As temperatures drop and the winter rolls in, many people decide it’s time to put away their sports equipment and wait for spring. However, with a little preparation, you can continue to use your outdoor court in winter, whether it’s for pickleball, basketball, tennis, or other games. 

Keep reading to discover 10 clever tips for making the most of your outdoor court in winter, ensuring it provides fun times for your family year-round.

#1. Surface Maintenance is Essential

The first and most important step in making the most of your outdoor court in winter is surface maintenance. Harsh weather conditions, including snow and ice, can take a toll on court surfaces, potentially causing cracks or birdbaths. Regularly inspect your court and promptly repair any damage. Depending on the type of court surface and the extent of the damage, you might need to consult a professional for maintenance and resurfacing.

#2. Keep the Court Clear

Snow can quickly accumulate on your outdoor court in winter, making it unusable. Don’t let ice build up on your court’s surface — use snow removal tools like shovels and snow blowers to keep it clear and prevent damage. Be cautious when using ice melt products like salt, though, because some chemicals may damage the court. For further recommendations on how to safely de-ice your court, check with the manufacturer or installer.

#3, Weatherproof Your Equipment

Your court isn’t the only thing that needs protection during the colder months. Your sports equipment, including paddles, tennis balls, rackets, and basketballs, should be stored in a dry, climate-controlled space to prevent damage from moisture and freezing temperatures. Once you’re done using your equipment, make sure you put it back in the garage or shed to keep it in good condition.

#4. Dress for Success

When playing on your outdoor court in winter, it’s vital to dress appropriately. Make sure you layer your clothing to stay warm and comfortable during your games. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry, with an insulating fleece jacket or down coat on top to provide warmth. Plus, don’t forget to wear gloves, as well, to protect your hands from the cold.

#5. Optimize Lighting

Winter days are shorter, which means you may find yourself playing in the dark. Make sure your court has adequate lighting to maintain visibility and safety. Consider installing LED lights, which are energy-efficient and can help you save money on your electricity bill. 

#6. Adjust Playing Times

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Conditions such as freezing temperatures, snow, and rain can affect the ability to play on your outdoor court. Be flexible with your playing schedule and adjust playing times to accommodate for weather conditions. Try to stick to playing during the warmest parts of the day, like the early afternoon, to make your playtime more enjoyable.

#7. Use All-Weather Accessories

Invest in all-weather accessories, including windscreens, portable heaters, and warming stations, to make your outdoor court more inviting and create a comfortable playing environment year-round.

#8. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential, no matter the weather. You may not feel as thirsty during the winter as you do on hot summer days, but it’s crucial to drink plenty of water while playing on your outdoor court in winter. Dehydration can negatively affect your athletic performance and increase your risk of injury, so make sure you keep a bottle of water handy and take periodic breaks to rehydrate.

#9. Adapt Your Game

Winter conditions may require you to make some adjustments to your game. A cold court may cause your basketball to bounce differently, and the winter wind may require you to change the trajectory of your shots. Take time to practice and adapt to these conditions.

Additionally, you may want to opt for brightly-colored or reflective equipment to make tracking easier when it’s overcast or foggy.

#10. Embrace the Season

Don’t forget to embrace the unique experience of playing on an outdoor court in winter. The snow-covered surroundings and crisp, clean air can create a magical feeling unlike anything else. With the right tools and preparation, the winter season can be a great time to make memories while playing sports with family and friends.

Take Care of Your Outdoor Court in Winter

No matter the time of year, if your outdoor court needs maintenance, call the experts at Pickle Court Surfacing. We have everything you need to create a high-quality, comfortable playing environment in your own backyard. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Tennis, pickleball, and basketball enthusiasts know the frustration of trying to enjoy a game on a waterlogged court. Not only do puddles make the court slippery and unsafe, but over time, water accumulation can damage the court. Fortunately, there are effective ways to get rid of puddles and prevent them from coming back, ensuring your outdoor court stays in tip-top shape and withstands the test of time.

Keep reading to learn various strategies to get rid of puddles on your outdoor court so you can play the sport you love without interruptions.

Proper Drainage System

To prevent puddles from forming on the surface of your court, a proper drainage system is essential. Without efficient drainage, water will accumulate, causing pesky puddles and preventing you from playing your best. Here are some drainage options to consider:

• Permeable surfaces: Instead of letting water collect on top of the court, permeable court surfaces like porous asphalt or concrete allow water to seep through and be absorbed into the ground below.
• French drains: French drains, which are installed around the perimeter of the court, can help divert excess water away from the court’s playing area.
• Subsurface drainage: A subsurface drainage system, such as a network of pipes, can be an effective solution for removing excess water from beneath the court and is a great complement to permeable court surfaces.

Court Sloping

Another important element of court drainage and preventing puddles is sloping. Ideally, outdoor courts should have a gentle slope to encourage water to flow away from the playing area. In most cases, a 1-2% slope is enough to ensure proper drainage. If your court is inadequately sloped, consult with a professional to make any necessary adjustments and make sure your court won’t be as prone to puddling.

