Winterizing Your Tennis Court: A Comprehensive Guide

Proper winterization is crucial to protecting your tennis court and its components during the off-season. Follow these steps to ensure your court is in optimal condition when spring arrives.

1. Net and Post Maintenance

   Nets:

   • Reduce the tension on the net by loosening the center strap and net cord. This relieves strain on the net and posts during winter storms and freezing temperatures.

   • If you choose to remove and store the net during the winter, untie the net from the posts, and remove the steel cable from the gear box. Remove the center clip from the center anchor (if necessary) and lay the net down across the court. Then roll or fold up the net until it reaches your desired size for storage. Be mindful of mice during storage.

   • Leaving the net in place with reduced tension is another option. While the net may wear out sooner, nets are relatively inexpensive and naturally degrade with use.

   Posts:

   • Since your posts are rust-resistant and set in galvanized sleeves, you have the option to leave them in place or remove them.

   • If you choose to leave them in place, ensure the powder coating is intact to prevent rust.

   • If you prefer to remove the posts, store them indoors in a padded or protected area to avoid scratches or chips in the powder coating. Damage to the coating may accelerate rusting.

   Overall, storing nets and posts indoors will prolong the life of these systems; however, care should be taken when removing these items because scratches, dents, and cuts are more detrimental than the sun and elements.
   

2. Windscreen Care

   • Inspect the windscreen for any loose attachments, sagging, or tears. Secure or repair these issues before winter to prevent further damage.

   • Cleaning: Use a mild soap solution and a soft-bristle brush or low-pressure hose to remove dirt, dust, and mildew. Avoid harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers that can weaken the fabric.

   • Winter Storage: If winter winds and snow are severe in your area, consider removing the windscreen altogether to reduce stress on the fence. Remove all ties and lie the windscreen down on the court surface. If this is your first time storing your windscreen, be sure to mark which piece fits on which fence. All fences vary in length and generally each piece of windscreen is designated to a specific piece of fence. Drawing this out on a windscreen map is helpful to reduce confusion. If you leave the windscreen up, ensure fasteners are secure but not overtightened. If zip ties break after a high wind event be sure to re-tie loose areas to ensure fraying doesn't occur.
   

3. Acrylic Surface Maintenance

   • Clean the court surface thoroughly before winter sets in. Sweep or use a leaf blower to remove debris, and address stubborn stains with a mild detergent solution or pressure washer (with caution).

   • Inspect for cracks and note their size. While filling cracks before winter may help limit water penetration, understand that cracks will likely reappear in the spring due to natural movement of the court surface.

   • Remove acidic debris, such as oak leaves, which can stain the surface over time. Periodic debris removal throughout the winter can prevent these issues.

   • Avoid salting ice patches or attempting to chip away frozen spots. Allow ice to melt naturally to prevent surface damage.

   1. Additional Tips

   • Perform a full inspection of court equipment, including net tensioning systems, court signage, and surrounding structures. Order any necessary replacement parts so repairs can be completed during the off-season.

   • Document the condition of your court and equipment to identify areas that may need attention in the spring.

By following these winterization steps, you can minimize damage and extend the life of your court, net, posts, and windscreen, ensuring a smooth transition into the next playing season.