Pickleball players see the shiny courts. But what they don’t see is the time, tools, and elbow grease it takes to keep them that way. 

So, how are pickleball courts actually cleaned? What’s considered “standard” in the industry? And what are the smartest clubs doing differently?

Let’s break it down. 

How Courts Are Cleaned Today 

Many clubs use a combination of cleaning equipment and manual effort. Whether the courts are indoors or outdoors, the approach varies – but in both cases, keeping them clean takes far more work than most players might expect.

Outdoor courts: 

These get the dirtiest, the fastest. Wind brings in leaves, dirt, pollen, trash, you name it! Rain can leave water spots or streaks, and shaded corners often grow algae or mold if not maintained. The typical response?

• Leaf blowers to clear debris 
• Backpack vacuums to handle dust and grit
• Push brooms or squeegees to remove water
• Occasional power washing (though this can wear down surface coatings if done too often) 

Indoor courts:

Protected from weather, but not from buildup. Dust, shoe grime, sweat, and paint flakes accumulate over time, especially on cushioned surfaces. Many facilities:

• Sweep or vacuum weekly 
• Use mops or auto scrubbers monthly (if at all)
• Spot-clean areas that look visibly dirty

Some clubs outsource cleaning, paying crews or workers to come in early morning and late nights – but this adds recurring costs and doesn’t guarantee consistency. 

Why This Matters

Clean courts aren’t just about appearances. A well-maintained court:

• Improves grip and safety for players
• Prevents long-term surface damage
• Avoids costly resurfacing (which can run $15K per court)
• Enhances the members experiences and keeps them coming back

Still, many facilities struggle to keep up. Cleaning tends to be time-consuming, inconsistent, and more reactive than proactive. When it’s neglected, dust builds up, risks increase, and costs inevitably rise.

What If the Court Cleaned Itself?

That’s where CeCe comes in. 

Autopilot’s CeCe is a smart cleaning robot built specifically for pickleball and indoor sports courts. CeCe is surface-safe, customizable, and built to handle the exact messes pickleball courts face every day. 

She vacuums, scrubs, mops, and sweeps – all in a single pass. And she works overnight, meaning your courts are clean and dry before the first serve. 

Even better? Every clean is automatically logged. So instead of wondering if your team remembered to clean, you’ve got a digital record that proves it. 

Clubs using CeCe are saving over $1000/month on labor and equipment – and getting cleaner, safer, longer-lasting courts. 

Ready to let CeCe handle the dirt? 

Let CeCe handle it - book a demo today and see how much cleaner your club could look. 

‍