Padel courts semi-covered or semi indoor flourish all over France. While for a time they appeared to be the miracle cure for bad weather, clubs and players come back to this evidence. Semi-covered land, the right solution? Let's try to see it more clearly.

Does the courtyard protect from the rain?

The number one goal for any project leader is to protect their padel courts from the rain and thus allow players to play all year round, whatever the weather conditions.

The carrot to succumb to the charms of these structures: the price in general. Indeed, the price is often much more attractive than constructing a building that meets restrictive regulations and unofficial “user / player experience” standards: a good height and a little room to go out during tournaments.

Much more economical, the semi-covered tracks were considered the miracle alternative.

However, we realize that it is not that simple.

Indeed, owners of padel courts with covers sometimes regret their investment afterwards. Why? 

Padel Le teich

Two weak points

In general, semi-covered padel courts have two weak points:

  • A problem of visibility on the ground with a part in the shade and another in the sun. This dim light often disturbs the players, who may have difficulty seeing the ball well.
  • Relative efficiency in the face of rain: in fact, the rain does not fall straight. The more wind there is, the more rain falls to the side. Conclusion: the ground is impassable because it is partly wet.

Remember, however, that among our Spanish counterparts, land with “just” a roof is increasingly present to counter the sun and not the rain.

The blanket builders et suppliers in court have targeted the problem. This is why we are seeing new offers more in line with the expectations of clubs and players developing in France.

Semi-indoor closable structures

We have certainly found the product you were looking for: a semi-indoor cover that can be indoor. Said like that, it can be confusing. However, you will understand that these new products could revolutionize the development of indoor padel.

It's almost indoor! But it is not considered to be such. Indeed, they are light structures which take the foundations of semi-covered structures but with the possibility of partially or completely closing the structure to isolate it from rain and wind.

SMC2, ACS Production and Lauralu offer interesting solutions.

SMC2 explain to us :

"We recommend our glazed indoor padel solution, unique in France, for optimal playing comfort. Players are sheltered by the textile membrane and enjoy playing comfort as outdoors, without the disadvantages of such a practice. The glazed palisades, playing elements, also act as cladding for the building, for a true fusion of the game and the building. This allows for optimization of materials and comfort for the athlete who plays with visibility of his outdoor environment (and conversely, people outside see the athletes, it is the perfect inclusion of padel in its environment).

These glazed palisades are extended, in the upper part, by textile facades which protect the players from glare, bad weather and UV rays while guaranteeing excellent natural light (like the membrane on the roof).

 However, it is possible to opt for a covered playground (as in St Rémy, for the Grand Chalon), for budgetary reasons and if the location allows it, depending on the weather conditions. In this case, particular care should be taken when designing the building. SMC2's expertise and engineering, which supports its clients from idea to completion, allow it to design a courtyard in which it does not rain, even in strong cross winds. For this, the roof overhangs are calculated accordingly. ”

Covering the semi-indoor area: a good idea

It is not Jérémy Scatena of Technopadel who will say the opposite. He is one of those who are pushing for a solution “More covered with semi-indoor covers”. Words that might seem strange. But who are not at all in reality.

If you've started with semi-indoor structures and they are a problem for you, head to experts who could point you to a few not-so-expensive solutions like a windbreaker / stretch fabric. The Spaniards are the specialists in this way of doing things. The Pyramids club has also put canvas to reduce the nuisance related to light on the ground. It's not perfect, but it can be an alternative.

Therefore, if you are at the beginning of a project, pay close attention to the adventure of semi-covered padel courts!

Alexis Dutour

Alexis Dutour is a padel enthusiast. With his training in communication and marketing, he puts his skills at the service of padel to offer us articles that are always very interesting.

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