Did you know that clay courts respond very differently to winter weather than hard courts? When temperatures drop below freezing, the moisture that gives clay courts their signature playability can also carry some interesting side effects. Clay courts retain moisture, and when water in the clay freezes, it expands, making the playing surface uneven until it fully thaws. Freezing water below the surface is one of the main reasons courts can close during cold snaps.
“Clay courts are designed to hold a specific level of moisture beneath the top layer,” explained Chris Byrd, Pelham Racquet Club Supervisor. “When that moisture freezes, it expands. As the court begins to thaw, that water has to go somewhere.”
This process is often why players may notice water pooling or small bubbles forming on the court surface after a cold morning. As frozen moisture below the surface warms and expands upward, it can temporarily push the top layer of clay up, creating bubbles or soft spots. While this may look minor, stepping or playing on the court during this stage can break the bond between layers and cause lasting damage.
“Even if the court looks dry in spots, it can still be frozen or unstable underneath,” Byrd said. “Those bubbles are a sign the court is still releasing moisture and needs time to settle.”
Unlike hard courts, clay surfaces rely on a delicate balance of temperature and moisture. Walking or playing too soon can lead to uneven areas, dips, or cracks that require extensive repair. “Our goal is always to protect the courts so they play well all season,” Byrd added. “Allowing them to thaw naturally helps preserve the surface and keeps conditions safe and consistent for players.”
While it can be frustrating to see courts unavailable on cold mornings, these closures play a critical role in protecting the long-term quality of the playing surface. Guest and members are encouraged check daily court updates during winter months.
A little patience during cold weather goes a long way in keeping Pelham’s clay courts in top condition, and while there isn’t an exact universal “minutes until thaw” number that applies to every facility, there are some real, evidence-based benchmarks and behavior patterns our staff use to guide decisions about court closures, thawing, and playability:
• Once a clay court is frozen, the amount of time it takes to be ready again depends on a few factors, including:
how deep the freeze went
how much sunlight and warmth it receives
whether the court is shaded or exposed
drainage and wind conditions.
• As the court thaws, you may notice water pooling or bubbles forming on the surface. This happens because the frozen moisture beneath the clay has to move upward as it melts — and that moisture doesn’t disappear instantly. The surface is literally expelling water as it returns to a playable state.
In other words: freeze-thaw recovery isn’t measured in hours — it’s measured in warmer temperatures and sun exposure. Courts need this time to fully release moisture and regain stability before maintenance equipment and play can safely resume.
Thankfully the experienced staff at Pelham Racquet Club know these courts in and out. They are there, even in the cold, monitoring court conditions and maintaining playable surfaces for all their guests!