Achieving the perfect tennis court

If you run a leisure centre, school, or kids club, a tennis court is a fantastic asset to your premises. Helping to get children interested in the game and get them active, your tennis court could even inspire the next Andy Murray.

As the quality of the court has an impact on its usability, courts that are in good condition will help aspiring professionals and keen amateurs to improve their game and get more out of their practice sessions.

Though achieving a top quality tennis court takes time and investment, the rewards are more than worth the effort. Homeowners, schools, leisure centres and sports clubs that maintain and renovate their courts will be creating a valuable asset for future generations to enjoy.

Macadam courts

Thanks to their hard-wearing and versatile nature, macadam (tarmac) tennis courts are very popular in schools and sports clubs throughout the UK. Though macadam is a tough, durable surface, it still needs regular maintenance in order to keep the court in top quality condition.

The person responsible for the upkeep of the court will need to clear the surface of leaves, twigs and other debris on a regular basis. Any mould, algae or bird droppings that appear on the court will also need to be cleaned off quickly and thoroughly. If the surface isn’t kept clean and clear, it can become contaminated. This can lead to the macadam breaking up, creating an uneven playing surface and a tennis court that’s well below par.

As well as maintaining the surface of the court, sports clubs, schools and homeowners will also need to have the lines repainted every few years. In general, we recommend an annual deep cleaning programme combined with regular chemical treatments and that lines are repainted and the surface rebound every five years.

Artificial grass courts

When they’re well looked after and properly maintained, artificial grass courts are truly fantastic to play on. Offering a fast surface and stylish aesthetic, artificial grass is an all weather, high performance alternative to turf.

In order to achieve a perfect playing surfaces, artificial grass courts will need to be maintained regularly throughout the year. If courts are kept clear of debris, treated with chemicals on a regular basis and part rejuvenated when necessary, it’s possible that an artificial court will far outlive its manufacturer warranty – giving schools, homeowners and sports clubs fantastic value for money.

Acrylic

As British Tennis points out, “the number of impervious acrylic courts built in Britain has been growing steadily”. This is in part thanks to improved funding, but also due to the fact that the material is used in both the US Open and Australian Grand Slams. Like macadam and artificial grass courts, acrylic courts need to be kept well drained and clear of debris. The court will also need to be relined periodically to keep it looking its best.

To find out more about maintaining or renovating your tennis court, have a look around our site today.