Pickleball is exploding across the country, and with it come more community complaints about the noise created when the balls hit the paddles. If your favorite pickleball facility is being bombarded with neighbors grumbling about the ping-ping of the paddles, talk to Grand Slam Courts about noise-mitigating fencing.
Just to be clear: the decibel level of paddleball is not significantly greater than that of tennis. One facility in Arizona brought out the decibel meter and found that tennis registered 58 decibels and pickleball came in at 60 decibels. Most will concede, however, that pickleball creates a different, higher-pitched sound that may carry farther.
If the pickleball facility you love is struggling with griping neighbors, contact Grand Slam Courts about the new fencing alternatives available to block court noise. Testing in a number of communities suggests that while the specialized fencing only results in a reduction of about 11 decibels, the perceived reduction in sound by the human ear is 50%.
There are two types of sound dampening materials in use currently. One is a vinyl sheet heavy enough to reflect the sound inward. The second is a quilted vinyl that includes a layer of fiberglass. This is the more expensive option, but it is designed to absorb sound rather than reflect it. Both are designed to hang on chain link fencing or any vertical surface including walls.
These barriers also provide wind reduction and privacy. They are UV-certified for outdoor use. They will stand up to full sun and up to 200-degrees F. (Even Central Texas doesn’t get THAT HOT!) Cold temps as low as -40 F will not degrade them, either. The sound barriers come in a variety of colors to coordinate with the court’s colors.
Of course, it is not just the sound of the ball on the paddle that makes pickleball a noisy sport. Those who play pickleball can be a loud bunch, and the popularity of the sport often means that there are cheering spectators standing by for their turn on the courts, as well. Grand Slam Courts has a solution for that, too. We can build you your own backyard pickleball court, so there’s no more waiting for a court. Give us a call when you are ready for backyard pickleball fun.