The life of your basketball system depends on many variables. The climate, exposure to corrosives such as salt, pesticides, where herbicides, and excessive use or misuse can all contribute to pole failure. We recommend checking your basketball system frequently for loose hardware, excessive wear, and signs of corrosion. To prolong the life of your basketball system please take the following measures: check for loose hardware, check the pole cap for cracks or tears that could let water into the pole. Check the pole for rust, shipped, or cracked paint. If you notice rust use an emery cloth to completely remove any rest. Then clean the area with a damp cloth and allow it to dry. Apply two coats of rust preventative, high gloss enamel paint to the area. Allow the paint to dry between coats.