Make a periodic maintenance of your tracks guarantees a longevity and especially the security for your customers. If this year the maintenance has not been done, it is never too late.

It is worth checking your facilities at least twice a year. It would be best to do a check at the end of summer and another at the end of winter. During the heat or during the cold period, steel and concrete expand or contract, and infrastructures tend to move.

All this is quite normal, all materials are alive and change over time. So that your tracks are always on top for your users, here are some tips to follow.

Carpet

This is the part of the track that suffers the most, especially the defensive area at the back of the track. If you have latest generation carpets that receive little sand, make sure there is sufficient sand in these areas. If necessary, add more and distribute it evenly. Otherwise there are mechanized brooms that allow you to brush the carpets padel or synthetic lawns ... it is always less tiring than using a manual broom.

For tracks that receive more sand, regular maintenance is necessary, at least one sand rebalancing per week. Distributing the sand evenly allows players to feel at ease on a maintained track, and especially to slow down the aging of the carpet. Watering a track has no positive effect.

The net

A net also ages, and it is important to take care that its bottom is not frayed or torn because unlike tennis players, tennis players padel spend time at the net. And catching your foot in its mesh can cause accidents. Also watch out for possible ends of cables that could get stuck in your hands. Protect by cutting and insulating with electrician's tape.

Grates

Check frequently if the grids are well maintained and especially if no part is unsoldered. If this is the case, get the job done as soon as possible, it will avoid a hefty bill in a few months. Another important point to take into account is rust. Indoor clubs are less affected by this problem, but clubs on the coast or in wetlands are particularly so. So take a tour of the horizon looking above and below the pillars or other lintels. Each rust spot treated quickly ensures a strong and durable structure.

Windows

This is the most dangerous part of all. We know these accidents where we see players go through windows. In order to avoid, or attempt to avoid this type of accident, care must be taken with the fasteners. The screws usually have a rubber or plastic part that prevents them from rubbing with the glass. This part has a lifespan. Remember to change it every 5 years or so. The bill will be much cheaper than if you have to buy a window. Also, with the change of seasons, remember to iron all the screws by giving a few turns of the keys, you will be amazed at how much the structure moves.

Another point not to be overlooked is the sand that collects between the glass and the bottom metal bar. This accumulation of sand forces on the glass and causes an offset between the joints, favoring false rebounds for the game out of the window. A vacuum cleaner from time to time will do the trick.

Lighting

Although it is high up, the lighting of a track is important. Today with the LEDs maintenance is less important than in the past, but remember to go for a walk to tighten the fasteners, to wipe the windows of the spots, and at the same time, for the indoor clubs, go get some cobwebs 😉

The tracks of padel are a heavy investment for clubs, for municipalities or even for private individuals. Simply committing to basic regular maintenance between seasons will make everyone happy, investors and members alike.

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.

On the same subject