The beginning of spring means it’s time to bring your basketball court back to life after a long season of ice and snow. Whether you like to shoot hoops for fun, coach a team, or play professionally, a well-prepped court helps with performance, safety, and enjoyment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your outdoor basketball court for spring.

1. Remove Debris

After the snow melts, your court may be covered in old leaves, twigs, and even trash. Start by sweeping the entire court with a stiff outdoor broom or using a leaf blower. Pay special attention to edges and corners, where debris and grime may have collected. 

2. Wash the Surface

Use a hose or pressure washer to clean off dirt and grime. For stubborn spots, mix a bucket of water with a mild detergent and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly to avoid slippery residue. If you use a pressure washer, start with a soft-wash setting to avoid damaging the court surface. Avoid harsh chemicals — they can damage asphalt or painted surfaces.

If you have algae or mold growth, use vinegar and water to naturally treat it. 

3. Inspect for Damage

The cold weather and moisture from winter could have damaged the surface of your basketball court. Inspect the surface for cracks or uneven surfaces; faded or peeling lines; worn-out paint; or water pooling in areas, which could also mean drainage issues. 

4. Check the Hoops

Check the basketball hoops for rust or corrosion, tighten bolts and connections, replace worn-out nets, and clean the backboard with glass cleaner or soap and water. If your rim has a spring mechanism, test it to ensure it’s still responsive. Make sure the base of the hoop has an adequate amount of sand. 

5. Repaint Court Lines

If your court lines look faded, consider repainting them. Use outdoor-grade paint designed for sports surfaces. You can DIY it with painter’s tape and a stencil, but consider hiring a professional for a clean, long-lasting look.

6. Add New Accessories

Spring is the season of renewal, so it’s a great time to upgrade your setup:

New Ball — Consider swapping in a new ball, especially if your old one has been left out in the cold. Cold weather can reduce a ball’s volume and pressure and affect how much bounce a ball has. 

Lighting — Add lighting to your court. This enhances player safety, improves visibility, and increases the amount of time people can play.

Storage — If you don’t have them already, consider adding benches with storage for gear, basketball racks, or storage lockers to keep everything organized and tidy. 

Traction — Consider adding anti-slip coatings or traction-enhancing products to protect players if the court gets slick. 

Shade Structures — Add shade structures or trees along your court to protect players and viewers from the hot sun and temperature. 

Resurface — If your court has had some wear and tear or if it’s been a few years since it was surfaced, consider resurfacing it. This is your chance to fix any flaws and upgrade the design.

7. Safety First

Before playing your first game in the spring, make sure your court is safe and ready to play. Check that there are no tripping hazards, there’s proper drainage to avoid puddles, and an even surface so players can run and jump without worrying about injuries. 

8. Bring the Vibes

Once your court is clean and safe, consider adding some fun touches: maybe a portable speaker, some painted art, or a chalk scoreboard. Create a space that is fun and exciting and motivates you to get out there and play.

Tips to Maintain Your Court in the Spring

To keep up on the hard work you did after winter, make sure you regularly remove leaves, dirt, and other debris; address spills and stains as soon as possible; repair cracks to prevent water damage; regularly inspect all equipment; and ensure all markings are clear and visible.

Never store things on your court or park on it, as this could severely damage the surface coating, and make sure all players wear appropriate shoes to avoid leaving marks or dirt on the court. 

Ready to Ball?

Getting your outdoor basketball court ready for spring only takes a little time, attention, and care. A clean, safe, and well-maintained court not only boosts players’ performance but also extends the life of your space and equipment. Whether you’re shooting solo or hosting weekend games with friends, a fresh court allows great plays and even better memories.

If you want to play a good game of pickleball, you need to have the right equipment. Among the most crucial pieces of equipment is the pickleball net system. It plays a key role in the gameplay and can impact your overall experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide which of the net systems is perfect for your needs, whether you setting up a court at home, at a school, or in a recreational center.

Understanding the Basic Requirements

Before delving into specific products, let’s go over the official pickleball net specifications:

Net Height: The net should be 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.

Net Length: It should be 22 feet long from post to post. 

Net Tension: A net should be tight enough to prevent sagging but not so tight that it causes excessive stress on the frame

Mesh Size: The mesh should be small enough to prevent the ball from passing through.

Types of Pickleball Net Systems

You have several types of pickleball net systems to choose from, each suited to different needs:

Portable Net Systems

A portable pickleball net is ideal for players who need a flexible option. It’s perfect for backyard games, road trips, or pop-up tournaments. 

Pros: This net is lightweight so you can easily transport, set up, and take it down. Some of them even collapse into compact carrying cases. Choose a portable net if you need a net you can move between different locations.

Cons: A portable net can be less durable than a permanent one, and frequent assembly and disassembly may cause wear and tear over time.

Permanent Net Systems

A permanent net is installed on a fixed court and provides long-term solutions for public and private courts. It is attached to poles and sturdy enough to last many years. If you want to set up a permanent pickleball court, consider this net. Note that it may require professional installation.

Adjustable Net Systems

An adjustable net allows you to change the height of the net, which is particularly useful when you want to set up multiple types of courts (tennis, badminton, and pickleball). This net is best for families, recreational players, and those who value convenience. 

