A Starter Guide to Tennis Court Maintenance
Repainting the tennis court enhances its appearance, improves grip, reduces glare, increases safety, and has bounce and control.
A well-maintained tennis court is not just a visual asset—it’s a vital part of player safety, performance, and overall enjoyment of the game. Whether your court is located in a bustling sports complex, a school, a private club, an apartment community, or a residential backyard, professional tennis court maintenance is essential to protect your investment and ensure a consistently high-quality playing experience.
Tennis courts are designed to withstand years of play, but even the most durable surfaces require regular care. Neglecting maintenance can lead to premature deterioration, safety hazards, and costly repairs. The good news is that with a proactive approach and the guidance of experienced professionals, you can keep your tennis court looking and playing its best for years to come.
Understanding the different tennis court surfaces
Tennis courts have several surface types, each with its own unique maintenance requirements. The most common are hard courts, clay courts, artificial grass or synthetic grass courts, and, less frequently, carpet or wood courts. The type of surface, its location, and the surrounding environment all influence the maintenance approach.
Hard courts, made of asphalt or concrete and coated with acrylic, are durable and relatively low-maintenance but still need regular cleaning and periodic resurfacing. Clay courts demand daily attention to maintain their playability and appearance. Artificial grass and synthetic grass courts require specialized cleaning and infill management, while carpet and wood courts have unique care routines.
As professional tennis court service providers, we design our maintenance programs to meet the specific needs of each surface, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Regular cleaning
Routine cleaning is the cornerstone of tennis court maintenance. Dirt, debris, leaves, and organic matter can accumulate quickly, especially on outdoor tennis court surfaces. This debris can stain the surface, encourage moss or algae growth, and create slippery, unsafe playing conditions if left unchecked.
For hard courts, we recommend sweeping or blowing off debris several times a week, especially during high-traffic seasons. Periodic washing with a mild detergent and water can remove stains, bird droppings, and food spills. A professional-grade jet washer may be used for stubborn stains or mildew, but always with care to avoid damaging the surface.
Clay courts require daily brushing to redistribute the loose surface material and keep it level. Watering is also essential to prevent dust and maintain the right playing consistency. Artificial grass courts benefit from regular brushing to keep the fibers upright and the infill evenly distributed while removing debris that could cause drainage issues.
Prompt removal of standing water is crucial on all surfaces. Pooled water can lead to surface damage, encourage mold and algae, and create slip hazards. Our team uses specialized squeegees and court rollers to quickly clear water after rain.
Timely repairs
Even with diligent cleaning, tennis courts are subject to wear and tear. Cracks, peeling, fading paint, and worn-down areas can develop over time, especially in regions with extreme weather. Early detection and prompt repair are key to preventing minor issues from becoming major problems.
Our maintenance professionals conduct regular inspections to identify and address issues such as:
Cracks or surface separation
Peeling or fading paint
Worn or missing infill on synthetic grass courts
Damaged seams or joints
Loose or broken net posts and fencing
Depending on the surface and the extent of the damage, repairs may involve caulking and sealing joints, patching cracks, reapplying infill, or recapping rubber. For more significant damage, resurfacing may be necessary to restore the court’s playability and appearance.
Resurfacing when necessary
Over time, even the best-maintained tennis courts will show signs of age. The surface may become uneven, faded, or lose its grip and bounce. When routine repairs are no longer sufficient, resurfacing is the answer.
Resurfacing involves applying an acrylic or synthetic material layer to the existing base, restoring the court’s performance characteristics and appearance. For clay courts, resurfacing may include adding new clay material and re-leveling the surface. Artificial grass courts may require replacement of the turf or infill.
A professional assessment will determine the best resurfacing option for your court. Resurfacing extends the life of the court and enhances player safety and enjoyment.
Repainting
The paint on a tennis court is more than just decoration—it plays a critical role in grip, glare reduction, and overall safety. Over time, heavy use, UV exposure, and weather can cause the paint to fade or wear away, diminishing aesthetics and performance.
Repainting the court restores its vibrant appearance, improves traction, and ensures the surface remains non-slip. It also helps maintain proper ball bounce and control. Our team uses high-quality, UV-resistant paints designed specifically for tennis courts, ensuring a durable and attractive finish.
