You just got a pool volleyball net and you want to get it set up and start playing. The good news is that most pool volleyball nets are designed for homeowner installation and do not require any special tools or permanent modifications to your pool. The process varies depending on whether you have a weighted base net, a bracket-mounted net for an above-ground pool, or a floating net, but none of them are complicated once you understand the steps.
This guide covers the setup process for each type of pool volleyball net, along with tips for getting the best net tension and troubleshooting common problems. If you are still deciding which net to buy, check out our guide to the best pool volleyball nets before you start. Two of the most popular brands are GoSports and DunnRite — our GoSports vs DunnRite comparison breaks down the key differences.
Before You Start
Gather everything you need before you begin. There is nothing more frustrating than getting halfway through setup and realizing you need something you do not have.
For any net type, you will want to have a tape measure handy to check your pool width and net height. If your net uses weighted bases that fill with sand or water, have a garden hose nearby (for water fill) or enough play sand (typically 50-80 pounds per base). A level can be useful but is not essential.
Check that all the parts are in the box. Most nets include poles (usually 2), the net itself, base units or mounting brackets, straps or ties, and sometimes a volleyball and pump. Lay everything out on the pool deck and match the parts to the instruction sheet before you start assembling.
Setting Up a Weighted Base Net (In-Ground Pools)
Weighted base nets are the most common type for in-ground pools. They use two heavy bases that sit on the pool deck on opposite sides, with poles extending up from the bases and the net strung between them. Here is how to set them up.
Step 1: Choose Your Net Position
Decide where across the pool you want the net. For most backyard games, the center of the pool works well. You want roughly equal playing area on each side. Consider the pool depth too – ideally the water should be chest-deep on both sides of the net so players can move comfortably. Avoid placing the net where one side is in the deep end and the other is in the shallow end, as this creates an unfair advantage.
Look at your pool dimensions and make sure the net width will reach across the intended span. Measure the distance to be sure.
Step 2: Position the Bases
Place one base on each side of the pool, directly across from each other. The bases should sit on a flat, stable section of the pool deck. Make sure they are far enough back from the pool edge that they will not get kicked into the water during play – about 6 to 12 inches from the edge is usually right.
If your pool deck is uneven or sloped, try to find the most level spots. An uneven base means an uneven pole, which means a saggy net on one side.
Step 3: Fill the Bases
Fill each base with water or sand according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Water is easier and faster (just use a garden hose), but sand provides more weight and stability. Some players fill with sand first and then add water on top to maximize the weight.
Most bases need 80 to 120 pounds of fill weight per side to stay stable during play. Do not skip this step or under-fill the bases – a lightweight base will tip over the first time someone spikes the ball into the net, and the whole setup comes crashing down.
Step 4: Assemble and Insert the Poles
Assemble the poles according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many poles are telescoping (they slide and lock at different heights) while others are fixed-length sections that click together.
Insert one pole into each base. Make sure the pole is seated firmly and locked in place. If the pole has a height adjustment, set both poles to the same height. The standard water volleyball net height is 4 to 5 feet above the water surface – adjust based on who will be playing.
Step 5: Attach and Stretch the Net
This is the step where most people need a helper. One person holds the net at one pole while the other person walks it across to the other pole.
Attach one end of the net to the first pole using whatever fastening system your net uses – usually clips, hooks, or velcro straps. Then stretch the net across to the second pole and attach it there.
Most nets have a top cable or rope that provides the main tension. Tighten this cable until the net is taut across the full span. The net should not sag noticeably in the middle. If it does, tighten the cable more or adjust the strap length.
The bottom of the net does not need to be as tight as the top. A slight drape at the bottom is normal and actually helps the net absorb ball impacts without pulling on the poles.
Step 6: Check Height and Make Adjustments
Stand in the pool at the net and check the height. The top of the net should be about 4 to 5 feet above the water surface. If it is too high or too low, adjust the pole height or the net attachment points.
Check the net from both sides to make sure it is level. If one side is higher than the other, adjust the pole on the low side up or the high side down until they match.
Review the water volleyball rules so everyone is on the same page before the first game. Give the net a few test hits to make sure the bases hold firm and the net stays taut. If anything wobbles or shifts, add more weight to the bases or retighten the net cable.
Setting Up a Bracket-Mounted Net (Above-Ground Pools)
Above-ground pool nets use bracket mounts that clamp onto the top rail of the pool. The setup is slightly different from weighted base nets. For a deeper look at above-ground options, see our guide to pool volleyball nets for above-ground pools.
Step 1: Check Rail Compatibility
Before anything else, measure the width of your pool’s top rail. Most bracket-mounted nets are designed for rails that are 4 inches or wider. If your rail is narrower, the brackets may not fit securely.
Step 2: Position the Brackets
Clamp one bracket onto the top rail on each side of the pool, directly across from each other. Tighten the bracket clamps firmly – they need to hold the weight of the pole and net without shifting. Test each bracket by pushing on it. If it slides or wobbles, tighten further or reposition to a sturdier section of the rail.
