Fall & Winter Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Athletic Courts

You’ve built the perfect backyard athletic court and spent the entire summer enjoying it. But do you know how to take care of your athletic court when fall and winter roll around?

Maintaining outdoor athletic courts during the fall and winter seasons is crucial to ensure they remain safe and in good condition for use. After all, you don’t want your new court damaged by the elements.

C&C Courts has some tips for maintaining your outdoor athletic court throughout the fall and winter seasons!

Fall Maintenance

Before the snow falls, we have all the classic elements of autumn: chillier weather, rain, and fallen leaves. While these seem innocuous, they can still significantly affect your backyard athletic court. Here are some ways to maintain your court during the fall season:

Regular Cleaning

Regularly remove debris, leaves, and organic materials from the court surface. Decaying leaves can promote mold growth and eventually cause exterior damage to your court. A quick, weekly sweep or blast from a leaf blower should be enough to clear the debris from your court.

Inspect for Damage

Always be on the lookout for cracks, holes, or uneven areas. If you notice any problems, make sure to have those issues repaired before winter rolls in or, worst-case scenario, someone gets hurt. It’s important to know that cracks will only get worse as the weather changes.

Trim Surrounding Vegetation

It’s a good idea to trim trees, bushes, and other plants around your court to prevent leaves and other debris from accumulating. This will also help make regular cleanings much easier and faster.

Pressure Washing

If needed, use a pressure washer on low to remove dirt, stains, and any accumulated grime from the surface of your court. This will help maintain the court’s appearance and prevent potential slippery spots that could cause injury.

Winter Maintenance

Winter temperatures, snow, and ice can all cause problems for your athletic court. Be sure to follow these winter maintenance tips to preserve the integrity of your outdoor surface:

Protect from Snow and Ice

If your court is near an area where you might be plowing or snow blowing, make sure to set up snow fences around the court to prevent damage. If you want to remove snow buildup on your court, use a plastic shovel with smooth, plastic edges to remove the snow. Avoid metal shovels, as they can damage your court’s surface.

De-Icing

Avoid using salt or ice-melting substances on your court, as these can often leave blemishes on your surface. Instead, use a non-corrosive ice melt specifically designed for athletic court usage.

Cover if Possible

It’s not a bad idea to cover your court with a protective tarp during the winter season if you can. This can prevent snow and ice buildup directly on the surface and keep your court in good condition for longer.

Prevent Foot Traffic

Don’t let people walk over the court while it is covered in snow and ice. This can be dangerous and increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.

Quick Snow Removal

As soon as the snow stops falling, remove the snow from your athletic court to prevent it from compacting and turning into ice. At the same time, avoid using heavy equipment because of potential damage. Use a lightweight snow plow or a shovel instead.

Transform Your Court Into a Winter Ice Rink!

Did you know your outdoor athletic court can serve double duty as a winter ice rink, providing hours of enjoyment for family and friends? Follow these steps to turn your backyard game court into a winter ice rink!

Clear the court of any debris, snow, or ice.
Install wooden boards or plastic barriers along the court's perimeter to create a barrier for water containment.
Lay the plastic or rubber liner across the court, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Position the garden hose at one end of the court, near the boards.
Slowly and evenly flood the court with water, starting from one end and moving to the other.
Allow each layer of water to freeze before adding the next.
Repeat this process until you achieve the desired thickness (usually 2-4 inches).
Create a smooth and level surface by continuing to flood the court until the ice is flat and uniform.
Once the ice is thick enough, you can mark your ice rink with hockey lines or create a figure-eight skating path for added fun.
Ensure the ice is safe for skating by checking for any cracks or weak spots.

Remember, you can always count on your trusty Minnesota court builders at C&C Courts to help you transform your backyard game court into the ultimate winter ice rink!

Call C&C Courts Today to Design and Build Your Own Athletic Court

It’s always a great time to install a new athletic court at your home! C&C Courts in Minnesota is dedicated to providing the best service and quality installation to each customer we work with.

We can walk you through our entire court design process and provide you with a free quote. For inspiration, check out a testimonial from a happy customer.

Give us a call today at 952-746-4545 or send us a message on our website. We look forward to working with you!