Owning a pool table in North Carolina can be a fantastic addition to your home, offering endless hours of entertainment with family and friends. However, humidity in our region can be challenging when it comes to maintaining your table’s condition. High moisture levels affect wood, felt, and cushions, impacting gameplay and potentially shortening the life of your investment. To help you keep your pool table in top shape, here are some simple tips for maintaining it in a humid climate.
Keep Humidity in Check
Excess moisture in the air can lead to warping, felt deterioration, and even damage to rubber cushions. Ideally, keep the humidity levels in your game room between 40% and 60%. Using a quality dehumidifier or air conditioning unit can dramatically reduce moisture, protecting your pool table’s wooden frame, slate, and cloth from humidity-related issues.
Regularly Clean Your Pool Table’s Surface
Proper care of your pool table’s felt surface is important in preventing moisture-related problems. Regularly brushing the table surface with a pool table brush removes dust and debris, which can absorb moisture and accelerate wear. Always brush gently in one direction, from one end of the table to the other, avoiding circular motions. For deeper cleaning, the occasional use of a specially formulated felt cleaner helps maintain the surface without causing damage.
Protect Your Table’s Wood Surfaces
In a humid environment, the wood elements of your pool table are susceptible to damage if not cared for correctly. Avoid using heavy chemical cleaners that may strip finishes or leave residues behind. Instead, gently clean wooden areas with a dry microfiber cloth. If additional cleaning is needed, opt for products specifically formulated for finished wood furniture to protect against humidity damage.
Monitor the Condition of Cushions
Rubber cushions on your pool table rails can lose their elasticity in humid environments. Regularly inspect and gently press each cushion to test their bounce. If the cushions feel hardened or produce a dull thud rather than a lively rebound, it might be time to consider replacement. Well-maintained cushions are essential for enjoyable gameplay, helping your table provide consistent performance season after season.
Choose High-Quality Table Covers
Investing in a durable pool table cover is one of the best ways to protect against humidity-related issues. A high-quality cover helps protect your table from moisture, dust, and other environmental elements when it’s not in use. Look for covers made from breathable, moisture-resistant fabrics that keep your table safe while maintaining optimal airflow.
Consider Professional Maintenance
Regular professional pool table service is beneficial in humid regions like North Carolina. Having an expert periodically inspect your table, level the slate, and adjust cushions helps maintain peak performance and prevents expensive repairs down the road.
When you’re ready to invest in a new table, or if you need help maintaining the one you already own, Everything Billiards & Spas is your trusted pool table dealer. With top brands like Brunswick, Olhausen®, and California House®, and four locations in North Carolina, our experienced team can help you select and maintain the perfect indoor or outdoor pool table for your home. Stop searching for “pool tables for sale near me”—we’re here and ready to assist.
