When it comes to Athletic courts, most of them don’t just fail overnight; they deteriorate slowly until it is too late. And like any other Athletic court, a pickleball court too needs proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity.
This is where pickleball court resurfacing helps. Getting the resurfacing done at the right time will save you thousands as opposed to reconstructing the court when it falls apart. Wondering when exactly that right time is? Read further to learn all about it!
The Science behind Court Wear and Tear
Over the course of its usage, it is inevitable for a court to fall victim to wear and tear. The factors that contribute to its downfall include the consistent footfall, harsh UV rays, and the ever-changing weather.
The rate at which an indoor and outdoor court deteriorates is significantly different. And as you expected, an outdoor court faces much faster deterioration due to its exposure to elements while an indoor one is sheltered from it.
5 Key Signs Your Pickleball Court Needs Resurfacing
The five key signs that indicate the need to resurface a pickleball court, include:
Surface Cracks
The presence of cracks on the court surface aren’t just displeasing to the eye but also impacts the player's performance and safety. If you see any small surface (hairline) cracks or deep (structural) cracks then it’s time to resurface. These structural cracks especially damage the court's foundation.
Color and Coating Fade
Due to exposure to the environmental elements and the extensive use of the court, its color and coating start to fade. This development of dull/patchy spots on the court affects the game experience while the faded line markings confuse players in a competition.
Drainage Issues
Water runoff is important to keep the player injuries to a minimum. Poor sloping or formation of bird baths is another sign that causes frequent slipping and damage to the court by water seeping into the court’s foundation.
Ball Bounce and Player Safety
An uneven Athletic courts is a recipe for disaster. It does not just impact court aesthetics but also causes the players to trip or fall. This unevenness also leads to an inconsistent ball bounce which affects the skill development practice sessions and the player’s performance in a competition.
Texture Breakdown
A court’s wear and tear is also apparent in the texture of a pickleball court. Texture breakdown affects the court’s traction and shock absorption. It impacts players’ maneuvering, hurts their joints, and reduces their playtime.
The ‘4-7 Year’ Rule of Pickleball Court Resurfacing is not Always Enough
There is a general rule of thumb to resurface your pickleball court every 4-7 years. But like we discussed in the previous section, there’s much to consider before making the final decision to resurface.
In addition to the aforementioned signs of court damage, some other factors to consider include:
- How extensively the court is used, frequently used courts need resurfacing every 3 to 5 years.
- The climate conditions of the area, outdoor courts facing extreme temperature variations, require regular resurfacing to extend their lifespan.
- The type of court surface, clay courts need resurfacing every 2-3 years while with regular maintenance, a grass court can last for up to 15 years. An asphalt pickleball court, in contrast, needs resurfacing every 5 to 8 years.
Repair vs Resurfacing vs Replacement: Know the Cut-Off Point
While researching for resurfacing, you must have come across two other terms: pickleball court repair and replacement. If you think they are all the same then you couldn’t be more wrong.
Repairing the pickleball court includes attending to its surface-level issues, including minor crack filling and touching up faded lines.
While pickleball court resurfacing implies removing the topmost layer of the court, addressing the underlying concerns, and thus replacing this layer with a new one.
In scenarios where repairs and resurfacing don’t suffice, you need to fully replace the court, it includes completely rebuilding it right from its foundation.
How Delaying Resurfacing Can Multiply Costs
It is quite apparent now that if you don’t address the damage to a pickleball court, its condition will only worsen with time. This will not just impact the players with safety liability and injury risks but will also impact the reputation of your court.
Furthermore, as you move from repairs to resurfacing to full replacement of the court, the pickleball resurfacing cost keeps increasing with the rising labor cost, material cost, and the loss of business due to court closure. It is thus important not to delay the resurfacing and get it done on time.
At Pine State Courts, in addition to pickleball court construction, our professionals help to maintain and repair the court so you never have to worry about court replacements. From pickleball and tennis to basketball, we leave no court neglected.
Pro Tips for Pickleball Court Maintenance
Here are a few expert tips from professional court designers to maintain your court and extend its life:
- Divide your cleaning sessions into daily sweeping, weekly mopping or vacuuming, and monthly deep cleaning.
- Inspect the court closely, even for minor cracks, and address them promptly.
- Follow a separate court maintenance regime, specific to each season.
- Introduce paddle racks and maintain the court nets too for a well-rounded maintenance.
Takeaway
The pickleball court needs resurfacing, not just for improving its aesthetic appeal but as a necessary investment for player safety and performance. Pick a time when there are no competitions, or alternate between different courts for their maintenance.
Instead of DIY-ing, it is of utmost importance to get an expert on board, as it can save you from major issues in the future and extend the life of your court. Contact Pine State Courts to get a free professional inspection and quote before the small issues escalate into something bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do weather conditions affect the lifespan of a resurfaced pickleball court?
The weather conditions negatively impact the lifespan of a resurfaced pickleball court. The changing seasons bring with them freeze–thaw cycles, extreme heat, and heavy downpour, these accelerate the court surface breakdown. The pickleball courts in colder regions especially require resurfacing sooner than those in mild climates.
Q2: Can resurfacing change the way the court plays?
Yes, resurfacing can change the way a court plays as a fresh surface improves its traction, the ball bounce consistency and reduces slipperiness. It also presents an option for customization of texture levels depending on the player's preference.
Q3: What type of coating is used in pickleball court resurfacing?
The most common coatings used in pickleball court resurfacing are the acrylic ones, designed for UV resistance and improved traction. Some contractors also offer a cushioned acrylic system for adding the benefits of comfort and joint protection.
Q4: How long does a resurfaced pickleball court take to cure before play?
An acrylic resurfaced pickleball court usually requires 3–5 days of curing time, depending on the weather conditions. Avoid resurfacing when it’s not sunny outside or there are rain alerts, also avoid playing too early as it can damage the surface and reduce its lifespan.
