At APT, we know that quality sports surfaces require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in top condition for athletes and teams at all levels. Whether it’s a synthetic soccer field, a hybrid grass athletics track, or an indoor basketball court, each surface has specific needs to maximise performance, safety, and longevity. Taking the right steps in routine maintenance can prevent costly repairs and ensure compliance with sporting body standards.
Different Surfaces for Different Sports
Every sport has unique requirements when it comes to playing surfaces, meaning the maintenance approach must be tailored accordingly.
Hockey: Poligras, the FIH’s preferred hockey turf, is used in Olympic stadiums and school fields worldwide. Regular brushing, debris removal, and occasional deep cleaning maintain its world-class performance, ensuring durability, sustainability, and optimal playing conditions for all levels of hockey.
Basketball and Netball: Laykold’s outdoor basketball and netball courts require regular cleaning to maintain performance. Removing dirt and debris, using a pH-neutral cleaner, and checking for cracks or faded markings ensures a safe, high-quality surface with optimal grip and durability year-round.
Athletics Tracks: Rekortan athletic track surfaces, installed at 80% of Australian tracks, offer unmatched quality and durability. Regular sweeping, debris removal, and deep pressure washing maintain traction and performance, ensuring these Melbourne-manufactured, ISO 9001-certified surfaces remain in peak condition for athletes year-round.
Soccer Fields: LigaTurf synthetic soccer fields are designed to meet FIFA certification and provide year-round playability and injury prevention. Regular brushing, debris removal, and infill checks ensure consistent conditions, keeping Australian-made surfaces in peak form for A-League teams, community clubs, and schools.
Tennis Courts – Maintenance needs vary depending on the type of court:
- Synthetic Grass (Supergrasse and Omnicourt) – Regular brushing keeps the pile upright and ensures even play with the occasional decompaction of infill, preventing hard patches.
- Hard Courts (Laykold) – These require periodic pressure washing to remove dirt and surface buildup whilst checking for cracks and sealing them early to prevent larger issues.
- Clay Courts (Policlay Pave and Policlay Turf) – Daily watering helps maintain moisture levels while dragging and rolling the surface ensures a smooth, even playing field.
General Maintenance Tips
Regardless of the type of surface, there are key maintenance practices that should be followed to keep sports facilities in prime condition.
- Clearing Debris and Vegetation: Regular sweeping or blowing of leaves, dirt, and loose debris prevents long-term buildup and keeps surfaces performing as they should.
- Mowing and Brushing: Brushing artificial turf weekly helps redistribute the infill and keep the fibres standing tall, mimicking the feel of natural grass.
- Checking Drainage Systems: Clearing drainage pits and ensuring proper water flow prevents algae buildup and pooling on synthetic surfaces, especially during wetter months.
- Inspecting for Wear and Tear: Regular inspections allow for minor remedial repairs before issues escalate into costly replacements.
Keeping Sports Surfaces in Peak Condition Year-Round
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping sports surfaces safe, durable, and high-performing. While basic upkeep like clearing debris, checking drainage, and brushing turf can be done in-house, professional servicing ensures longevity and compliance with sports body regulations. Annual deep cleaning, infill top-ups, and resurfacing help maintain optimal playing conditions and prevent costly repairs. Advanced equipment like the SMG WashMatic for pressure cleaning tracks or specialist turf decompactors can extend the life of synthetic turf and hard courts (available through Polytan Maintenance Services). Investing in proper maintenance now means athletes can enjoy top-quality facilities for years to come.