Pros: This net is versatile, making it ideal if you want to use a court for multiple activities. 

Cons: Because of its design it’s slightly more complex to set up and maintain.

Materials and Durability

Net are made from two different materials: nylon and polyethylene. 

Nylon: Nylon nets are durable and weather-resistant, thus they resist fraying and can withstand outdoor conditions. These nets do tend to be more costly, but they last a long time. 

Polyethylene: Polyethylene nets are lightweight, making them ideal for indoor use or in mild weather conditions. These nets tend to be more affordable than nylon nets. 

Frames are made from steel and aluminum.

Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter than steel, resistant to corrosion, and easy to handle, making it ideal for portable systems. It may require more maintenance than steel frames. 

Steel: Often used for permanent or high-end portable systems because it can handle regular use on different surfaces. It’s heavy-duty and resistant to weather but can rust if not properly maintained.

Tensioning Systems

A critical feature of any good net system is a reliable tensioning system. The tension should be tight enough to ensure no sagging but not so tight that it risks breaking the frame. There are different methods for adjusting net tension:

Ratcheting Systems: Ratcheting systems are most commonly used in portable net systems. They allow for easy and precise adjustments.

Spring-loaded Systems: These are common in permanent nets as they provide stable and consistent tension.

Manual Adjustments: Some net systems use ropes or hooks for manual adjustments.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your pickleball court net functioning properly for years to come, you need to practice proper maintenance: 

Clean Regularly: Wash the net with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris then rinse it thoroughly. Let the net air dry completely. 

Check Tension: Make sure the net remains taut and adjust the tension if needed.

Inspect for Wear: Check for any tears, frayed threads, loose cords, or damaged mesh in the netting. Make small repairs now to avoid larger, costly issues in the future. 

Store Properly: When not in use, store portable net systems in a dry, cool place to prevent damage from moisture and temperature fluctuations. 

The Right Net Makes All The Difference

Choosing the right pickleball net system depends on your specific needs. Whether you need it for casual play, competitive events, or permanent installation — keep in mind factors like durability, ease of setup, and cost when making your decision. By understanding the different net systems, you can find the perfect one for your pickleball setup.

Pickleball has been a rapidly growing sport in the United States for over 4 years now. The cross between table tennis, badminton, and tennis is a fun activity for all types of people. There are many reasons the pickleball trend has gained popularity and many have jumped on the bandwagon. 

Playing pickleball is never a bad idea, but some may feel that it is too late to jump on the trend. The love for the sport doesn’t seem to be dissipating, so calling it a trend may no longer be accurate. Below, we will share some reasons why the pickleball trend is here to stay and why you should dabble in the sport. 

Great For All Skill Levels

There a millions of players in the United States who continue to play the sport consistently. New players pick up a pickleball paddle every day, so it is never too late to join in on the fun. Pickleball is an easy sport to learn and can be mastered by people of all athletic skill levels. As the sport has gained popularity, more community groups and leagues have formed. Finding a group of new players to learn from and socialize with is a great reason to hop on the pickleball trend.

Public Courts Are Easily Accessible

Cities all over the states have implemented pickleball courts in parks or community centers. Third-party businesses have also constructed indoor courts to provide players with a space all year round. If you have wanted to try the pickleball trend, a court will be easily accessible. 

Starting a sport can come with the intimidation of playing around other professionals. Since pickleball courts now dot every city, you are bound to find one that is either empty or filled with newer players. Not all pickleball players are passionate players either. Many groups are learning more about the sport and just playing to build memories with friends or improve their health. 

The Largest Age Bracket Of Players

For a fairly physical sport, pickleball has one of the largest age ranges of players of any sport type. People from 18-44 are majorly involved in the sport, but players of other ages also play consistently or have tried it at least once. The 35-44 age group has seen an 86% increase since August of 2022. 

Since pickleball is a relatively new trend, most players have only been playing for 3-5 years. Even if you are starting later in life, playing pickleball provides many health benefits and mental clarity that come from physical activity. There is always time to catch up and learn more about a sport when it brings you happiness. 

Forecasted Growth Rate

It can be difficult to follow trends when you know that they will lose traction in a short amount of time. However, pickleball is projected to grow even more popular in the next few years. The paddle market and player market are projected to grow substantially. 

The number of players is supposed to grow by 7.7% through 2028. The interest in pickleball has also increased by 550% according to Google Trends as well. Utah and Arizona are the most interesting states currently. 

Many homeowners are also projected to install courts outside their homes as well. Since the sport is still growing, having a home court gives you the chance to improve your skills, meet new friends, and enjoy the outdoors. 

Tournament Winnings

While not all players participate in tournaments, there are plenty of opportunities to earn money from playing a fun sport. Millions of dollars are won from tournament prize pools each year. The Major League Pickleball, Professional Pickleball Association, and the American Association of Pickleball Professionals host professional tournaments, but your city or state may host other smaller competitions as well. 

Pickleball Courts From Our Experts

Pickle Court Surfacing offers court installation for residential and commercial spaces. We create pickleball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, and multipurpose courts. Our team uses the approved materials from the USA Pickleball so you know you are getting the highest quality court available. 

Whether you are new to the pickleball trend or have been playing at other courts for years, our experts can give you the space of your dreams. Contact us for an estimate today!