Tennis Court Maintenance is an essential component of the proper care and management of any type of sports surface. Investing time and resources into the regular cleaning and maintenance of your court will prevent a number of minor issues from becoming major problems and costly repair projects that may require the surface to be closed for an extended period of time. By regularly removing debris, sweeping and washing the court surface, and applying anti-fungal and anti-microbial treatments, your court will last longer and play better.
Regardless of the surface material, the most important factor for a long life of your court is a well-designed and properly installed foundation that drains well. Once the foundation is established, you can then protect the surface and add a protective layer to reduce damage from the elements. This is done by incorporating a concrete sealer, asphalt crack sealant or even a top coat of polyurethane. Keeping the surface as dry as possible will also help extend the life of your court.
Moss and algae growth can create slippery conditions on your court Tennis Court Maintenance and cause surface degradation. Regular cleaning with a light power wash and mild detergent solution can be very effective at controlling these weeds. Regularly removing leaves, pine needles and other debris from the court will also help. If a moss or mold problem does occur, a fungicide can be applied to kill the fungus and prevent further deterioration of the court surface.
Any standing water on a court after rainfall creates dirt accumulation that will stain and act like sandpaper under the feet of players. This is why it is important to always sweep the surface and remove any water pools as soon as possible. Having your drainage system checked and upgraded is also important to ensure that the proper amount of rainwater is being drained from the court surface.
Surface cracks must be repaired immediately when they appear. Allowing them to be ignored will lead to further cracking of the court surface and eventually subbase failure. It is much easier and less expensive to fix a crack in its early stages compared to the cost of a full resurfacing job.
The grading of your court surface can be affected by weather extremes, heavy foot traffic and improper installation. During an annual maintenance visit a surface specialist will check the grading and make any necessary adjustments to the surface or base material. The annual inspection will include the application of a new slip-resistant surface tape.
In addition to surface inspections, annual maintenance includes deep scarifying and power brooming of the court, sand top dressing as required, rolling and installing lines and resurfacing of low spots and divots. It is also recommended to clean and inspect all equipment and accessories for proper operation and safety. This may include adjusting or replacing nets, relocating posts and securing or lubricating mechanisms and sleeves. It is also a good idea to inspect and maintain the surrounding property for hazards such as overgrown vegetation or loose or displaced fencing.