Common problems: Asphalt courts may suffer from cracking and upheaval -- due generaly to construction miscues, improper sloping, poor maintenance, inadequate drainage, subbase problems or poor soil conditions. Court repair specialists categorize seven different kinds of cracks -- from "alligatoring" to "ravelling." Solutions range from patching to major reconstruction of the court.

A "birdbath" is a minor depression in which water settles on a non-porous court surface after a rain or flooding. A method of determining a birdbath is flooding the court, and waiting an hour in minimum 70-degree temperatures in sunlight. If the remaining water covers the thickness of a nickel, it's considered repairable.

During the tennis season the courts should be hosed off with water periodically (once a month) and allowed to dry. Don't use a stiff bristle broom . Soft nylon or hair types are best for sweeping. Use normal water pressure for hosing. Should there be any stains on the court, they may be removed by applying a mild cold-water detergent and scrubbing with a hair-type scrub brush.

Should mold or mildew form on the courts in shady areas, an application of diluted strength household bleach (minimum 2 parts water, 1 part bleach) may be used to remove the fungus and retard further growth. Treated areas should be rinsed off after a few minutes to remove the surface contamination.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com