When you buy a pool table, you’ll almost always get a set of balls and cues with it. At least, you should be prepared to get some balls. When the table is shipped, these extra items will be put in the box with it. But even though this is enough to play a game of pool, you can now buy a wide range of equipment that can help you do better. You’ll also need to pool table parts at some time. Here is a list in the form of a countdown of the best choices we have for the accessories that pool tables need.
Chalk for the Pool Table
If you are headed to your favorite place to play pool, you know you most likely need to bring your own chalk. This is due to the fact that most places don’t keep chalk on hand. This one-of-a-kind chalk helps you make smoother strokes but also more accurate shots. This is because the chalk will make your cue stickier and make it easier to hold. In addition to this benefit, it helps to protect your cue by keeping the tip from wearing out and getting damaged over time. All in all, chalk helps your cue stay in good shape for a longer time.
Triangle Rack
It is sometimes simply called a rack instead of its full name. The rack is an important piece of equipment that is needed for a wide range of games. With the help of a triangle rack, you’ll be able to get your pool balls in the right place to start, which will let you get the game going quickly. It is possible to set up your pool balls without a cue ball rack, but it can be a bit frustrating and takes more time.
Ball Cleaner
The constant rolling of the pool balls around the table could cause some problems in the long run. Ball burn is a real thing in the world of pool. It’s important to polish your pool balls on a regular basis so that the level of play on your table stays the same. This will help get rid of dust and any greasy residue that might be on the surface of the object. It will also help reduce friction on the table felt, which is an important thing to think about.
Cue Rack
A cue rack is a great addition to your pool table accessories because it gives you a safe place to keep all of your cues. You should really think about getting one. Even though you can play pool by yourself, most of the game’s rules and mechanisms are made for two players to compete against each other. Because of this, you’ll need a place to store at least some of your cues, and a rack is the best way to do this.
You might not realize it, but pool cues come in many different sizes. This is another reason to have a cue rack since you might want to experiment and, therefore, have more than just one. You’ll see the advantage of multiple cues the longer you play.
Caring For Your Pool Table
Not only will you need extra accessories, but you will have to care for and maintain your pool table as well. This is essential for proper play and continued enjoyment. Continue reading to find out more.
Cleaning Your Accessories
Clean pool cues move more easily through a player’s fingers than dirty ones do. This makes it harder to play, and it also encourages players to use more force, which can damage the felt on the table. You can clean the cues as often as you want with a microfiber towel or an alcohol wipe.
To get rid of the gunk and grease, clean the shaft with wipes that are soaked in a cleaning solvent or alcohol. Then, use a cleaner to clean and polish the stick. The last step should be to put wax on it to keep it from getting worse.
During play, dust and chalk get on the balls. If you don’t clean the balls often, you’ll spread this stuff back onto the table’s felt and rails. You can clean billiard balls by letting them soak for about ten minutes in a ball cleaner solution or in a sink full of soapy water, then scrubbing them hard. If you own a business, you might want to buy a ball cleaner.
Consider Covering Your Pool Table
Even when you’re not using the pool table, it will still get dusty and dirty. Consider getting a pool cover, so you don’t have to worry as much.
Maintain the Felt in Good Condition
There are a few different ways to clean the felt. Having billiard table brushes on hand is a good thing to do. During the game, players can use a broom or dustpan to clean the table of talcum powder and dust. A table brush with soft bristles is the best choice for cleaning fragile surfaces. Move the bristles from one end of the pocket to the other instead of brushing in a circle.
Use both a brush and a handheld vacuum set to its lowest level to get rid of all the dust and dirt on the table. It gets the surface completely clean without moving any of the dirt around.
Be Mindful When Moving the Chalk
Never put chalk on the felt right away. It’s important to chalk the cue before every shot, but you should do it as far away from the table as possible. When chalk dust gets on the felt, it could get into the table through any cracks or holes. Instead of leaving extra chalk on the table, it’s better to put it on the floor, where it will be easier to clean up.
Don’t Set Up Your Table in Direct Sunlight, and Watch for Humidity
Even though the sun won’t technically hurt your table, it’s best to keep it out of the sun as much as possible. This is due to the sun’s rays fading your felt and possibly drying out the wood your frame is made from. Your table should be put somewhere in the room where it won’t get direct sunlight.
Also, be careful when you are exposed to hot temperatures and high levels of humidity. If the heat is too strong, wooden frames may warp. Even though most slate tables still have wood parts that can bend when exposed to high temperatures, slate does not get brittle over time. Put your pool table somewhere that stays the same temperature.
Routine Frame Cleaning
Clean the frame in the same way, every time. Clean the railings, legs, cabinet, and any other flat surfaces with a soft bristle brush. To polish a wooden table, put the wood cleaner on a soft cloth and rub the surface. Professional furniture polish should be used to care for both the wood and the leather. Leather pockets and cushions need to be cleaned with an oil-based product, so the leather doesn’t dry out and crack.
Summary
Did you know that some pool tables from more than a hundred years ago are still used today? If you take good care of your Valley pool table, it might last longer than the manufacturer said it would. Even so, it’s likely that you will need to replace the following parts at some point. When replacing parts, make sure you are using a reputable company, like Penguin Brand. To learn more about our parts and services, visit our website at penguin-brand.com.