Relining
Accurate line markings are essential for fair play and scoring. However, exposure to the elements and regular play can cause lines to crack, fade, or become uneven. Professional relining ensures that all markings are crisp, accurate, and compliant with official standards.
Relining is typically done in conjunction with resurfacing or repainting, but can also be performed as a standalone service when needed. Our experienced technicians use precision equipment to ensure perfect alignment and visibility.
Testing
Performance and safety testing should be a regular part of any tennis court maintenance program. Testing may include checking surface evenness, ball bounce, traction, and lighting levels. For newly installed courts, baseline testing establishes a performance benchmark. For existing courts, periodic testing helps identify maintenance needs and ensures ongoing compliance with safety standards.
Lighting maintenance
Proper lighting is essential for evening play and safety, especially in apartment complexes, clubs, and public facilities. Tennis court lighting maintenance services include routine inspection, fixture cleaning, bulb or LED replacement, and adjusting light angles to ensure uniform illumination.
Well-maintained lighting enhances visibility and safety and extends the life of your lighting system, reducing long-term costs.
Renovation and refurbishment
Sometimes, a court requires more than routine maintenance—it needs a comprehensive renovation. Renovation and refurbishment go beyond surface repairs, addressing underlying structural issues, drainage, fencing, and amenities like benches and windscreens.
A typical refurbishment project may include:
Deep cleaning and treatment of the surface
Repair or replacement of damaged areas
Complete resurfacing or new surface installation
Repainting and relining
Upgrading lighting, fencing, and other equipment
Renovation transforms an aging or neglected court into a modern, high-performance facility that meets the needs of today’s players.
Special considerations for different surfaces
Each tennis court surface has its own unique maintenance needs:
Clay tennis court maintenance: Clay courts require daily brushing, watering, and rolling. Regular top-ups of clay material and attention to drainage are essential. Our team provides specialized clay court maintenance programs to keep your court in top condition.
Artificial grass tennis court maintenance: Synthetic grass courts need periodic brushing to keep fibers upright, replenish infill, and remove organic debris promptly. We use specialized equipment to ensure even infill distribution and prevent compaction.
Hard court maintenance: Hard courts benefit from regular cleaning, crack repair, and periodic resurfacing. We use professional-grade products to extend the life of your hard court and maintain optimal playability.
Carpet and wood court maintenance: Indoor carpet and wood courts require vacuuming, spot cleaning, and occasional refinishing. Humidity control is also essential to prevent warping or mold growth.
Tennis court maintenance equipment
Professional-grade equipment is essential for effective tennis court maintenance. We use a range of specialized tools, including:
Court sweepers and blowers
Jet washers and surface cleaners
Squeegees and rollers for water removal
Line marking machines
Brushing and grooming equipment for synthetic grass
Moisture meters and surface testers
Using the right equipment ensures thorough, efficient, and gentle maintenance on your court’s surface.
Partnering with professionals
While facility staff can handle some basic cleaning tasks, most tennis court maintenance and repairs are best left to experienced professionals. Our team brings years of expertise, specialized equipment, and a deep understanding of each court surface's unique needs.
We offer customized maintenance plans, emergency repairs, resurfacing, repainting, relining, lighting maintenance, and full-scale renovation services. By partnering with professionals, you protect your investment and ensure your court remains a safe, attractive, and high-performing asset.
Invest in regular tennis court upkeep
A tennis court is more than just a playing surface—it’s a gathering place, a source of community pride, and a valuable asset. Regular maintenance is the key to maximizing lifespan, safety, and playability.
Whether you manage a large sports complex, a school, an apartment community, or a private court, our professional tennis court maintenance services are designed to meet your needs. Routine cleaning, timely repairs, resurfacing, repainting, relining, and expert care, lets you enjoy a beautiful, reliable court for years.
Let us help you protect your investment and keep your tennis court at its best. Reach out today to learn more about our comprehensive maintenance programs and how we can serve your facility’s unique needs.
Apex Court Builders specialize in constructing and resurfacing tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, bocce courts, and padel courts. We do business in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego! Call us today! (480) 384-9141.
