What sweeper do professionals recommend for padel courts?

Professionals recommend for padel courts a padel machine with soft brushes that are especially suitable for artificial turf. The machine must be light enough not to damage the artificial turf, but powerful enough to remove sand and dirt effectively. Important features include adjustable brush pressure, sufficient suction for fine sand and compact maneuverability for the relatively small playing surface of a padel court.

Why does a padel court need a special sweeper?

A padel court requires a specific sweeper because the artificial grass is different from regular surfaces. The artificial grass on padel courts consists of artificial grass fibers with a layer of sand infill underneath that provides the proper playing characteristics and cushioning. Regular sweepers often have brushes that are too hard, which can damage the artificial grass fibers or push the sand too deep into the mat.

The sand infill plays an important role in ball behavior and player grip. If you go over artificial turf with a standard sweeper, the sand distribution can become uneven. This directly affects the playability of your court. In addition, hard brushes can bend or even loosen the artificial grass fibers, shortening the life of your padel court.

A sweeper for padel courts should therefore be equipped with soft brushes that remove dirt and loose particles without affecting the artificial turf structure. The machine should also be light enough not to leave lasting impressions in the artificial turf, but effective enough to pick up sand, leaves and other debris.

What features should a sweeper for padel courts have?

A suitable sweeper for padel courts has several technical specifications that distinguish it from standard sweepers. The most important feature is the brush type. You need soft brushes specifically designed for artificial turf. These brushes clean effectively without damaging the artificial grass fibers or disturbing the sand infill.

The working width of the machine is also important. For a 10-by-20-meter padel court, a sweeping width between 50 and 70 centimeters is ideal. This will give you enough capacity without making the machine too big for the space. Also pay attention to maneuverability, as you need to be able to work easily along walls and in corners.

Other relevant features are:

A bin with sufficient capacity (at least 40-50 liters) to sweep the entire course at once
Adjustable brush pressure to adjust intensity to match the degree of soiling
Good suction for collecting fine sand and dust
A light weight (under 100 kg) to prevent damage to the artificial turf
A battery life of at least 1-2 hours for efficient work

Noise level also plays a role, especially if you want to sweep the track while nearby tracks are in use. Machines with noise levels around 80-85 dB are acceptable for outdoor use.

How often should you sweep a padel court with a machine?

The sweeping frequency of your padel court depends on the intensity of play and weather conditions. For average use, professionals recommend at least once a week machine sweeping. If your court is played intensively (more than 8 hours a day), two to three times a week is necessary to maintain playing quality.

The season and weather conditions also affect the frequency of maintenance. In the fall, when leaves are plentiful, sweep more often. After rainy periods, it is wise to check the court for washed-up dirt and mud. In dry summers, you need to sweep less often, but then it is important to check the sand distribution regularly.

You recognize that your job needs maintenance by several signs:

Visible accumulation of dirt, leaves or twigs on the playing surface
Uneven sand distribution with some areas appearing bare
Reduced grip for players due to slippery spots
Change in the bouncing behavior of the ball

Regular sweeping significantly extends the life of your artificial turf. By removing dirt and organic material in a timely manner, you prevent the artificial grass fibers from being affected. It also keeps the sand infill better distributed, which maintains playing characteristics and postpones valuable renovations.

What is the difference between buying and renting a sweeper for padel courts?

The difference between buying, renting and leasing a sweeper for padel courts is mainly in the flexibility and maintenance responsibilities. At purchase you make a one-time investment for a professional sweeper suitable for artificial turf. You then own the machine and can use it whenever you want, but you are also responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Renting is interesting if you don't need the machine on a regular basis. For example, if you operate one padel court and sweep only weekly, renting can be a flexible solution. With renting, you pay per day or per week, and maintenance is usually the responsibility of the lessor. This gives you flexibility without a large initial investment.

Leasing offers a middle ground where you spread the investment over a longer period of time. You pay a fixed monthly fee and can start working with a new machine right away. This is attractive for operators with multiple jobs that require regular maintenance. With leasing, you can often take out maintenance contracts, avoiding unexpected repairs.

In making your choice, these considerations are relevant:

For one padel court with weekly maintenance: renting can be a flexible solution
For multiple jobs or daily use: buying or leasing offers greater convenience
If you want predictable expenses: lease offers fixed monthly amounts
For seasonal use: renting gives maximum flexibility

Also, don't forget to include maintenance responsibilities in your consideration. When you purchase, you are responsible for replacement parts and service. A maintenance contract can help keep these aspects predictable and extend the life of your machine.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sweeper for your padel court requires careful consideration of several factors. Soft brushes, the right working width and sufficient suction are important features for effective padel court maintenance without damage to the artificial turf. Regular sweeping, tailored to play intensity and season, keeps your court in optimal condition and extends the life of the artificial turf.

Whether you choose to buy, rent or lease depends on your specific situation and frequency of use. Want tailored advice for your padel court? At Metech, we are happy to help you find the perfect sweeper for artificial turf. We offer on-site demonstrations so you can test the machine on your own padel court before making a decision.

Contact us today for personal advice and find out which solution best suits your padel court. Click here to contact us directly and take advantage of our expertise in padel court maintenance.