Pool and billiards have a lengthy and storied history that dates back several centuries. 9-ball pool was initially played in the 1920s, and 8-ball pool, the forerunner to modern pool as we know it, was first played in the early 20th century. Nowadays, having a coin-operated Valley pool table is beneficial for businesses like bars, hotels, gaming rooms, community centers, and any other location where people gather to have fun. Pool tables are an investment, and at Penguin Amusements, we understand how crucial it is to keep your table in good shape.
What Is the Typical Pool Table’s Life?
Your pool table and any related equipment should be viewed as an investment. Whether you are a pool enthusiast who hosts guests at your home or a bar owner with pool-loving patrons, you want your table to last as long as possible. The amount of care that is provided to it determines how long it will survive, just as with any other piece of equipment.
Keep your Pool Table in Good Condition in the Valley?
Insist first and foremost that your clients or guests respect your table in every way. When they are near expensive furnishings, people often take extra precautions. Players may imitate other players who abuse the table if they observe such behavior.
You must take care of your pool table parts yourself and pay attention to other players’ techniques if you want it to endure as long as possible.
Sanitized pool Equipment
Clean pool cues glide through a player’s fingertips more easily than unclean ones do. This not only makes it harder to play, but it also encourages players to use more force, which can damage the felt on the table. Use a microfiber towel or an alcohol wipe to regularly clean the cues, as desired. Use solvent-based cleaning or alcohol-based wipes to clean the shaft to get rid of the gunk and grease. After that, clean the stick with a cleaner and burnish it. The final step should be to apply wax to protect it from additional deterioration.
Dust and chalk build up on the balls during play; if you don’t regularly clean the balls, you’ll spread this material back onto the felt and rails of the table. Billiard balls can be cleaned by soaking them for about ten minutes in a ball cleaner solution or in a sink of soapy water, followed by vigorous scrubbing. If you own a business, you might want to consider investing in a ball cleaner.
Get your Pool Table Covered!
The furniture will still collect dust and other debris even when nobody is using it. Consider getting a pool cover so you don’t have to stress about sun damage or spend all of your free time cleaning the pool. Additionally, a solid cover protects the table from any potential accidents.
Dry and Wash the Felt
For the felt, there are a few different cleaning techniques that can be applied. Billiard table brushes are practical extras to have on hand. Players are permitted to sweep off talc and dust from the table during game time with a broom or dustpan. The best choice for use on fragile surfaces is a table brush with soft bristles. Instead of brushing in a circular motion, move the bristles from one end of the pocket to the other. Click here to learn more!
To completely remove all traces of dust and grime from the table, use both a brush and a handheld vacuum set to its lowest level. It fully cleans the surface without moving any of the dirt around on it. To find out more, click here.
Move Chalk with Caution
Never immediately apply chalk to the felt. Before each shot, it’s crucial to chalk the cue, but you should do so as far away from the table as you can. When chalk dust builds up on the felt, it could enter the table through any cracks or holes that might be there. Placing extra chalk on the floor, where it will be simpler to clean up, is preferable to leaving it on the table.
Be Wary of Moisture and Sunlight
When the sun is directly overhead, avoid playing pool. Your cushions won’t last as long in the sun because the felt will eventually turn stained. Even while the sun won’t harm your table, it is still a good idea to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as you can. Your table should be placed in a location in the room that isn’t immediately exposed to the sun.
Be cautious as well when exposed to hot temperatures and high humidity levels. Wooden frames may distort if the heat is too intense. While most slate tables still have hardwood parts that can bend when exposed to high temperatures, slate does not become brittle over time. Put your pool table in a place where the temperature stays steady.
Be Cautious when Building
Keep the frame’s cleaning routine consistent. Use a soft bristle brush to clean the railings, legs, cabinet, and any other flat surfaces. Apply wood cleanser with a soft cloth and rub the surface to polish wooden tables. Both the wood and the leather should be conditioned with a professional furniture polish. Leather attachments like pockets and cushions must be cleaned with an oil-based substance to avoid the leather drying up and splitting.
Replace Parts as Necessary
Did you know that some pool tables from more than a century ago are still in use today? Your Valley pool table’s lifespan might be extended beyond what was initially predicted if you give it the correct care. Despite that, it’s probable that you will need to replace the following parts over time:
Felt Pillows
The rails can be covered up or changed. Consumables like felt may need to be replaced as frequently as once every three to five years in situations where there is considerable wear and tear (or misuse). Even if you find that the fading is only a tiny bit, you should probably replace the felt. People typically start to take less care of their tables when they start to seem worn out.
Cushions should last between 20 and 25 years longer than felt, if they are built well. Replace the bumpers (cushions/rails) when you start to detect changes in the bounceback. If the rubber bounces “dead” or feels like it has come free from the wood mounting, it is time for a repair. Your gaming experience will then be as it should be.
Set some Guidelines for your Table
The first rule at your table should be to play the game in a proper manner. Because doing so can result in tears, players shouldn’t be allowed to poke the point of their cues into the table. Be cautious of any metal that may be on the table as well. Before starting the game, it is possible to ask players to take off their hand and wrist jewelry. If there are any stray metal pieces, the felt is in risk. It is forbidden to eat or drink at a pool table in the Valley. The likelihood of moisture damage and spills increases when cans and bottles are left on tables.