Why is it important to replace the surface of a padel court as time passes?

When is the right time to change the surface of a padel court?

There are different types of surfaces designed for playing padel or paddle tennis, although most padel courts are laid with artificial turf.

Many factors affect the durability and performance of the sports surface:

• The number of hours for which the court is used: naturally, if the padel court is used for many hours a day and throughout the year, the degree of wear and tear will be greater.

• Maintenance of padel courts made from artificial turf: regular maintenance helps to maintain the properties of the court for longer over time.
• Indoor or outdoor facilities: in the case of outdoor installations, the geographical area and the direct effects of weather conditions on the artificial turf systems may contribute to increased and/or decreased durability. 
• Type of artificial turf system: the type of artificial turf is also a determining factor in the durability of a padel court.
  Currently, there are three filaments available for surfaces designed for padel: fibrillated, straight monofilament and textured monofilament.
  In the case of the Supercourt XN artificial turf system, the official surface of the World Padel Tour, the silica sand infill is "trapped" between the textured filaments, preventing this from coming to the surface, thereby ensuring that it does not contribute to the wear and tear of the upper part of the fiber.

Each padel court has specific characteristics with regards to its use and its surface, and it is impossible to generalize when it comes to durability.

However, there are a few elements that can help when evaluating whether it is time to change the artificial turf surface of a padel court. 

What are the factors that must be taken into consideration when determining when to change the artificial turf on a padel court?

What are the factors that must be taken into consideration when determining when to change the artificial turf on a padel court?

Below is a list of indicators that can help us to decide when to replace the artificial turf system for padel courts:

1. Loss of fiber height

Continued use of the system results in wear of the fibers over time. The fibers wear down and become shorter due to the abrasive action of players’ shoes and the silica sand in the infill. 

This phenomenon is accelerated both by exposure to ultraviolet light - which reduces the mechanical strength of the fiber - and by insufficient infill, which facilitates crushing of the threads, increasing the surface area exposed to abrasion.

A major reduction in the height of the surface compromises its performance, changing the grip conditions and affecting ball bounce.

2. Breakage of the fiber

Another of the key factors that determines whether the artificial turf on your padel court needs to be replaced is fiber breakage. This phenomenon, too, is a result of the abrasive action exerted by shoes and the silica sand in the infill.

The correct distribution and amount of infill enables the fibers to be protected from this abrasive action, limiting breakage.

Indeed, major thread loss - just like a decrease in the height of the surface - compromises its performance.

But how can I detect fiber breakage in an artificial turf system? 

It’s very simple: when you see a large amount of filaments or fiber residues scattered around the padel court. 

Pay attention to sand infill

In light of the important role played by the silica sand infill - which acts as a stabilizer on the fibers of the artificial turf system for padel courts - it is easy to understand just how critical proper maintenance of the surface is, with a view to preventing premature wear and tear.

Compaction, high lateral leakage and uneven distribution of material over the court area are the main problems that may arise.

Compaction of the infill material is a problem that should not be overlooked: an excessively thick sand layer impairs the performance of the surface, changing the grip conditions and affecting ball bounce.

In parallel, high lateral leakage of silica sand should also be monitored, and may be a result of:

• Environmental factors: these may include rain or wind, which can remove some of the padel court infill.
• Player interaction: it may happen that, while using the structure, the players themselves "drag" part of the infill away from the surface.
• Improper court maintenance: regular maintenance is essential. If not carried out correctly, the distribution of the sand may be uneven, compromising optimal playing conditions. 

The wear and breakage of the fibers and other issues linked to the amount and distribution of sand infill alter the performance of artificial turf systems for padel, and increase the risk of injury to players.

Regular maintenance of courts - as well as the replacement of worn playing surfaces when their sporting performance is beginning to decline - is important, not only for playing performance, but also for the safety of all court users. 

Think it's time to replace the surface of your padel court? Contact us for a quote!