4 Signs That Your Tennis Court Needs To Be Replaced
Owning a tennis court is a wonderful way to boost the value of residential and commercial properties. However, as with any sporting equipment, tennis courts require regular maintenance and will need to be replaced as they wear out. Buying a new court not only improves overall aesthetics but also ensures the safety of players and reduces the risk of injuries. Read on to discover the signs your tennis court needs to be replaced.
The Color Appears Faded
The outlines and color of a tennis court are essential to its appearance and functionality. Bright, visible lines help players determine whether the ball is in or out of play. However, as time passes, these lines can fade away due to wear and tear or UV exposure.
As the lines on your court fade, players may struggle to determine the boundaries, resulting in disputed points and lost games. Regularly inspecting the court's color can help determine if resurfacing or replacement is needed.
Pro Tip
Depending on the court material, you may be able to repair the faded lines with a stencil and specialized paint. However, if the surface is too worn or uneven, it's best to replace the court entirely.
There's Surface Damage
Cracks on the surface of a tennis court are an obvious sign that the court needs attention. Common forms of damage include alligator cracks, which resemble the skin of an alligator, and shrinkage cracks caused by temperature fluctuations. Moreover, cracks affect playability by causing uneven surfaces that can alter ball bounce. Players may trip on these cracks, leading to injuries.
Bubbling on the surface is another red flag that the court is beyond repair. It typically occurs when moisture seeps through the surface and gets trapped underneath, resulting in air pockets. These bubbles can pop when players step on them, causing further damage to the court and potential injuries.
There Are Puddles on the Court
Low spots on a tennis court are depressions that collect water and debris; some also refer to these puddles as "birdbaths." Standing water can damage the court and create a slick, unsafe playing surface that causes players to slip. Additionally, balls that land in low spots may not bounce predictably, which can take away from the competitive edge of playing. To determine if your court has low spots, inspect it for puddles after rainfall.
Pro Tip
Pools of water on the court also increase the risk of mildew or mold growth, further damaging the surface and posing health hazards for players.
Players Frequently Become Injured
Frequent injuries to yourself or others are another sign that your tennis court needs replacement. When your court is in good condition, players should be able to move freely without fear of injury. However, cracks, bubbling, and low spots can increase the risk of slips, sprains, strains, and falls.
Consistently getting hurt will affect players' physical health, confidence, and performance. A well-maintained court reduces the risk of harm and allows players to focus on their game. If you or other players frequently experience injuries while playing on your court, inspect the court closely for any signs of wear and tear.
5 Tips for Replacing Your Tennis Court
When the time comes to replace your tennis court, choosing an option that'll look great and give you years of play is essential. As you plan, it's best to:
- Establish a budget
- Obtain necessary permits
- Evaluate court material options
- Plan for maintenance
- Shop for quality
Following these tips makes it easier to make informed decisions about your tennis court replacement.
Establish a Budget
Setting a clear budget helps manage expenses and ensures the project stays within your financial limits. Determine how much money you can spend on your new court while considering the prices for contractors, materials, and other expenses.
Evaluate how much money you’ll spend on this project as early as possible. This way, you can easily filter your options for tennis courts and the contractors you’ll hire. A well-planned budget ensures you get the most value without compromising quality.
Obtain Necessary Permits
As with most building projects, replacing a tennis court may require permits from your local government. Before starting any work, check with your city or county to determine whether you need to obtain specific regulations or permits for court replacement.
Evaluate Court Material
While you can buy a court made of the same material as your old one, it's worth exploring other options to find the best fit for your needs. Some popular court materials include asphalt, concrete, clay, and synthetic materials. Each material has pros and cons in terms of durability, maintenance requirements, and cost.
Hard courts that are made of asphalt or concrete are durable and low maintenance but can also be harsh on players' joints. On the other hand, clay courts are softer and more forgiving on the body but require frequent maintenance. Synthetic materials, such as rubber, offer a lower impact surface and are easy to care for.
Pro Tip: Consider Your Climate
As you browse court material options, consider your local climate. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, can affect the durability and maintenance of your court. For example, clay courts may not be suitable for wet environments, while rubber surfaces can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Plan for Maintenance
Knowing how to care for your new tennis court is essential to ensuring its longevity and playability. Each court material requires different maintenance routines, so make sure to ask your supplier for recommendations. This is especially important if the replacement tennis court is made of a different material than your previous court.
Remember to regularly inspect the surface for any signs of damage and address them promptly. Keep the court clean and free of debris, as it can affect gameplay and cause damage over time.
Shop for Quality
Finding reputable suppliers and contractors is essential for a successful tennis court replacement. As you shop for your court, consider the supplier's reputation, warranty, and customer reviews. Only buy from trusted sources to ensure you receive a high-quality product that meets your needs.
Additionally, the price of the tennis court should reflect its value and quality. When making your final decision, note the material and thickness of the court surface and warranty periods. A high-quality tennis court is an investment that adds value to your property and provides years of enjoyable play.
Order Your Court
Pro Backyard Living has home tennis courts for sale. When you order a court from us, you can customize the inner and outer colors as well as the border to create the perfect court for your space. Replace your tennis court with a high-quality, durable option that enables you to enjoy years of safe and fun gameplay.