Baseball Backstop 101: Complete Guide to Extend the lifespan of your equipment

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The care of a baseball backstop, also known as a baseball turtle or batting turtle, is crucial in maximizing the lifespan of this valuable piece of batting practice equipment. Ensure its longevity by following simple maintenance and storage practices.

If you’ve faced complications with a baseball backstop before, it’s important to continue reading to ensure your new backstop remains in optimal condition. Follow these straightforward guidelines to safeguard your new equipment.

1. Regular Maintenance: Conduct periodic inspections to identify any signs of wear, loose bolts, or damage to the baseball backstop. Check for loose threads, holes, or weak spots. Early detection allows timely repairs or replacements.

This is especially true if you have a baseball backstop that is raised and lowered before and after each use.

The canopy, with its 3 arches are raised and lowered using 6 long tubes with both tube ends shaped like the letter “U”. These ends have a mechanism that may wear out someday- even more when the unit is transported in the “up” position.

This condition could create a safety hazard if regular safety checks are not done. The problem is likely many years down the road with replacement parts called U Lock Connector Tubes always available. They are sold in pairs with a 3 pair-set being the most you might ever need to replace.

2. Cleaning: Keep your baseball backstop clean by sweeping any leaves, dirt and debris that comes in contact with the net, especially at ground level. Use a soft brush, broom or leaf blower to remove any and all regularly, especially over winter or other long periods of time between use.

3. Weather Protection: Though covered above, you will want to protect against damage from severe weather events like strong winds, heavy rain, or snowfall.

Pro Tips
+ Always store any foldable baseball backstop in the down/transport position.
+ Remove your net if this is practical, especially in cold or winter seasons. Believe it or not, cold and winter winds are abrasive to baseball netting.
+ Remove your vinyl skirt to reduce the damage that storm-like winds can cause

Consider temporarily storing the baseball backstop in a covered area, if available. If not available, store your baseball backstop against any solid wall and secure it with rope to prevent the worst damage from larger storms.

4. UV Protection: Prolonged sunlight and ultraviolet ray exposure can prematurely weaken your expensive baseball turtle net while also degrade your ricochet cushion padding over time.
Draping your entire baseball turtle with a simple, inexpensive blue vinyl tarp (in the down position, if you have one of our foldable models).

5. Proper Off Season Baseball Turtle Storage: 
+ Before storing any baseball backstop for off-season or extended periods of non-use, ensure it is completely dry before draping for the off season.
+Store it in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area to prevent mold or mildew growth and to discourage any premature rusting in joints or around nuts, bolts, and hardware.
+ Lubricate all joints with a lightweight oil (or any similar product you have on hand) before putting it away for any extended time periods. This may slow mother nature by preventing premature rusting.

CARING FOR THE NETTING COVERING THE Baseball BACKSTOP

Netting is a significant investment, and proper routine maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity and functionality. Follow these steps to ensure the lifespan of the baseball backstop netting.

1. Inspection: Look for holes, frayed edges, or any other damage to your main net (or if you also have a model with a secondary baffle net). Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further deterioration and extend the net for a few extra seasons of use and storage.

2. Cleaning Your Net: Dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate on the netting over time, impacting its integrity and appearance. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the netting’s strength and reduce the risk of mold or mildew growth. This is most likely where wind gusts push leaves and debris at the ground level. Same goes where leaves have fallen overhead on the top portion of your net canopy.

3. Protect Nets from Weather: UV rays, in particular, can weaken the netting fibers over time. This is important and worth repeating!

Store your foldable unit in the down position to best protect your baseball backstop main net! When the time comes when you need a replacement UV resistant net, choose one of our Big Bubba or Bubba Elite original equipment replacement nets . Call us at 828-820-8644 for any other model you might own.

Additionally, you will want to remove or retract the netting during extreme weather, especially if you live in an area prone to severe storms and winds.

4. Repair Damage: Small damage or tears in the netting can quickly grow into larger problems, if left unaddressed. Repairing small damage promptly is crucial to prevent the need for a complete net replacement. You can patch small holes with netting repair kits or consult with a professional to make the necessary repairs.

5. Net Tension: Maintaining net tension is essential to prevent sagging and to maintain the integrity of your net. Over time, netting will stretch and become loose. Make sure to periodically adjust the tension to keep the netting taut and in optimal condition. Loose netting can result in balls hitting the framework or escaping the cage, potentially causing damage or injury.

Over time, if you find yourself needing to replace parts for your baseball backstop, rest assured that our experienced team is here to assist you. We will help you locate the exact part replacements you require for your backstop.

With over 20+ years of expertise in the baseball equipment industry, we possess the knowledge of what truly works.

If you already know which specific parts you need, simply click here to access our wide selection of replacement parts.

Alternatively, if you require guidance in finding the correct replacement parts for your backstop, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us during our business hours or leave us a message at (828) 820-8644.

baseball backstop care