It’s summer, which means you’ll be using your court more often, hosting casual backyard games, participating in friendly matches, or having impromptu fun. But with the sun beating down and temperatures steadily climbing, your court’s surface can suffer. Fading colors, cracks, and surface damage aren’t just unsightly; they can also shorten the lifespan of your court. 

Here are some practical summer court care tips to help you prevent surface damage and keep your court safe, vibrant, and ready for action all season long. 

Clean Regularly 

Dirt, debris, twigs, and leaves can trap moisture, leave stains, and accelerate surface wear. Sweep your court at least once a week and rinse it down with water to remove dirt and grime. For stubborn stains, use a mild, non-abrasive soap and soft-bristle brush or a pressure washer on the low-pressure setting. 

Protect Against UV Damage 

The summer sun’s harsh UV rays can cause your court’s color to fade. Apply a professional-grade, UV-resistant coating to help preserve your court’s vibrant colors and texture. If your court hasn’t been resurfaced in a few years, consider scheduling a fresh protective layer before the peak summer heat arrives. Your court should be resurfaced every three or five years or when it has experienced significant damage. 

Inspect for Cracks Early

Small cracks may seem harmless, but summer heat can cause them to expand quickly. Perform a thorough inspection every few weeks. If you notice cracks forming, address them as soon as possible. Filling cracks right away protects your court from water seeping in, which can worsen damage when temperatures fluctuate. 

Avoid Standing Water

Summer rain and harsh storms can leave puddles behind on your court, and standing water can seep into small surface imperfections, leading to cracks and material breakdown. Ensure your court has proper drainage, which includes a slope of one inch every 10 feet in one direction, French drains or channel drains on the perimeter, and sublevel pipes and gravel layers that collect and redirect water. 

If you notice any water remaining on your court after a heavy storm, carefully squeegee it away to keep the surface dry and protected. 

Limit Heavy Equipment and Furniture

Your court is designed to handle only sports equipment and players. Placing heavy items, such as a grill, patio furniture, or vehicles, can cause unnecessary stress and cracking. To protect the integrity of the court’s surface, keep non-sport-related items off and refrain from using it as a storage area during the summer or any other season. 

Schedule Professional Maintenance 

If your court shows signs of wear, you may want to consider investing in a professional maintenance service to extend its lifespan. Resurfacing, crack filling, and applying protective coating every three to five years will keep your court looking and playing its best, even through harsh summer heat and weather. 

Consider Shade Solutions

Consider installing shades or planting trees nearby to help reduce direct sunlight exposure on your court. This may not be possible for every court, but strategic shading can minimize UV damage and extend the life of the court surface. 

Tips for Playing Sports Safely in the Summer

While it’s important to protect your court in the summer, players should also protect themselves when playing outside on the court to avoid getting sick or injured.

Hydration — Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing. Avoid sugary drinks, and consider sports drinks with electrolytes if you are playing for an extended period. 

Sun Protection — Just like your court, you need to protect yourself from UV rays. Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and reapply every two hours. Wear sunglasses, a hat, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Consider limiting your activity during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).

Warm-up and Cool-down — Always warm up before physical activity to prepare your muscles and cool down after to help your body recover. Include dynamic activities and light cardio. 

Listen to Your Body — Take breaks in the shade and allow your body time to cool down. Stop playing if you feel pain or dizziness and don’t push yourself too hard, especially when it’s hot outside. 

Keep Your Court in Peak Condition this Summer Season

Your court can provide exercise, family bonding, and fun all summer long, so don’t let the heat and harsh sunlight shorten its lifespan. With routine cleaning, quick repairs, and a few preventative steps, you can keep your court looking vibrant and performing its best all season long. A little care now means fewer costly repairs later — and more time enjoying the game.