During the winter months, tennis court maintenance is probably the last thing on your mind, especially with torrential rain, gale-force winds and freezing cold weather in the forecast. However, a well-maintained court is essential for high performance and longevity, so it’s vital to ensure yours remains fully intact during the harsh British winter.
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The primary cause of damage to outdoor tennis courts is failure to remove dirt and debris from the surface. This can include fallen leaves, plastic bags, paper, grass, twigs, etc.
Removing dirt and debris
Always rake leaves off your court before they have a chance to settle and turn to mulch. If they are left on the surface, the pressure applied by snow can press them into the court, leaving stains and mildew. If this has already happened, it’s not too late to rectify the problem. An expert can remove the stains carefully without causing further damage to your tennis court.
Owners or managers should consider hiring a professional tennis court cleaner during late autumn or early winter, before ice or snow settles. Never leave organic debris on your court, in the belief you will sort it out in spring, as it can also trap moisture that will damage the colour coating. Extended exposure to moisture means the court could require repainting before it can be used again.
Clear standing water
Following heavy showers and persistent rain, accumulated dirt in leftover puddles can leave stains and deposit piles of debris on the court’s surface. This can seriously affect play, as it can be like sandpaper underfoot. If ignored, it will cause the surface to become damaged, scuffed and potentially dangerous.
Another reason to clear standing water immediately after heavy rainfall is to prevent freezing. In severely cold weather, standing water can freeze, which can seriously damage the surface, which might start causing holes.
If you already have holes or cracks in your tennis court, have them filled or patched as soon as possible. The pressure caused by ice may cause small cracks to expand, which will likely lead to more serious damage over time.
Have your court cleaned regularly
Even if your court isn’t in regular use over the winter, it’s a good idea to keep up regular maintenance until the spring.
Cleaning a tennis court isn’t something you should do once at the end of the summer. Keep it up to standard, even when it isn’t being played on every week, otherwise you’ll face an uphill task getting it ready for next season. It’s a good idea to have your court jet cleaned by professionals for the best results, although you should also regularly clean the surface yourself.
If you’re planning to play tennis throughout the winter, it’s preferable to get it cleaned frequently, as this creates a lower health and safety risk. Don’t use heavy snow shovels or mechanical snow removal equipment, as this could cause damage.
Prevention is better than cure
Preventative maintenance is far better than waiting for damage to occur before you spring into action!
spring into action!
