Even the best-built sports court won’t take care of itself. Whether it’s a tennis, pickleball, or basketball surface, regular maintenance isn’t just a good idea. It’s what keeps the game fair, safe, and enjoyable.

A clean, even court improves performance. It protects athletes from injuries. And it delays the kind of damage that turns into expensive repairs down the line.

Yet, too many outdoor courts get ignored until something cracks. Surface wear, poor drainage, and climate stress can sneak up on you fast if you’re not paying attention.

This guide breaks down the essential upkeep every court needs to stay in play, from cleaning routines and seasonal prep to spotting early signs of trouble. Whether you manage a school court, a community rec space, or your own backyard setup, here’s how to keep it looking sharp and playing right.

Related Article: How Often Do I Need to Resurface or Repair a Sports Court?

Why Court Maintenance Matters

Outdoor sports surfaces face constant wear from players, weather, and time. Without upkeep, even a well-built court can show signs of damage within a few seasons.

Regular maintenance helps:

• Preserve surface traction and safety
• Prevent cracks and low spots from spreading
• Maintain court markings and play boundaries
• Reduce long-term repair costs
• Improve the playing experience for all skill levels

Skipping maintenance leads to avoidable problems like water pooling, surface peeling, and trip hazards. The earlier you act, the easier it is to fix.

1. Keep the Surface Clean

Frequency: Weekly

Leaves, dust, standing water, and debris can break down court materials faster than you’d expect. Clean courts not only look better, they last longer.

Basic cleaning tips:

• Use a leaf blower or soft broom weekly
• Remove standing water to prevent surface softening
• Hose down with clean water when needed (avoid pressure washers unless approved for your surface type)

What to avoid:

• Abrasive cleaning tools
• Harsh chemicals
• Power washing on acrylic or cushioned surfaces

2. Check for Drainage Problems

Frequency: Seasonally and after heavy rain

Improper drainage is one of the fastest ways to shorten your court’s life. Pooled water can seep into cracks and freeze, causing them to widen.

What to look for:

• Water that lingers longer than 24 hours
• Soil or mulch buildup near the edges
• Low spots or dips in the surface

If you’re noticing any of these issues, Crowall’s team can assess the grade and recommend adjustments, including laser-guided grading for maximum precision.

Related Article: The Process of Laser-Guided Grading: What to Expect and How It Benefits Your Sports Court

3. Inspect the Surface for Damage

Frequency: Monthly and after tournaments or heavy use

Surface wear can sneak up slowly until it turns into a real hazard.

Things to check:

• Cracks or separation lines
• Faded or peeling paint
• Bubbling or blistering of the surface layer
• Loose or worn net anchors (tennis/pickleball)

Small repairs today can save you from major resurfacing later. CrowAll offers patching and resurfacing services that restore playability while keeping costs manageable.

4. Repaint and Resurface When Needed

Frequency: Every 4–8 years (depending on usage and surface type)

Even the best-built court will need resurfacing eventually. Fading colours, loss of grip, or uneven bounce are all signs your court needs a refresh.

When to resurface:

• The surface is more than five years old and heavily used
• Cracks keep returning after basic repairs
• Traction has noticeably decreased
• You want to switch court use (e.g., adding pickleball lines)

CrowAll offers professional resurfacing and repainting using high-quality, sport-specific coatings. We can restore your current layout or customize it to meet your updated needs.

Related Article: What Are the Benefits of Tennis Court Resurfacing?

5. Manage Surrounding Areas

Frequency: Ongoing

What happens around the court affects what happens on it. Overgrown plants, broken fencing, and nearby gravel can lead to dirt buildup, physical damage, or even injuries.

Stay on top of:

• Trimming trees and shrubs to reduce debris
• Keeping gravel paths swept and sealed
• Inspecting fences and gates for damage
• Removing nearby standing water or moss

Creating a clean perimeter helps keep the surface clean, too.

6. Prepare for Winter

Frequency: Annually (Fall)

Ontario winters are no joke. If your court isn’t properly winterized, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause major damage by spring.

Winter prep checklist:

• Clean and dry the surface completely
• Remove nets and portable equipment
• Cover exposed anchors or hardware
• Avoid using de-icing salts directly on the court

CrowAll can help you winterize your court safely and recommend protective options that suit your court type.

Related Article: Tennis Court Maintenance Tips for the Winter Months

7. Schedule Professional Inspections

Frequency: Every 1–2 years

Even if everything looks fine, a professional eye can catch small issues before they become expensive problems.

We offer site inspections and consultations for both private and public courts. Whether you’re managing a school facility, a backyard setup, or a municipal space, we can help assess condition, spot early signs of damage, and create a custom maintenance plan.

8. Keep a Maintenance Log

Tracking your upkeep can help you stay consistent and make future resurfacing decisions easier.

What to record:

• Cleaning dates and methods
• Repairs made and by whom
• Notable damage or wear
• Weather-related issues
• Resurfacing history

This log becomes especially valuable for shared or public-use courts, where multiple people may be involved in upkeep.

When It’s Time to Call the Experts

Not every issue can be solved with a broom and a patch kit. If you’re seeing widespread cracks, slippery spots, or drainage issues, it’s time to bring in a pro.

CrowAll brings decades of experience in sports surface repair and construction. We offer:

• Laser-guided grading for drainage precision
• Resurfacing and colour coating
• Crack repair and court reconfiguration
• New court construction (tennis, pickleball, basketball)
• Custom line painting for multi-sport use

Your Court Deserves Consistent Care

Sports courts don’t maintain themselves. But with a clear plan, a bit of regular upkeep, and the right professional support, you can keep your surface safe, smooth, and ready for action.

From resurfacing to full construction, CrowAll is here to help keep your court performing at its best for years to come.

Ready to get your court back in top shape or build one from the ground up? Our team is here to answer questions, offer expert insight, and provide a quote tailored to your space.

Let’s make your court a place people want to play. Call us today.