Should You Buy Outdoor Pool Tables?
Although there are many reasons to get outdoor pool tables instead of indoor ones but the biggest reason is the amount of space it saves. I remember we use to live in a small house so space was really tight. So when i bought a pool table it was 7 feet long when i installed it, It literally took over the whole space and only few space was left to make decent shots, Our cue bar use to hit the walls while aiming at the ball, At that moment we feel that we need to change either our house or this pool table. Then i notice that we have large space in our garden area so outdoor unit was the best solution. My wife suggest to get folding ones but those were just 6 feet long so that doesn’t offer a challenging game. It was easy to pot in those. Along with small playing area you need to install those folding ones every time you need to play so overtime you don’t want to play just because you need to setup it again. The durability of this tables are a big concern too. It has sacrificed its durability for the price of being fordable.
Our outdoor pool table
How Outdoor Pool Tables Are Different?
Pool tables comes in various shapes and sizes but the two main classes are indoor and outdoor units. Some people might don’t know about outdoor pool table, but its real. It not just a pool table that is kept outside but its completely different and the material used in such tables are different.
The problem with indoor units is that when you keep it outside it will soon get damaged because its not meant to be kept outside. Spotting a outdoor unit is not tricky if you know these points
1# Metal Frames : Metal frames are commonly used in outdoor pool tables because of it durability, While wooden ones may look classic and better but it can easily damaged when kept outside. You can also opt for stainless steel ones if need more better looks. Steel gives pool tables more shiny effect. Other then steel aluminum is widely use since its more cheaper infact if you are going with metal frame you will more likely end up with aluminium ones.
2# Add ons : Outdoor units mostly comes with more add ons accessories but you need to check the retailers or on amazon about how many accessories they are providing mostly you will get protection cover and maintenance add ons. Protection cover is important since on outside it easily gets dirty although its easier to remove it with just few wipes with cloths.
3# Felt : The felt used in indoor ones are quite smooth but they are not durable so same cannot be used on outdoor ones so the surface is bit rough in these tables which makes balls slower, So you need to push force in making shots but overall the game will be interesting in any tables it doesn’t matter weather its outdoor or indoor models.
Buying Options
There are several buying options available on amazon just check out these.
- Playcraft Extera Outdoor Billiard Table : A complete aluminium body with weatherproof so it can sustain weather damage. Its durable with aluminium body you can aspect long lasting performance. The only cons about the table is that you have to slight more power due to felt but its same with any other outdoor units too.
- Imperial Outdoor Pool Table 8ft : The 8ft size will make your game challenging and fun. It is semi assembled so you just need to bolt them up so it going to save a lot of your assembling time. The pool table looks good so it will make your outdoor look even better. It has K66 cushion rubber on the edges so you will get good rebounce while taking shots.
Maintaining Pool Table
You can make your pool table last longer if you spend some time in its maintenance although outdoor units don’t require much maintenance then indoor ones so its a great plus but still you can check on these things
Protection Cover : Your pool table is water resistance but don’t put it on a test, Most of the time you will get water resistant protection covers along with the tables for free so its not harm to use it. During rainy season air contains humidity which might not affect your pool table directly but can damage those parts which are not water resistant.Its good to create habit of covering your pool table after game is over. Do check what accessories are available with your table if they are providing cover with it then you are good to go if not then you can always buy it separately.
Safe Play : Outdoor tables are durable but they are not rock, Avoid putting heavy stuffs on the table. Its good to keep pool tables as a playing stuff. I have seen some people use it as a normal table like putting heavy stuffs over it when you keep putting heavy items on these table it exert pressure on the surface which in the long run can affect leveling of the board which results in dent in those places, So whenever ball hit those particular area it makes it slow.
Cleaning : Cleaning can prevent dirt and dust to stick on the surface which may create uncertain movement of the balls. You don’t want your shot to be missed just because some small pile of dirt changed the direction. There are specially designed brush available such as Iszy Billiards 9 Inch Nylon Pool Table and Rail Brush you should make use of it. With just gentle wiping can keep surface smoother.
Clean Balls : Just like surface you have clean the ball too the more smoother they are the more better games will be and also shining pool table balls make your table look good.
Conclusion
Overall outdoor pool tables are perfect blend of style and durability so its can be beneficial to get one. It not only a good entertains you but makes your house look good too.