The fall season is almost here, and with it comes the changing weather. You'll notice how the days are growing shorter, the leaves on trees begin to change color, and the temperature becomes colder a bit more each day. But what does this mean for your pickleball court?
If you’re like most people, you may not have given much thought to how you can prepare your pickleball court for fall. But it is very crucial as it might affect the quality of your court over time.
In fact, there are many things you can do to ensure that your court will last throughout the winter months. And if you don’t do them right away, they might become issues when spring arrives again next year! So let’s take a look at some ways to help keep your pickleball court looking great during the fall season.
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1) Remove any weeds from around the edges of your pickleball court.
Weeds that grow along the edge of your court should be removed immediately. If left alone, these weeds tend to trap dirt and moisture. And if left unchecked, trapped moisture can damage seals and finishes over time and may ultimately cause premature wear and tear to your court.
So remove those weeds before they get out of hand. Failure to do so may result in having to replace damaged materials or even completely redoing your court’s surface.
2) Don't let debris accumulate on the court. Debris such as sticks, twigs, leaves, rocks, etc., can cause cracks and further deterioration of your court if left too long on the surface, especially during cold months. Just like weeds, debris can also accumulate and trap moisture that is harmful to surfaces -- even to the structural integrity of your court. They are prone to mold growth and other types of decay as well. But that's not all. Debris can also act as nesting areas for insects and rodents who can negatively affect the quality of your court.
To avoid all of these from happening, try to sweep off any loose debris every few weeks.
3) Maintain proper drainage always.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Your court needs to have good drainage so water won't pool near the base of your posts or anywhere else where it can freeze or collect. This means keeping the area, especially between the bases of your posts, clear of anything that would block the flow of rainwater through the ground.
Pooling of water has been the leading cause of court damage for many years. When a pool of water is left too long on the court’s surface, problems may arise. These could range from mildew to moss formation to severe cracking and peeling.
In addition, pools provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and gnats, which can quickly infest your entire facility. So, when pooling happens, clear it up as soon as possible. Or, better yet, seek the help of an expert to repair your existing drainage or install a new one.
4) Monitor your court for signs of cracks or damages.
Cracks and damages happen to most structures -- outdoor courts, buildings, or even roads. Many aren’t harmful, but if left unchecked, they can be damaging over time. What’s more, cracks can be telltale signs of bigger problems down the road. That’s why monitoring for cracks and other damages can be helpful, especially if you’d like to maintain your pickleball court in tip-top shape.
You might ask: What can I do if I notice cracks on my pickleball court’s surface?
Well, it depends on the severity of the crack. The bigger it has grown, the bigger the underlying problem could be. It may be necessary to ask an expert to inspect it if it's too big. In worst cases, you might need to retrofit the entire court. Sometimes, replacing the damaged portions will do the trick. Or, if the crack is not severe, you may repair it using a sealant or a crack filler. Either way, it's crucial to catch these early warning signals before they progress into larger problems.
5) Store the net properly when not in use.
It’s no secret that if you don't take care of your equipment and supplies properly, they will become brittle over time. And brittle things break easily -- including your nets! So make sure to keep your nets properly stored, away from the harsh outdoor elements whenever possible.
Also, be careful about storing your nets indoors. Make sure that they’re not folded up tightly against each other. If you do keep them inside, make sure that they remain dry at all times. Otherwise, they may get wet and rot out prematurely.
6) Keep an eye out for algae, mold, and mildew.
Algae, mold, and mildew thrive best under moist conditions. To prevent algae, mold, and mildew from growing on your pickleball courts, first, eliminate standing water on and around the court’s surface. Also, keep the surfaces clean. Sweep it a few times a week.
By doing these two simple steps, you'll help ensure that your court stays free of algae, mold, and mildew.
7) Clean surface stains immediately.
Surface stains may look harmless, but they can be difficult to remove when they are left too long, especially during cold months.
The key thing here is to clean up right away. This means that you shouldn't wait until springtime to get started cleaning up. Instead, tackle those stains now while they still pose little risk of causing further harm.
We hope that we have given you some helpful tips and tricks on how you can prepare your pickleball court for fall! It’s never too late to start thinking about fall and winter, but the sooner you can get started, the better!
So whether you play pickleball year-round or prefer to enjoy the sport during warmer weather, we hope you find our advice useful. Be sure to share your thoughts below by leaving us a comment. We'd love to hear from you!
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