including the Pro Rebounder, poolside hoops, and floating basketball sets.
Pros:
- Widest variety of styles and configurations
- Most affordable entry point ($25-$80)
- Floating options for pools without deck space
- Above-ground pool compatible models
Cons:
- Build quality trails competitors
- Lighter construction means less stability
- Backboards on budget models flex noticeably
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | Dunn-Rite | GoSports | Poolmaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price range | $150-$500+ | $60-$200 | $25-$150 |
| Build quality | Commercial grade | Good residential | Budget to mid-range |
| Materials | Stainless steel/aluminum | Powder-coated steel | PVC/plastic/steel mix |
| Setup time | 30-60 min (permanent) | 15-20 min (portable) | 10-20 min (portable) |
| Durability | 5+ years | 2-3 years | 1-2 years |
| Installation type | Deck anchors/permanent | Weighted base/portable | Various (portable/bracket) |
| Above-ground options | Limited | Some models | Best selection |
| Replacement parts | Available direct | Available (Amazon) | Limited availability |
| Warranty | Best in category | Standard | Basic |
| Best for | Serious players | Most homeowners | Casual/budget buyers |
Combo Sets
All three brands offer combo sets that bundle volleyball and basketball together. Here is how they compare.
Dunn-Rite combos are typically sold as individual components that you configure together. This gives you flexibility but means higher total cost. Expect to spend $300-$600 for a volleyball/basketball combo from Dunn-Rite.
GoSports combos come as all-in-one packages at attractive price points. Their volleyball/basketball bundle typically runs $120-$180 and includes everything you need. The packaging and presentation are excellent, which makes these popular as gifts. Our holiday gift guide for pool lovers features several GoSports combo options.
Poolmaster combos offer the lowest entry price for multi-game sets. Their volleyball/badminton combos and volleyball/basketball bundles start under $50. The trade-off is thinner materials and less durability, but for families who want to try multiple pool games without a big investment, the price is hard to argue with. Check out our best inflatable pool games guide for more multi-game options.
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Choose Dunn-Rite if:
- You play pool volleyball or basketball at least weekly
- You want equipment that lasts 5+ years without replacement
- You are willing to invest in permanent installation
- You have an in-ground pool with a proper deck for mounting
- Quality and performance matter more than price
Choose GoSports if:
- You want the best balance of quality, price, and convenience
- You prefer portable equipment you can set up and take down
- You play regularly but not daily
- You want an all-in-one package with everything included
- You have a mid-range budget ($60-$200)
Choose Poolmaster if:
- You have an above-ground pool (best bracket-mount selection)
- Budget is your primary concern
- You want to try pool games without a big investment
- You have young kids who need casual, lighter equipment
- You want the widest variety of game options
For most people, GoSports hits the sweet spot. The Splash Net PRO in particular is the set we recommend most often in our best pool volleyball nets roundup. But if you are serious about pool games and willing to invest, Dunn-Rite’s quality is genuinely in a different league. And if you are on a tight budget or need above-ground pool compatibility, Poolmaster fills that niche well.
Browse all of our product picks in the reviews hub to find the right gear for your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mix and match components from different brands?
Generally no. Poles, nets, bases, and mounting hardware are proprietary to each brand. A GoSports net will not fit on Dunn-Rite poles, and Poolmaster bases are not compatible with GoSports frames. Stick with one brand for each game setup.
Which brand has the best customer service?
Dunn-Rite has the best reputation for customer support, including direct phone support and replacement parts ordering. GoSports has responsive email support and handles Amazon returns smoothly. Poolmaster’s support is more limited, and replacement parts can be harder to source.
Are Dunn-Rite products worth three times the price of GoSports?
It depends on how much you play. If you use your pool volleyball set 3-4 times per week throughout the season, the Dunn-Rite investment pays for itself through longevity and performance. For occasional weekend use, GoSports offers more than enough quality at a fraction of the cost.
Do any of these brands make sets for small pools?
All three offer options for smaller pools. GoSports and Poolmaster both have models designed for pools as narrow as 12-15 feet. Dunn-Rite’s adjustable width systems can also accommodate smaller pools, though their standard configurations favor larger pools. See our best pool volleyball nets guide for size-specific recommendations.
Which brand holds up best in saltwater pools?
Dunn-Rite’s stainless steel construction handles saltwater the best. GoSports’ powder-coated steel will show corrosion faster in saltwater environments. Poolmaster’s plastic components actually resist salt corrosion well, but the metal hardware will still degrade. For saltwater pools, rinse all equipment with fresh water after each use regardless of brand.
Can I leave these sets in the pool all summer?
Dunn-Rite sets are designed for permanent installation and can stay up all season. GoSports sets can stay up for extended periods but will last longer if you remove them between uses or at least remove the net. Poolmaster sets should be taken down between uses to maximize their lifespan, as extended sun and chlorine exposure will degrade the lighter materials faster.