6 maintenance tips for artificial turf on an indoor padel court

Artificial turf on an indoor padel court lasts a long time, but only if you maintain it properly. Many owners and managers underestimate how much daily use affects the quality of the surface. Fibres get flattened, the sand infill shifts and small bits of dirt build up. With the right approach, you prevent premature wear and keep the court in top condition.

Why artificial turf on a padel court wears quickly

Padel is an intensive sport. Players move fast, change direction abruptly and regularly play from the corners of the court. These movements are concentrated in fixed spots, such as the service line, the corners and the zones directly behind the glass. That is exactly where the artificial turf fibres get flattened fastest.

The sand infill also plays an important role. The sand in the artificial turf provides stability and the right ball bounce. With intensive use, that sand gradually shifts, so the fibres lose their support and the court becomes uneven. Moisture, dirt and small particles speed up this process even further.

Good maintenance is therefore not a luxury but a necessity. Below you will find six concrete tips to extend the lifespan of your artificial turf and keep the playing quality up to standard.

1: Brush to keep the fibres upright

Regular brushing is the most effective way to keep artificial turf fibres in good condition. During play the fibres get flattened, so the court slowly loses its resilience. A court with stiff, flattened fibres affects the ball bounce and playing comfort.

Use a suitable artificial turf brush and work in the direction of the fibres. How often you need to brush depends on how intensively the court is used. With intensive daily use, brushing two to three times a week is recommended. With less use, once a week is enough.

When brushing, also pay attention to how the sand is distributed. If you notice the sand moving towards the edges or building up in certain spots, that is a signal to check the sand level.

2: Check the sand level regularly and top it up

The sand in artificial turf has a specific function: it keeps the fibres upright, absorbs shock and gives the court its characteristic playing properties. If the sand level drops, the artificial turf loses its stability and the ball bounce deteriorates.

Check the sand level at least twice a year. A simple way is to run your fingers through the turf: about two thirds of the length of the fibres should be visible above the sand surface. If you see that the fibres stick out almost completely above the sand, topping up is necessary.

Always use the right type of sand, namely quartz sand with the correct grain size for padel courts. Do not use ordinary building sand, because it has different properties and can damage the court or disrupt the drainage.

3: Remove dirt and leaves immediately

Dirt left on the artificial turf acts like sandpaper. Sand, dust, leaves and small stones work their way between the fibres and the sand infill and accelerate wear. On an indoor padel court leaves are admittedly less of a problem than outdoors, but dust and fine dirt also accumulate indoors.

Remove loose dirt regularly with a soft blower or a special artificial turf sweeper. Preferably do this before or after every playing session, so dirt has no chance to work its way in. Pay extra attention to the corners and the zones along the glass, because dirt accumulates fastest there.

Avoid using an ordinary vacuum cleaner or a hard broom, because these can damage the fibres or displace too much of the sand.

4: Treat stains and marks immediately

Drinks, food or other liquids that end up on the artificial turf must be removed immediately. The longer a stain sets, the harder it is to remove and the more damage it can cause to the fibres and the sand infill.

Always blot stains rather than rubbing them. Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes the liquid deeper into the artificial turf. Use lukewarm water and, if necessary, a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Aggressive cleaning products, solvents or hot steam are out of the question, because they attack the artificial turf fibres.

Are you dealing with stubborn stains or marks that do not come out with water? Then consult the artificial turf supplier for the right cleaning product. Cleaning incorrectly can cause more damage than the stain itself.

5: Spread intensive use across the court

Every padel court has zones that are under heavier load than others. The service line, the corners and the zones directly behind the glass back wall are the places where players stand and move most often. If those zones always receive the same players, the artificial turf wears faster there than elsewhere.

Schedule training sessions and open play so that different groups take turns using the same court. Also alternate the direction of play if possible. This spreads the wear more evenly across the surface and extends the total lifespan of the artificial turf.

If you have multiple courts, consider a rotation schedule for regular users. This is particularly relevant for clubs and commercial venues where the same groups play at the same time every week.

6: Schedule an annual professional inspection

Daily maintenance keeps the court in good condition, but an annual professional inspection is essential to spot problems early. A specialist sees wear, damage and unevenness that are not immediately visible to an untrained eye.

During a professional inspection, the sand level, fibre condition, the fixing of the artificial turf and the state of the lines are assessed. Any loose seams or damaged edges are checked as well. Small repairs are then still relatively simple and inexpensive. If you wait too long, small problems can grow into costly replacements.

Preferably schedule the inspection at the start or end of the season, so you can have the court repaired in time for the busiest period of use.

Good maintenance starts with the right choice

How easy artificial turf is to maintain already starts with its installation. Good-quality artificial turf, correctly installed on a stable base, is easier to maintain and lasts considerably longer. A cheaper solution at installation often leads, in practice, to higher maintenance costs in the long term. Want to know more about what a high-quality installation costs? Then read our explanation of the cost of an indoor padel court.

How I-Padel helps with artificial turf maintenance and installation

We don't just supply the padel court, we also think along about the long term. At I-Padel we work exclusively with padel-specific artificial turf of certified quality, correctly installed on a stable foundation. That makes daily maintenance easier and the lifespan longer.

• We supply artificial turf that meets the requirements for professional use.
• Installation is carried out by our own fitters, so there is no discussion about who is responsible if something goes wrong.
• For renovation or replacement of artificial turf on existing courts, we help you find the best solution for your location.
• We give advice on maintenance and intensity of use, tailored to the specific situation of your court.

Do you have questions about the maintenance of your current court, or do you want to know what we can do for you with a new installation or renovation? Get in touch for an initial exploration and we will be happy to think along with you, without obligation.

Frequently asked questions