Repurposing Old Tennis Courts for Pickleball in SA: A Complete Guide

Why Convert Tennis Courts?

Pickleball’s rapid rise in South Africa is driving demand for more courts. The easiest solution? Repurposing tennis courts that may be underused or abandoned.

Key Advantages

• Cost savings compared to building new courts from scratch.
  
  
• Faster implementation using existing surfaces and fencing.
  
  
• Efficient use of space: one tennis court can house up to four pickleball courts.
  
  
• Community revival by attracting new players and repurposing idle facilities.
  
  
• Versatility: Tennis courts can still be shared with removable pickleball lines and nets.
  
  

According to the Pickleball Union, South Africa’s pickleball growth has been accelerated by the creative use of existing tennis and netball courts. This dual-purpose approach allows schools, clubs, and municipalities to maximise sports participation without major capital projects.

Planning and Layout

A standard pickleball court measures 6.1m x 13.4m. With good planning, four pickleball courts can fit comfortably inside a single tennis court.

Conversion Checklist

• Map and measure existing tennis courts.
  
  
• Decide between permanent painted lines or temporary tape.
  
  
• Install portable or semi-permanent pickleball nets.
  
  
• Maintain a minimum 2m safety zone between courts.
  
  
• Add shaded seating or benches for players and spectators.
  
  
• Consider fencing or dividers to separate courts and avoid ball interference.
  
  

If your tennis court has lighting, check spacing and angles to ensure visibility for four smaller courts. Multi-court setups often require adjusted lighting positions.

Costs to Expect

The cost of converting a tennis court depends on its condition, but it is generally more affordable than constructing new facilities.

Typical Expenses

• Court line painting/taping: R3,000 - R8,000 depending on permanence.
  
  
• Portable net systems: from R2,000 each (e.g. Elemental Net).
  
  
• Lighting upgrades: R15,000+ (optional but valuable for evening play).
  
  
• Surface repair/resurfacing: varies from small crack fills to full resurfacing projects.
  
  
• Court accessories: ball hoppers, seating, windscreens, and signage.
  
  

Clubs often start with temporary conversions (tape and portable nets) before investing in paint and permanent infrastructure. This allows them to test demand first.

Case Study: Picklers Park Roodepoort

In June 2025, South Africa hosted its first National Pickleball Championships at Picklers Park in Roodepoort — a facility boasting 20 outdoor courts and a showcase centre court.

While Picklers Park was purpose-built, its success highlights the demand for facilities. Many other South African clubs and schools are starting with conversions as a cost-effective way to build participation before expanding into dedicated complexes.

Maintenance for Longevity

Regular upkeep ensures your converted courts remain safe and enjoyable.

• Repaint lines every 2–3 years.
  
  
• Fill cracks and resurface when needed.
  
  
• Replace or tighten net systems annually.
  
  
• Sweep, wash, and clear debris weekly.
  
  
• Inspect for weather-related damage after storms.
  
  
• Consider scheduled professional surface checks.
  
  

A well-maintained conversion can last for years and serve as a springboard for competitive leagues and events.

Indoor Conversions

Don’t overlook gyms, school halls or community centres. Indoor conversions are:

• Perfect for winter or rainy weather.
  
  
• Low-cost (requires only taped lines and portable nets).
  
  
• Popular with schools that want flexible use of space.
  
  

Indoor courts are often less expensive to maintain and make pickleball accessible year-round.

Community Benefits

Court conversions do more than provide play space — they revitalise entire communities:

• Increased participation from people of all ages.
  
  
• Shared facilities reduce costs for schools and clubs.
  
  
• Revenue opportunities through court rentals, coaching, and tournaments.
  
  
• Health and wellness impacted by providing inclusive access to exercise.
  
  

Pickleball’s social nature means these converted courts often become hubs of community interaction.

Step-by-Step Implementation for Schools & Clubs

1. Conduct a needs assessment: survey interest among students, staff, or members.
   
   
2. Secure approvals: get buy-in from school boards, municipal councils, or club committees.
   
   
3. Budget & funding: explore grants, sponsorships, or gear partnerships with Pickleball Zone SA.
   
   
4. Pilot sessions: trial temporary courts for events or weekends.
   
   
5. Evaluate demand: track participation, waiting lists, and community response.
   
   
6. Commit to permanent conversion: paint lines, invest in quality nets, and schedule regular programmes.
   
   

FAQs

Q: How many pickleball courts fit on one tennis court?
A: Four pickleball courts fit comfortably with proper spacing.

Q: Does conversion damage the tennis court permanently?
A: No. Using removable tape and portable nets means the court can still be used for tennis.

Q: How long does conversion take?
A: Basic conversions take a few days. More extensive resurfacing or lighting upgrades may take weeks.

Q: Can netball or basketball courts be converted too?
A: Yes. These typically fit one or two pickleball courts, perfect for schools and smaller venues.

Q: Are indoor conversions popular in SA?
A: Yes. Many schools and community centres are now taping pickleball lines inside halls to maximise usage.

Ready to Transform Your Court?

If you manage a tennis court, school yard, or community facility, pickleball is your opportunity to revitalise it. Contact Pickleball Zone SA for affordable nets, gear packages, and expert advice to get your conversion started. With the right planning, your unused tennis court could become the heart of your community’s next sporting success story.