Pool tables offer a lot of fun, especially if you are one to entertain. However, figuring out where you are going to put it can be a challenge. Maybe you’ve considered keeping it in the basement or sticking it out in the garage or patio. If that’s the case, you may also be wondering if pool tables need to be climate controlled.
As a general rule, a pool table will last longer and perform better in a climate-controlled area. Leaving a pool table exposed to constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity and cause damage and make play more difficult.
If you want to know more about where to keep your pool table and exactly how much climate control it needs, then keep reading. By the end, you should be able to decide if the spot you’re thinking about is well suited for a pool table.
Pool Tables Need Climate Control
When most people think about a pool table, the standard wood and felt design comes to mind. While there are some pool tables designed to function in outdoor spaces, the majority do need climate control.
Depending on where you live, you may experience various degrees of temperature and humidity. These variations can affect your pool table’s integrity. Even in mild climates, slight weather fluctuations can bring damage to the wood or felt of the table.
Moisture Can Cause Mildew, Warping, and Mold
When it comes to pool tables, moisture is not your friend. If your pool table is kept in a space that is not climate controlled, it is exposed to fluctuations in humidity levels.
The cloth on your pool table is made of wool. If moisture gets into the cloth, this can cause it to relax and loosen up. This will also create a risk for mildew and mold to grow.
Moisture can also cause damage to the wooden parts of the table. Wood expands and contracts with the increase and decrease of moisture. This can create a warping and twisting effect or cause the wood to even crack in some cases.
Keeping your pool table in a climate-controlled area allows you to manage how much moisture your pool table is exposed to and makes it more comfortable to play on.
Cold Temperatures Can Damage Rubber
Rubber tends to get hard and brittle in cold temperatures. If your pool table is sitting in a non-climate-controlled room, your cushions may harden prematurely, and replacements can be expensive.
Tips for Maintaining Your Pool Table When Not in Use
Whether your pool table is in your garage, basement, or game room, there are some things you can do to create some sense of climate control and help maintain your pool table.
Use A Dehumidifier to Manage Moisture
If humidity is a problem where you live, investing in a dehumidifier will help you manage the moisture levels in your home. This may help keep your pool table in top shape, allowing you to play comfortably for years to come.
Use a Humidifier to Add Moisture
If you live in an arid climate, you risk any leather parts of your pool table drying out and cracking. Adding a humidifier to the room might help prevent this from happening.
Wrap It Up
Using a pool table cover will help keep moisture, dust, and pests from settling on your pool table. Be sure to look for one that is thick and fits snugly over the corner. It’s also essential to measure your pool table before buying a cover so that you know you are getting the right size.
Clean Up Spills Instantly
Remember: moisture is not your friend. Use a felt cleaner to handle and spills or moisture collection on the top of your poll table so you don’t have issues with mold growing or the cloth weakening.
Heat Up Cold Spaces
If your game room is in a particularly cold area of the house, try adding a space heater to the space. This will keep the room at a decent temperature and may also help with humidity.
Keep in mind, if your climate is already dry, you may need a humidifier in this space to keep the air in the room from getting too dry.
Final Thoughts
A pool table can offer hours of fun, but only if it works properly and the space is comfortable to be in. Really, no one wants to play pool in a room that feels like a tropical rainforest or a cold night in January. Adding some elements for climate control will help your pool table last longer and make your experience more enjoyable.