Sports surfaces are a major investment – and the longer they last the more return you will get on that investment. So, it makes sense to look after your sports surface and the most obvious way to do that is through cleaning and maintenance. Whether it’s tennis courts, a MUGA or any other type of sports surface, it will always be worth the effort to clean it on a regular basis if you want the surface to continue to perform, and to last.
Reasons to clean your sports surface
- To maintain safety standards. If your surface is worn out or damaged then it can present a safety hazard.
- Ensuring performance levels are high. A dirty sports surface simply won’t perform at optimum levels and this can ruin enjoyment and equipment.
- To sustain the surface for as long as possible. When sports surfaces aren’t cleaned they can quickly degrade so it’s vital to do this every 12-18 months to prolong the life of your sports surface.
What can you do in between cleans?
While it’s key to ensure that you’re scheduling regular cleaning for your sports surface, there is also plenty that you can do yourself in between regular professional cleans to get the most from a surfacing investment.
- Clear off natural debris. Depending on where the sports surface is, there could be a lot of natural debris building up, such as moss and leaves. Where this is left it will encourage the growth of mildew and mould, which can degrade the surface and also make it dangerous. So, look at cutting back any overhanging branches etc so that there is minimal potential for debris to end up on the surface. Spend some time removing natural debris from the surface on a regular basis to ensure that this doesn’t affect it.
- Pay attention to the surface after rain. If your sports surface doesn’t drain that well it might be worth investing in a new one. However, before that point it’s a good idea to remove any standing water so that you’re not getting a build up of dirt and debris and to avoid any water staining too.
- Be aware of the guidelines for that particular sports surface. For example, is there a certain type of footwear that might damage it? Do you need to ensure that no one is using bikes or roller blades on the surface if this might also damage it? Plus, is it necessary to make sure that food and drink aren’t taken onto the surface?
- Do you need a weathersafe surface? If you notice that the sports surface is starting to degrade quickly and that weather conditions make this worse then it might be worth looking into a more weathersafe surfacing option. This will not only reduce cleaning and maintenance costs in the long run but also ensure that the surface can be used all year round too.
From ensuring safety to allowing for optimum performance, these are some of the reasons why it’s important to clean your sports surface on a regular basis.