Step 3: Insert Poles and Attach the Net
Insert the poles into the bracket mounts. Attach the net to each pole, starting with one side and stretching to the other, just like a weighted base setup. Tighten the net cable until the net is taut.
The key difference with above-ground setups is that the brackets are doing all the work of holding the system in place. If the brackets are not tight enough, the whole net can shift or even fall into the pool during play. Take extra time on this step.
Step 4: Verify Stability
Grab each pole and try to shake it. There should be minimal movement. Have someone push against the net from both sides. If the brackets slip at all, remove the net, retighten the brackets, and try again.
Above-ground nets are inherently less stable than weighted-base in-ground nets because the brackets rely on friction against the rail. Some players add additional support by tying the poles to deck anchors or weights on the ground outside the pool.
Setting Up a Floating Net
Floating nets are the simplest to set up. Most floating nets use foam floats or inflatable tubes to keep the net at the water surface.
If the net is foam-based, just unfold it and place it in the water. Adjust the position so it sits roughly centered in the pool.
If the net is inflatable, inflate the support tubes according to the instructions, attach the net to the frame, and place the whole assembly in the water.
Floating nets will drift during play. Some have anchor strings you can tie to the pool ladder or deck furniture to keep them roughly in position. If yours does not, you can tie a piece of rope from the net frame to something stable on the pool deck.
The main limitation of floating nets is that they cannot be set to a specific height – they sit at whatever height the float supports provide. This is usually fine for casual games but can be frustrating if you want a regulation-height net.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Problems
The net sags in the middle
This is the most common complaint. The cause is almost always insufficient tension on the top cable. Tighten the cable until the sag disappears. If the cable is already as tight as it will go and the net still sags, the net may be too long for the span. Some nets allow you to fold over excess net material at one pole to shorten the effective length.
The bases keep tipping over
The bases are not heavy enough. Add more sand or water. If the bases are already full and still tipping, the bases may be too small for competitive play. You can place additional weights on top of the bases – sandbags, dumbbells, or even heavy rocks work. Just make sure nothing creates a trip hazard on the pool deck.
The poles lean inward
This usually means the net tension is pulling the poles toward each other. Either the poles are not sturdy enough for the net tension, or the bases are too light. Try reducing the net tension slightly and adding more weight to the bases. If the poles are bending, they may need to be replaced with a sturdier option.
The net height is uneven
Check that both poles are set to the same height. If they are, the issue is usually uneven net attachment. Detach the net from one pole, re-center it, and reattach. Also check that the pool deck on both sides is level – a sloped deck means the bases sit at different heights.
The net gets in the way of swimmers
If you share the pool between volleyball players and swimmers, placement matters. Try to position the net so the non-playing side of the pool has enough room for swimmers to use the area without hitting the net. Some families set up the net to divide the pool roughly 60/40 rather than 50/50, giving swimmers more room on their side.
How Long Does Setup Take?
For a first-time setup, expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes for a weighted base net, 15 to 25 minutes for a bracket-mounted net, and under 5 minutes for a floating net. After you have done it once and know the process, a weighted base net goes up in about 10 minutes and a bracket net in about 8 minutes.
Most people find that after the second or third setup, the process becomes quick and routine. The trick is leaving the bases in position (or marking their positions on the deck) so you do not have to re-measure every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need two people to set up a pool volleyball net?
You can set up most pool volleyball nets alone, but having a helper makes it easier and faster – especially the step where you stretch the net between the two poles. Having someone hold one end while you walk the other end across saves you from having to make multiple trips back and forth adjusting.
Can I leave my pool volleyball net up all the time?
Yes, you can leave a pool volleyball net up for the entire pool season. The net will wear faster from continuous sun and chlorine exposure compared to taking it down between uses, but most quality nets will still last 2 to 3 seasons left up continuously. Take the net down at the end of the season and store it indoors during the winter months.
How do I store a pool volleyball net?
Rinse the net, poles, and bases with fresh water to remove chlorine residue. Let everything dry completely before storing. Fold or roll the net loosely (do not compress it tightly) and store it in a dry place like a garage or shed. Drain the water from the bases if you used water fill. If you used sand, you can leave the sand in place or dump it out depending on how much storage space you have.
What tools do I need to set up a pool volleyball net?
Most pool volleyball nets are designed for tool-free setup. The only things you might need are a garden hose (to fill water-weighted bases), a tape measure (to check net width and height), and possibly a screwdriver or wrench for bracket-mounted nets. No drilling, cutting, or permanent modifications are required.
Can I set up a pool volleyball net in a small pool?
Yes. Pool volleyball can be played in pools as small as 12 by 24 feet, though the game is more enjoyable in larger pools. For smaller pools, choose a shorter net (16 feet or less) and play with fewer players per side – 2 vs 2 or 3 vs 3 instead of the standard 4 vs 4 or 6 vs 6. Check our court sizes and dimensions guide for more details on adapting the game to different pool sizes.