Even though winter is upon us, knowing how to take care of your court’s surfaces is important so you can still have that peak performance playing surface we left you with. Unless your court is indoors, winter cycles can heavily affect your surface and potentially, playability. Check out the tips below for ways to increase the life of your court.
What to DO for your courts during winter:
1. Do Inspect Your Court as Often as You Can
If your existing courts have some age, it is important to document cracks in the surface and discuss solutions with your McConnell & Associates Sports Construction Professional. These cracks will absorb and take water underneath the court’s foundation, causing further damage during the freeze-and-thaw cycle of winter. Resolving these problems in the spring season is critical to preventing further damage to the playing surface.
2. Do Keep Your Court Drains Clear
Any water melting off the surface needs to drain properly. Do keep your drains clear to ensure this properly happens. Any blocked drains will cause water to remain on the surface which will freeze and could damage the surface.
3. Do Keep Court Clear of Debris
Make sure the court’s surface is clear as well to prevent drains from getting blocked again with more water runoff. Wet debris can leave stains on the playing surface as well, so debris removal should happen year round but specifically that leaves need to be removed from the court surface throughout the fall and winter. Anything left on the court will stain it. Not sure how to write it but something like that.
4. Do Regularly Check for Ice Formations
Do pay attention to your courts throughout the winter months for any ice formations that remain on the surface. Besides ice creating a hazardous surface to walk on, it can be an indication of other problems with the court’s playing surface. Leave ice to melt naturally. You should section off where the ice formation is on the court, so no injuries occur to potential players.
5. Remove Nets and Posts from the Court
Leaving nets and posts in extreme winter weather will wear them out and prompt replacement sooner than necessary. Do remove the nets and posts from the court and keep them in storage through the harsh winter months.
What the DON’TS are for Your Courts During Winter
1. Don’t Allow Standing Water to Freeze
Any standing water on the court’s surface should be removed before it can freeze. However, if the water does freeze, do not try to remove the ice as you may damage the playing surface. Instead, allow the water to melt naturally, Do Not Use any de-icers or chemicals. You should section off where the ice formation is on the court, so no injuries occur to potential players.
2. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals/De-Icing Salt
Harsh chemicals used to treat the playing surface’s winter conditions can cause serious damage. Once the integrity of the playing surface is harmed or penetrated by chemicals it will start affecting the concrete or asphalt beneath. This could result in structural integrity issues. That will reduce the overall lifespan of your Tennis Courts or Pickleball Courts.
3. Don’t Remove Snow Unless You Have too
Do not remove snow from the surface, unless you have too, as you can damage the playing surface in doing so. It is preferred to allow the snow to melt naturally. If you have to remove the snow, use only snow brooms or soft shovels to remove the snow from the playing surface. Avoid using any metal shovels or plows to remove the snow as they will very likely damage the playing surface underneath. Leaving you with a damaged surface come spring that will likely need Court Maintenance.
4. Don’t Neglect Court Repairs
Neglected maintenance can lead to bigger issues such as higher repair costs, needing to rebuild, and reduced use of the court. Yearly inspections and maintenance with a McConnell & Associates Sports Construction Professional will reduce these risks.
5. Don’t Forget About the Court Surroundings
The space around your Tennis or Pickleball Court also needs attention. Trimming over hanging tree branches, like ones from pine or evergreen trees, will prevent them from dripping sticky sap onto the courts. Neat landscaping can keep any loose materials from getting on the court and/or from blocking any court drainage systems.
6. Don’t Play on Unsafe Surfaces
Playing on dangerous surfaces is not advised. Any present ice will make playing extremely difficult and likely cause injury to the player. Wait until conditions and weather improve before getting out and playing on your Tennis and/or Pickleball Courts.
Thank You for checking out these Do’s and Don’ts of winter maintenance on your Tennis Courts and Pickleball Courts. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an evaluation of your recreational court facility, reach out to us online at mcconnellassociates.org or call Kansas City at (816) 842-6066 or our St. Louis office at (314) 639-9513
Also visit our business page on the NKC Business Council here
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