How to Maintain Your Backyard Pickleball Court

A backyard pickleball court is the perfect place for family and friends to come together and enjoy some excitement and competition! But without regular care and attention, your court will quickly deteriorate, jeopardising its lifespan and the safety of your players.

That’s why Dream Courts has created the ultimate pickleball court maintenance program! Read on to learn the answers to common questions and the best ways to keep your court pristine year round! 

Why Regular Maintenance is Essential for Pickleball Courts

Pickleball court maintenance is key to maximising its potential and fully enjoying your time on the court. Here’s how you’ll benefit: 

• Extend Lifespan: Regular upkeep helps your court last longer and ultimately saves you time and money. 

• Avoid Repairs: Pickleball court maintenance prevents costly repairs by catching minor issues early.

• Safe Gameplay: A well-maintained court ensures a smooth, clean surface that reduces slips and keeps your players safe.

• Better Matches: Enjoy uninterrupted play on a pristine court! This allows you to focus on your game without distractions.

• Enhanced Aesthetics: A clean, well-kept court creates a stylish and appealing space that looks as good as it performs.

Does Rain Affect Pickleball Courts?

Australian weather is notoriously temperamental, so it’s important to ensure your court is equipped to withstand it. 

Rain can accelerate wear and tear of both commercial and residential pickleball courts. Particularly heavy rainfall can even cause waterlogging, where the surface becomes saturated and leads to poor drainage and significant damage.

This is why proper water management is essential. We recommend creating a drainage system that removes excess water from the court surface as quickly and efficiently as possible. Also ensure your court is surfaced with a material that is 100% water resistant.

How Long Does a Pickleball Court Surface Last?

The longevity of your court surface primarily depends on its material. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Concrete: Typically lasts 8-15 years with regular pickleball court maintenance, requiring resurfacing every 5-10 years.

• Asphalt: Generally last 8-10 years, needing resurfacing every 3-5 years due to potential cracking and wear, especially in harsh climates.

• Acrylic: Similar to concrete, acrylic courts can last 8-15 years, with resurfacing recommended every 5-10 years.

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Here are our five top tips to maximise the lifespan of your pickleball court surface: 

1. Inspect for Damage: Check for cracks, potholes, or uneven areas and apply a polyurethane, rubber or acrylic crack filler where necessary. 

2. Proper Drainage: Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and surface damage.

3. Repaint Markings: At least every one to two years, repaint pickleball court markings using stencils and outdoor paint. 

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Only use mild cleaning solutions and detergents to prevent damaging the surface.

5. Limit Foot Traffic: Aim to reduce unnecessary foot traffic on the court to minimise wear and tear.

Cleaning Your Backyard Pickleball Court

So, how to clean a pickleball court in a way that extends its lifespan? The answer depends on its materials. Here’s how you can tailor your pickleball court maintenance to its surface. 

• Concrete Courts: Sweep daily to remove dirt and debris. Periodic pressure washing eliminates stubborn stains and mould. 

• Asphalt Courts: Scrub the surface with a mild detergent solution (avoid harsh chemicals) and a soft-bristled brush. 

• Acrylic Courts: Use a soft broom or blower to remove dirt and debris. Consider applying a UV protectant to maintain the surface and prevent damage. 

Removing Scuff Marks

One of the most common questions we receive is how to get scuff marks off a pickleball court! The reason is that people inadvertently damage their court when trying to remove them. Luckily there are some effective yet little known techniques you can try. Use a tennis ball attached to a broom handle to gently erase scuff marks, or try a simple pencil eraser to remove smaller ones.

Best Cleaning Solutions for Pickleball Courts

It’s essential to find cleaning products that won’t damage your pickleball court. Start with a mild detergent as this is usually effective on most courts. Mixing a mild, eco-friendly dish soap with water in a 4:1 ratio should gently and effectively clean your court surface without causing damage.

If dirt persists, try creating a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub the court surface. Rubbing alcohol can also be used on stubborn scuff marks, but test it on an inconspicuous area first!

Covering Your Pickleball Court: When and How

How do you cover the court in pickleball? We recommend investing in a specialised cove, as It’s one of the most effective pickleball court maintenance strategies at your disposal. These covers can create shade, reduce heat and shield it from harsh weather. Additionally, a cover protects against UV rays, which can cause cracks and ultimately require resurfacing. Importantly, a covered court creates a more comfortable environment for players.

Along with a durable cover, complete your court with the Top 5 Pickleball Court Accessories Every Player Needs!

Types of Court Covers

Canopies are permanent structures that provide full coverage and protection against harmful weather. They’re durable and customisable, creating a cool and shaded playing environment.

Shade sails are more flexible fabric structures that can offer either partial or full coverage. They’re commonly a more cost-effective choice and can be adjusted as needed. 

For a cheap and easy option, consider a tarp. While not as durable as canopies and shade sails, this budget-friendly solution is fine for short-term protection. 

Seasonal Coverage Tips

Year round pickleball court maintenance it essential to stay on top of repairs, cleaning, and coverage. Here’s how to create a seasonal plan of action: 

• Spring: As winter ends, remove any snow or debris from the court cover. Inspect it for any damage, such as tears or rips, and repair as needed. 

• Summer: During the summer months, ensure the court cover is securely fastened to protect it from extreme heat and UV. Regularly inspect it for wear and tear, particularly if there are high winds.

• Autumn: As the weather begins to cool, prepare the court cover for winter and clean it thoroughly to remove dust, twigs and leaves. 

• Winter: Ensure the court cover is securely fastened to protect the court from snow, ice, and heavy winds. If necessary, remove excess snow to prevent damage to the cover and the court.

Scheduling Regular Inspections for Your Pickleball Court

As part of your pickleball court maintenance, it’s essential to undertake regular court inspections. We recommend the following:

Daily: Remove debris and check for immediate hazards.

Weekly: Inspect the surface for cracks or stains and check the net is fastened.

Monthly: Thoroughly inspect drainage systems to prevent waterlogging.

Seasonal: Conduct comprehensive checks before winter or heavy rain begins.

These regular inspections will help you to catch and fix issues early, preventing the need for more costly repairs in future.

DIY vs. Professional Inspection

While minor repairs like filling small cracks or repainting lines can be handled yourself, significant issues like extensive surface damage, drainage problems, or  resurfacing should be left to the professionals. For thorough cleaning, especially to remove stubborn stains or mould, consider hiring a specialised cleaning service. For professional pickleball court maintenance services, contact DreamCourts today. 

Keep Your Pickleball Court in Top Shape with DreamCourts

Pickleball court maintenance doesn't have to be a chore! By staying proactive and addressing small issues early on, you can keep your court in shape. 

Take time to understand your court's surface and customise your maintenance routine accordingly. Regular cleaning, inspections, and repairs are all part of ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for your players. 

DreamCourts is here to help you create and maintain the perfect pickleball court. Our experts can provide guidance on court design, construction, and maintenance. Contact us today to learn how we can transform your backyard into a pickleball paradise!