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Play your best game: pool table maintenance tips for 2023

Published on 19 Jul 2023

Your pool table isn’t just a piece of furniture - it's the heart and soul of your game room, the centre of exceptional skill showcases, friendly rivalries, and unforgettable victories.

And while your game can get better with every round, your pool table can show wear and tear over time. To keep it in top-notch condition, proper maintenance is key. Whether you’re just a casual player or play competitively, these tips will ensure your table looks as good as it plays.

Your property inspiration

If you’re looking for pool table perfection, you only need to visit this five-bedroom home for sale in Bonza Bay. The property offers a rare river lifestyle opportunity, enhanced by a home that has been revamped for modern tastes.

Part of the home’s appeal lies in an exceptional games room featuring the pool table pictured. This recreational feature has been kept in excellent shape and well protected from sun damage thanks to heavy, but elegant curtains framing the room. Family and guests can have a great game while enjoying easy access to the patio and pool area.

Pool Table 2

Sink those shots on a well-maintained table

Your pool table is your pride and joy. With these maintenance tips, you can ensure it remains in great shape for every game you play.

Position it right: Place your table away from direct sunlight and your fireplace to protect it from damage. A good spot is next to your patio doors like the Bonza Bay home to create an easy flow between your inside and outside areas for socialising.

Give it a regular cleaning: While you should make every effort to prevent spills and stains, these can happen. A solution of cold water and vinegar can help you clean your table’s felt. The railings and wooden base can be cleaned using furniture polish.

Brush or vacuum: For dust and chalk residue, you can use a brush with soft bristles (starting from one end to the other) to collect and gently remove particles. If you vacuum, it’s best to use a low-powered device with a brush attachment and not one with rotating or straight suction so as not to damage the table fibres.

Clean the balls: Billiard balls can pick up chalk dust residue and dust, spreading this across the table. On a regular basis, you should wipe them down with a damp cloth or scrub them in hot, soapy water.

Use your table as directed: Some of the worst damage can happen when your table isn’t treated with respect. There should be no smoking, eating, or drinking near it to prevent ash burns and stains. Players should also take care not to sit on, lean, or lift the table. This can misalign the table’s slate.

Keep pets away: While your table may be in an accessible spot, it’s best to keep away or train animals to stay away from your table. Your table could easily become a scratching post or sleep spot, with the latter leaving hair embedded into your table’s felt surface.

Level your table: Every now and then, you should check and adjust the level of your pool table. If your surface is uneven, this can have an impact on the accuracy and consistency of your shots.

Replace the felt: After time, the playing surface of your pool table will need to be replaced at least once every two years. This should be done by a trained professional who can set the felt correctly.

Your pool table maintenance FAQs answered

1. Should you iron your pool table?

You can occasionally iron the felt surface on your pool table to remove any creases. This will allow your balls to travel smoothly across the table. Be sure to do so gently on a low setting and only after the pool table has been cleaned.

2. How often do you need to brush your pool table?

If you are an avid player, after every session is the ideal. However, once a week is fine if you’re an occasional player. The aim is to remove any dirt that can damage the table through wear and tear as your balls roll across them.

3. Should your pool table be covered when not in use?

Yes, you should invest in a high-quality pool table cover. This will protect it from any dust, stains, and sun damage.

4. Can you put water on a pool table?

Yes, you can use water to help remove stains from your pool table. Use a damp microfibre or cotton cloth to blot stains and then wring out any excess water from the spot after you’re done.

Your home should inspire you

Your pool table offers countless hours of fun and entertainment. Take care of it with these pool table maintenance tips, and you’re sure to preserve its longevity and enhance your playing performance in the process.

If you're looking for a home with the perfect game room, trust Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, the most prominent real estate company in South Africa, to find it. Browse our portfolio of extraordinary properties for sale and get in touch with our team now.

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