BUILDING EXCELLENCE

SAPCA has updated its Code of Practice for padel courts, which sets out the standards required for padel court construction in the UK

The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) has updated its Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts. The code, which can be downloaded for free from the SAPCA website, has been produced in consultation with padel’s national governing body, the LTA, and is recognised and supported by the LTA for the construction of courts in the UK.

Protecting investment

The document provides designers, specifiers and prospective facility operators with guidance on the basic construction requirements and specifications currently employed in building padel courts. The standards outlined throughout the code are recognised and supported as the minimum level for the construction of padel courts in the UK. As well as input from LTA and SAPCA’s technical experts, the document calls on the experience of SAPCA member companies, who have constructed a wide range of installations for a variety of clients over many years.

The updated code now has a new section on maintenance – a key element of protecting the facility’s investment and to ensure players enjoy a consistent, safe and high-quality experience. The newly added maintenance section in SAPCA’s updated Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts sets out, for the first time, a formal framework for maintaining court quality, safety and longevity.

The Code emphasises that regular inspection and servicing are essential to preserve playability and prevent costly repairs. It outlines best practice for court surfaces, including routine cleaning, sand top-ups and redistribution to maintain even ball response. Inspections also help identify and rectify loose bolts and panels early, before they become a safety concern

The section also details inspection regimes for metal enclosures, anchor points, and fixings, warning that corrosion and loose fittings can compromise both safety and structural integrity — particularly in outdoor UK conditions. To ensure player safety, the section also covers glass panels and markings, recommending regular checks of fixings, while offering specific advice for maintaining lighting systems and canopy structures.

The inclusion of this section marks a shift toward treating maintenance as an integral part of facility management, not an afterthought. It reinforces that proactive, planned maintenance is crucial for padel courts to perform as intended, remain safe for players, and deliver long-term value for operators.

What is SAPCA?

The Sports and Play Construction Association represents companies that design, build, and maintain sports and play areas. The association’s 260+ members are carefully vetted for excellence and are committed to SAPCA’s Codes of Practice and guidelines – ensuring they work to the highest standards.

Solid foundations

Elsewhere, there are further enhancements to guidance regarding the design and construction of suitable base works for the UK market. Reflecting the country’s varied soils, high rainfall and exposure to frost, the Code now places greater emphasis on site-specific foundation design by a qualified UK structural engineer, with calculations addressing local ground conditions and wind loads. A correctly engineered porous sub-base and drainage system are deemed essential to prevent water retention and surface movement.

The revised guidance details preferred materials – hard, non-frost-susceptible aggregates such as reduced-fines MOT Type 1 or 28–50 mm clean stone – and recommends geotextile membranes to separate sub-soil and improve load-bearing strength. For new courts, two layers of open-graded porous asphalt remain the standard, while conversion projects must include drainage checks and, if necessary, surface “piercing” to aid percolation.

Overall, the enhanced specifications underline the importance of UK-adapted construction methods to ensure long-term stability, consistent performance and player safety, while aligning padel court development with the latest environmental and structural engineering standards.

Colin Corline, SAPCA’s Technical Lead, said: “This is the second update to the padel courts Code of Practice this year. It follows the addition of information regarding the supply and construction of covered structures – such as canopies and tensile frame buildings – and guidance highlighting how site-specific designs are paramount.

“The padel sector is a fast-moving one and it is important that the code reflects the latest developments in the sector.

“The recent updates are an example of the important role that the SAPCA Codes of Practice have in setting and maintaining standards in sports construction – and the way they are kept relevant and updated to reflect best practice in a dynamic market.”