Court Maintenance

Proper court maintenance is another effective way to get rid of puddles on your court. Keep in mind these practices as you consider what your court needs:

• Clear debris: Leaves, dirt, and other debris can build up in drainage systems, rendering them ineffective and allowing puddles to form. Regularly sweep your court or use a leaf blower to remove any debris.
• Repair cracks: Cracks in the court surface can trap water and contribute to puddles. To maintain a smooth and even surface, make sure you repair cracks as soon as they happen.
• Resurface as needed: Over time, normal wear and tear can cause your court surface to become uneven. Periodic resurfacing can help water drain properly and prevent problematic puddles.
• Consider a sealcoat: Applying a sealcoat to your outdoor court extends its lifespan and improves water runoff.

Court Covers

Outdoor court covers are a game-changing investment that can help protect your court from whatever comes its way, whether it be rain, snow, hail, or fallen leaves. These covers prevent moisture from seeping into the court’s surface and wreaking havoc. They are easy to roll out and can be a valuable element of outdoor court maintenance because they allow you to keep your court dry and ready to play on.

Improve Court Surface

The right type of court surface can make a significant difference in puddle prevention. Some softer surfaces, like clay, are known to be more prone to puddles than harder surfaces like acrylic. Acrylic courts are more resistant to weathering and erosion, drain water more efficiently, and provide industry-leading durability. Hard courts also offer greater traction and reduce the chances of slipping.

Routine Inspections

Make sure you regularly inspect your court, especially if you’re having puddle problems. Frequently check the court’s surface and drainage systems, along with the surrounding area, for any signs of damage or blockage. By catching issues early, you can prevent them from escalating and maintain optimal playing conditions.

Squeegees and Towels

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, puddles can still form after heavy precipitation. Having the right tools on hand will allow you to address the issue quickly and avoid significant damage. Squeegees and towels are effective tools to manually get rid of puddles, so make sure you have them readily available just in case. The right preparation can help you expedite the process of puddle removal and prevent significant game delays.

Pickle Court Surfacing Can Help You Get Rid of Puddles

At Pickle Court Surfacing, we are experts in outdoor courts and can help you solve any problems with your court, including pesky puddles. We pride ourselves in creating high-quality outdoor courts that are sure to last. For more information, feel free to reach out to us today!

Are you ready to install a pickleball court in your backyard? It’s an exciting investment that can help you make the most out of your property – both once it’s installed and if you ever plan on selling it. However, many homeowners find themselves in sticky situations when they go ahead with a home improvement project, only to find that they need a permit first. The last thing that you want is to end up paying the consequences because you didn’t check whether or not you need a permit.

Here is what you need to know about why it’s important to obtain permits and whether or not you need a permit in order to install a pickleball court in your backyard.

What Happens If You Needed A Permit But Didn’t Get One?

Nothing good! It’s crucial to consult with experienced professionals whenever you want to embark on a home improvement project, such as installing a pickleball court. If you needed a permit but didn’t get one, you may end up being fined, having the project delayed, or be forced to remove everything that was done. All of these are very costly consequences that can be easily avoided by obtaining a permit prior to beginning work.

Bear in mind that getting a permit for a project isn’t a guaranteed you asked for it so now you have it. You must apply in order to get a permit, and some applications can be denied if requirements are not met. This is why it is crucial to do your research prior to embarking on any major home improvement project. The last thing that you want is to have your heart set on something only to find out that you can’t do it – and if you do it regardless, that there are expensive consequences to be had. 

Do You Need A Permit For A Pickleball Court?

Whether or not you will need a permit for a project will depend on your county, city, and/or municipality, as they all have their own requirements pertaining to permits, and their requirements change. Working with professionals will ensure what requirements need to be met before you can obtain a permit to make any home improvements.

Since pickleball courts are permanent surfaces and necessitate large-scale construction and laying down a base-surface, they typically require a permit. This can vary depending on your location, so, as we keep reiterating, make sure that you’re working with experienced pros who will be able to inform you about the requirements that must be met in order to obtain a permit in order to install a pickleball court in your backyard. 

Permit requirements vary. They typically involve factors like the size of your property, the proximity of the proposed court to property lines, your neighbors, fencing, and much more. 

It is absolutely essential that you do not start building prior to receiving your permit. This is illegal and can result in consequences, such as hefty fines.

How Do You Get A Permit?

We know that you’re sick of us telling you this, but… It depends on where you live and the type of pickleball court you want to build. Typically, though, you’ll need an application for home construction, building permits, zoning compliances, and construction licenses. As you know – this can vary. Costs vary too and may have fees associated with them, such as zoning fees and application review fees.

The best person to help you understand what you need to get a permit and everything involved in the process will be your local code officer. Professional court builders will have knowledge you can pull from as well. 

So long as you’re careful to ensure that your proposed court is in compliance with all necessary regulations and the application is completed properly, it shouldn’t take too long in order to receive a permit to be able to install a pickleball court in your backyard. 

Why Do Backyard Courts Need Permits?

Generally, if you want to have a backyard court, you’ll need to have a permit. This is because of the size of the court and the materials needed to construct it, among other factors. Typically, if you have any large structures, fencing, lighting, and the like, you should plan on applying for a permit as part of the process. Failure to comply with permit regulations can result in the loss of the court.

Does Your Pickleball Court Need Surfacing?

Here at Pickle Court Surfacing, we don’t do court installations, but we do do court surfacing and resurfacing. So, once you’ve crossed the hurdles of obtaining a permit, count on our experts to transform your newly installed court into a customized thing of beauty.

Contact us today to learn more about our court surfacing services.