Once a month is suggested. Watch for evidence of mold or mildew in shaded areas and corners where organic debris tends to accumulate. Indoor courts require both frequent vacuuming and at least one annual wet cleaning with mild detergent solution and soft bristled equipment. Acrylic coatings do not support fungus growth, so growth of fungus or mold is a result from food and drink spills, decaying matter, or other foreign materials on the surface feeding these organisms.

2 parts household bleach, mixed with 1 part water. Use this solution to treat affected areas. Scrub gently with soft bristled brush and rinse thoroughly after a few minutes.

Rinsing court with water is usually sufficient for general cleaning. If there are visible stains on the court surface, a mild detergent can be applied prior to gentle scrubbing with a soft bristled brush.

Here is a mild detergent formula:

Combine 4 parts water with 2 parts TSP (trisodium phosphate) and 1 part household beach, when mildew present.

Rain showers help clean your court. However, dirt accumulates in standing water, leaving stains and piles of debris. This acts like sandpaper under the players’ feet and creates abrasion on the surface. Remove water from birdbaths as often as possible. Irrigation systems around the court should not spray on the court.

Leaves and pine needles not only can stain your court, but also are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. It is especially important to remove leaves in the fall and keep your court free of debris all winter.

Use soft nylon or hair-type brooms for scrubbing your surface. Scrubbing too hard with hard bristles can damage the surface. Water brooms are a great tool for cleaning tennis court surfaces. Some brands, like the Watermiser® Waterbroom, use up to 75% less water than a pressure washer or hose and much less time spent in labor. When using a pressure washer or water broom, limit pressure to 70 p.s.i.

Post signs or banners near the entrance and throughout the court area with court “rules”. Here are some suggestions:

• Use only non-marking tennis shoes on the court surface
• No bikes, roller blades, or skateboards
• No chewing gum, food, or drinks (other than water) on the playing surface
• Do not drag chairs, benches or other items over the surface
• Use pads underneath chair legs or equipment that is on the court. Anchor benches or any other permanent fixtures to the surface to prevent damage from sliding or dragging. Protect the surface before driving maintenance vehicles onto the court.

Drain systems are a very important part of tennis court construction. Excess water that flows back onto the court surface or beneath the court can cause problems. Properly installed drainage systems divert water away from the court and should be inspected from time to time.

Look for any evident damage to structures and drain pipes

Clear away any vegetation or debris that may be blocking drains or swales

Tennis and basketball facilities are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Landscape architects take pride in planning such facilities and understand the many benefits of landscaping around them. Here are some tips related to landscaping and protecting the surface.

Keep grass and any other vegetation trimmed and away from the court surface

Minimize the amount of dirt and dust that blows onto the court by mulching planting beds, and planting grass or ground vegetation on any bare areas around the sport facility.

Blow or sweep walks around and leading into the court to minimize tracking and blowing of debris.

Protect the surface from weed killer, fertilizer, insect control products and any other chemicals that may potentially damage the court surfacing system.

Do not over-water vegetation around the court. This can sometimes lead to accumulation of excessive moisture beneath the base. When the court surface heats up from the sun, blisters can form as the moisture evaporates and comes through the acrylic layers.

The standard resurfacing cycle for acrylic sport surfaces is 4 to 7 years, and more often for older courts. The asphalt and concrete base of a tennis court, no matter how well built, can exhibit cracking and low spots known as “birdbaths”. There are many factors that can contribute to these problems from ground movement and sinking, to tree roots and improper construction or base mixes. While many of the cleaning and protection functions can be handled by the court owner or maintenance crew, pavement repairs and resurfacing is best handled by a sport surfacing professional.