From clay to acrylic resin: modernise your court with Plexipave®

replacing the old porous concrete, also known as ‘Tennisquick’. There are now sports systems… Is maintaining your clay court taking up more and more time, water and labour? Frequent watering, redistributing the surface material, brushing, repairing uneven areas and repainting the lines are all part of the routine required to keep this type of surface in good condition.

For this reason, many clubs, hotels, housing estates and private owners are considering the possibility of converting their clay courts into more modern surfaces that are easier to maintain.

However, modernising a court does not simply mean replacing the clay surface with high-performance acrylic resin surfaces, such as Plexipave®, which are designed to provide consistent playing conditions, a professional appearance and high resistance to outdoor use.

Why renovate a clay court?

Clay courts offer a very distinctive playing experience, but they also require constant attention. Inadequate maintenance can lead to areas with varying levels of compaction, build-up of material, misaligned lines and a less consistent bounce.

An acrylic surface significantly reduces the amount of maintenance required and ensures the court remains ready for play for longer. Following regular cleaning and the necessary checks, the surface continues to perform consistently without the need for watering, re-levelling the surface or constantly re-marking the lines.

This transformation may be of particular interest to:

• Clubs and academies that need to increase the number of hours available for playing.
• Hotels and resorts looking for a well-maintained and functional sports facility.
• Homeowners’ associations looking to reduce maintenance costs.
• Private homes where residents prefer a clean, easy-to-maintain surface.
• Sports centres that require a hard-wearing surface for frequent use.

Acrylic resin and porous concrete are not the same thing

It is important to distinguish between a court finished solely with porous concrete and a professional acrylic sports surface.

Porous concrete serves primarily as a structural and drainage solution. As it is a rigid base, it can provide a firmer surface underfoot and, over time, may develop cracks, show signs of wear or lose its uniformity if it has not been properly installed or maintained.

Plexipave®, on the other hand, is a surfacing system comprising various technical layers applied to a properly prepared base. These layers help to even out the texture, control the pace of play and achieve a seamless finish with a more consistent bounce.

The result is a court that is more visually appealing and offers performance characteristics specifically designed for playing tennis.

Key benefits of a Plexipave® court

Less maintenance and water consumption

An acrylic court does not require the daily watering associated with clay courts. Nor does it require the surface to be levelled after each session or frequent maintenance to restore the lines.

Maintenance mainly involves removing leaves and dirt, keeping the drains clear and carrying out regular cleaning with water and mild cleaning products.

Consistent bounce and predictable play

The texture of the surface helps to ensure a consistent bounce across the entire surface. This enables players to better anticipate the ball’s trajectory and enjoy more consistent playing conditions.

Plexipave® also offers a range of configurations classified by the International Tennis Federation, allowing the court’s speed to be adapted to the players’ level and the intended use.

Weather resistance

The acrylic resins used in Plexipave® are formulated to retain their colour and withstand exposure to ultraviolet rays. This feature is particularly important in Spain, where many courts are exposed to high temperatures and intense solar radiation for long periods.

A clean and visually refreshed track

By removing the soil, much of the dust, mud and the spread of material to neighbouring areas is also eliminated.

The wide range of colours available makes it possible to completely revamp the look of the facility, tailor the court to a club’s corporate identity, or blend it in aesthetically with a home, housing development or hotel.

Greater comfort with suspension systems

When seeking a more comfortable underfoot feel, it is possible to incorporate acrylic systems with cushioning layers. These solutions, commonly known as cushion systems, help to reduce the perceived hardness compared with a conventional rigid surface.

The choice between a standard system and a cushioned one should be made taking into account the level of use, the players’ profile and the available budget.

How is a clay court converted into an acrylic court?

A transformation involves much more than simply removing the topsoil and applying paint. To ensure a long-lasting court, it is essential to create a stable, properly levelled base that is ready to accommodate the sports surface.

The process may include:

1. Removal of compacted earth and any materials that cannot be reused.
2. Inspection of the site, gradients, drainage and existing structure.
3. Levelling out uneven surfaces and preparing a solid foundation.
4. Construction or upgrading of an asphalt base, where required by the project.
5. Sealing and levelling of the surface.
6. Application of the various layers of Plexipave® acrylic resin.
7. Final marking of the pitch lines.

The number of layers, the system chosen and the work required on the sub-base will depend on the actual condition of the track.

Before starting the work, it is essential to carry out a technical assessment. Not all clay courts have the same structure, the same drainage problems or the same level of deterioration.

A surface suited to every style of play

Plexipave® allows you to choose from different speed categories. This means the court can be set up to offer a slow, medium or medium-fast pace.

This feature is particularly useful in sports centres and clubs, where the surface must meet specific training or competition requirements. In a private facility, it allows the court’s performance to be tailored to the preferences of its regular users.

It is not simply a matter of changing the appearance of the facility, but of designing a surface that is suitable for the type of game to be played on it.

Specialists in tennis court refurbishment

At Universal Sport Instalaciones, we assess each refurbishment project on a case-by-case basis. We analyse the existing court, the condition of the sub-base, the drainage, the intended use and the expected level of performance.

Based on this assessment, we propose the most suitable solution and apply the various technical layers required to achieve a uniform, durable surface that is ready to deliver professional-grade performance.

We have over 40 years’ experience in the construction, installation and refurbishment of tennis courts for clubs, tennis academies, hotels, housing estates, sports centres and private clients.

Are you thinking of renovating your old clay court? Contact Universal Sport Instalaciones. We will assess the condition of the court and provide you with a technical proposal tailored to your project.