Is there a constant rotation of tennis enthusiasts dominating the courts at your facility? For a lot of people summer is the perfect time to pick up tennis, which means that whether your courts are indoor or outdoor, they may experience more use and need more maintenance this season.

Cleaning

Plan to clean and inspect your tennis courts monthly. This is when you’ll want to clear the court of debris and make any necessary repairs. Look for areas that have been damaged or where mold has taken hold.
 

Indoor courts should be vacuumed frequently. If you discover mold or fungus, use a mixture of two parts household bleach and one part water; scrub the area gently with a brush, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. If you find stains, use a mixture of water, mild detergent, and bleach, which may help eliminate or reduce the visibility of the stain.

Choose soft nylon brooms for scrubbing the surface of a tennis court; harder bristles can actually damage the surface. Water brooms are a great choice and can be a more efficient use of water as well.

Drainage

Outdoor courts need excellent drainage, as standing water will quickly damage the court surface. The drainage system needs to be a part of the installation process of the tennis court, because trying to avoid standing water without a properly installed drainage system on an outdoor court is a nightmare. A good drainage system diverts excess water so that it flows away from or underneath the surface. Inspect the tennis court drainage system occasionally, looking for any obvious damage to drain pipes or surrounding equipment; clear away vegetation that has grown up around the drainage system or debris that is blocking the drains.
 

Rain can be a free cleansing for an outdoor court, but if you combine rainwater with debris, you can create a lot of potential for court damage. Wet debris acts like sandpaper under the players’ feet and creates scrapes and scuffs on the surface. The installation of tennis court irrigation systems around the court ensures the surface remains at its best throughout the entire season.

Damage Prevention

Most players will treat tennis courts respectfully if they understand the rules. Post signs outside your courts to notify players of how to use the courts; include things like: wear non-marking shoes, and no chewing gum or food on the court. Fix benches or any other permanent equipment to the surface securely to prevent damage from sliding or dragging the objects.

Repair and Maintenance

No matter how well the court has been constructed, over time the tarmac and concrete base of a tennis court can show cracks and low spots, commonly referred to as “birdbaths.” For issues like these you’ll need to call in a professional repair team. Most tennis court builders and surfacing contractors offer free or inexpensive maintenance to their customers, addressing the overall condition and appearance of the facility and performance of the drainage system, along with a number of other relevant services.

At Borgman, we’re happy to help you keep your courts and equipment in top condition. You can always count on our team to help yours with sound advice and top-notch service on your equipment. Call us anytime with questions about installation and maintenance.