A pool table is a major investment, and like any major investment, you’re best off taking great care of it from day one. There are really two separate components to looking after your pool table; the first is what we think of as maintenance i.e. the brushing and vacuuming but the second is just as important and can be overlooked by some and that basically comes down to treating your table with respect i.e. don’t sit on it.
Let’s look more closely at these two aspects of maintaining your pool table.
RESPECT YOUR TABLE
1 – Regardless of your pool table dimensions never attempt to move the table once it has been installed. It is precision levelled for its’ exact position.
2 – Do not sit, climb onto or try to lift the pool table. This could cause the slate to misalign or put the table out of level.
3 – Leaning heavily against the table or bumping it with your hip to help the ball go in may cause your seams to break on the slate. Lines will develop in your cloth from a broken seam.
4 – Never use a cue that is missing a cue tip. The edge of the exposed cue ferrule is likely sharp and can cut the cloth.
5 – Similarly, discourage players from trying high-risk shots like “jump balls”. These shots often result in direct cue contact with the cloth, which can cause marks, holes and rips to occur.
6 – Keeping your table covered when not in use will reduce fading from the sun light. It will also protect the table from dust which gets under the cloth and eventually wears down the fibers as well as spills and scrapes.
7 – Finally, while not strictly a pool table item it is worth mentioning that pool cues should always be stored in a cue rack or stand that holds them in a vertical position to prevent warping.
TABLE MAINTENANCE
1 – Brush your table with the table brush provided after play. Using light strokes, brush the cloth from the head of the table (where you break from) to the foot of the table (where you rack the balls).
2 – Vacuum the cloth on occasion to remove dust and chalk residue build up under the cloth. Ensure that you only use an upholstery attachment with soft bristles to prevent any damage to the cloth from over-powerful vacuum suction or scraping. Do not use a nozzle as this will pull the cloth from the bed.
3 – Lint rollers work great for picking up dust and particles off the table.
4 – Every three months or when needed, polish the wood parts of the table using a high quality wood polish.
5 – About every six months, apply leather treatment oil to any leather parts of the table. If your table’s pockets are lined with leather, do not treat the insides. Only treat leather areas that will not come into contact with your billiard balls.
6 – Balls can be cleaned with a ball cleaner as required.
Basically, that’s all there is to it. Whether you have an entry-level 7ft pool table or a high-end 9ft pool table simply treat your pool table well and it will return the favor for years to come!
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For information on popular 7 foot pool tables select here: 7ft Pool Tables
For information on popular 8 foot pool tables select here: 8ft Pool Tables
For information on popular 9 foot pool tables select here: 9ft Pool Tables
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