How long will a padel court last with proper maintenance?

A properly maintained padel court will last between 8 and 12 years, depending on the type of artificial grass, intensity of use and climate conditions. The artificial grass itself has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, while glass walls and the surface often last longer. With regular and proper maintenance, you extend the lifespan considerably and maintain the playing quality of your court. In this article, we answer the most important questions about padel court maintenance.

What determines the lifespan of a padel court?

The lifespan of a padel court depends on several factors that combine to determine how long the court will continue to function optimally. The type of artificial grass plays a major role: high-quality artificial grass with good fiber density and infill lasts longer than other variants. The intensity of use is also important, as courts that are played intensively every day wear out faster than courts with moderate use.

Climatic conditions greatly affect lifespan. Outdoor padel courts face UV rays, rain, frost and temperature changes that cause the artificial turf and other materials to age faster. Indoor courts do not have this advantage and therefore tend to last longer. The quality of installation also makes a difference: a professionally installed court with good drainage and a stable surface is less likely to have problems.

Typical service life of different components

The artificial grass has an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years with normal use. With heavy use, this can drop to 5 to 7 years, especially in areas of heavy play such as around the net and in the corners. The glass walls often last 15 to 20 years when properly maintained, provided they are not damaged by improper use or maintenance.

The substrate and foundation has the longest lifespan and can last 20 years or more if properly constructed. The metal fencing and its coating requires regular inspection and possible repair of rust spots, but also generally lasts 15 years or longer. The infill in artificial turf must be replenished every 3 to 5 years to maintain playing quality.

How often should you clean a padel court for optimal maintenance?

The cleaning frequency of a padel court depends on its use and location. For daily intensive use, it is wise to thoroughly clean the court at least weekly. For courts with moderate use, a thorough cleaning every two weeks is sufficient, supplemented by light daily maintenance such as removing visible dirt and leaves.

Outdoor padel courts require more attention than indoor courts. Outdoors you have to deal with leaves, dust, algae and moss formation, especially in the fall and winter. During these seasons, it is important to check the court weekly and do additional cleaning as needed. Indoor courts are mostly affected by dust and sand particles carried by players, but the maintenance frequency may be slightly lower.

Practical guidelines by period

Daily maintenance consists of removing visible debris such as leaves, twigs and other coarse debris. This prevents dirt from accumulating and getting kicked into the artificial turf. For indoor courts, you can limit this to a quick visual check.

Weekly maintenance includes sweeping or vacuuming the entire court to remove sand, dust and small debris. With outdoor courts, this is the time to also check drainage and nip algae formation in the bud. Cleaning the glass walls is also part of this.

Monthly maintenance is the time for a thorough cleaning where you brush the artificial turf to keep the fibers upright and the infill evenly distributed. This is also a good time to inspec the court for damage and plan any repairs.

What cleaning methods are best for synthetic turf padel courts?

Several methods are suitable for cleaning artificial turf padel courts, each with its own area of application. Sweeping with a special padel machine or brush is the most commonly used method for daily and weekly maintenance. This effectively removes leaves, sand and dust without damaging the artificial grass. Just make sure you use a machine with soft brushes suitable for artificial grass.

Vacuuming with an industrial vacuum cleaner works well for indoor courts and for removing fine dust and sand particles. Make sure the suction is not too high, as this can pull the infill out of the artificial turf. Some sweepers combine sweeping with vacuuming, which has the advantage that you clean thoroughly in one operation without spreading dust.

Brushing and deeper maintenance

The regular brushing the artificial turf is important to keep the fibers upright and to distribute the infill evenly. You do this with a special artificial turf brush or a machine with rotating brushes. Always brush in different directions to get the best results and to avoid flattened areas.

High-pressure spraying can be used to remove stubborn dirt, algae and moss on outdoor courts. Use not too high pressure (maximum 100 bar) and keep sufficient distance from the artificial turf to prevent damage. Never aim the jet directly at the seams or edges of the artificial grass.

Use of scrubbers and cleaners

Scrubbers can be used for thorough cleaning, but require caution. Use only machines with soft brushes and low brush pressure to avoid damaging the artificial turf. Modern scrubbers can automatically adjust the brush pressure, which reduces the risk of damage.

When using cleaners, it is important to choose products specifically for artificial turf. Aggressive chemicals can damage the synthetic fibers and shorten the lifespan. Preferably use biodegradable agents and always rinse well with clean water. Also pay attention to drainage: cleaners must be able to drain without harming the environment.

What are common mistakes when maintaining padel courts?

A common mistake is using the wrong cleaning agents that are too aggressive for artificial turf. Bleach, strong acids and solvents can attack the synthetic fibers and cause discoloration. Even household all-purpose cleaners are often not suitable because they leave residues that make the artificial grass slippery. Always use products specifically designed for artificial grass padel courts.

Cleaning methods that are too aggressive are another problem. Using too much pressure in high-pressure cleaning, too hard brushes or too much brush pressure in scrubbers can damage artificial turf. The fibers can break down, the infill can be washed away and the backing can be affected. This significantly shortens the life of your padel court.

Drainage neglect and structural maintenance.

The drainage is often overlooked, but is important for the life of the job. Clogged drains cause waterlogging, which promotes moss and algae growth. Check regularly for proper water runoff and clean the drains at least twice a year. For outdoor courts, this is especially important after fall when leaves can clog drains.

Inadequate removal of dirt and algae is another common mistake. Algae and moss make artificial turf slippery and dangerous to play on. In addition, they corrode the fibers and shorten the lifespan. Remove algae immediately at the first signs and, if necessary, use an algae inhibitor suitable for artificial grass.

Tips to avoid these mistakes

Make a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Schedule set times for daily, weekly and monthly maintenance and record what you do. This will help you not overlook anything and spot problems early.

Make sure you have the right equipment and resources. A good sweeper with soft brushes, appropriate cleaners and possibly a special artificial turf brush make maintenance easier and more effective, and prevent damage to your padel court.

Train your employees or yourself in the proper use of cleaning equipment. Know how to adjust settings for artificial turf and what techniques work best. Proper training will prevent mistakes and keep your padel court in optimal condition for years to come.

At Metech, we understand that proper maintenance of padel courts requires the right equipment. We offer a wide range of sweeping and scrubbing machines suitable for artificial turf, including soft brush variants and dust-free systems. Whether you choose a compact sweeper for daily maintenance or a professional scrubber for thorough cleaning, we'll help you make the right choice for your padel court. With the right machines and a proper maintenance schedule, you'll get the most out of your court and enjoy a safe, clean playing environment for years to come.

Have questions about maintaining your padel court?

Want to know more about the best cleaning methods for your padel court or looking for the right equipment? Our team of specialists is here for you with expert, customized advice. Whether you need a new sweeper, are interested in a used scrubber, or just want advice on the optimal maintenance schedule - we're happy to help. Contact us today and find out how we can contribute to the optimal maintenance of your padel court.