Pool Table Care & Respect
Pool tables aren’t just furniture—they’re precision surfaces designed for consistent, level play. Whether you’re in a bar or playing at home, taking care of the table protects your game, your gear, and the investment behind it.
No Drinks or Food on the Table
The number one rule: never place drinks or food on the table—not on the rails, not on the slate, not anywhere. Even a small spill can ruin the cloth (felt), leave permanent stains, or soak through to the slate and cause long-term damage. Bars often place tables near drink service areas, but that doesn’t make the rails a drink ledge. Keep your drinks on a side table or shelf.
No Sitting or Leaning on the Table
Don’t sit on the rails, lean with your body weight, or use the table as a resting spot. Pool tables are level-sensitive. Just a slight shift in the frame or legs can knock a table out of alignment, especially with coin-op or adjustable-foot models like Valley and Dynamo. Leaning on the table also risks damaging the rubber cushions, loosening bolts, or even cracking the slate.
The Table Must Stay Level
A level pool table is critical. Even being off by a few millimeters can cause balls to drift or roll off line. If you notice balls slowly veering to one side, or if shots don’t behave consistently, it could mean the table has been leaned on or moved slightly out of level. Most bar owners or managers will have a service tech come in to relevel—but it’s avoidable damage if people treat the table properly.
Felt Is Not Cheap
That green (or blue, or red) fabric on the surface? It’s called fused wool cloth or “felt,” and it’s expensive. Depending on the quality and brand, recovering a table can cost $300 to $600 or more. Felt is easily damaged by crumbs, liquids, dirty hands, and even metal buttons or zippers. You can also burn it with chalk dust or tear it with rough cue tips. Good players appreciate a clean, smooth surface—respecting the felt keeps the game fair and fun.
The Bottom Line
By taking care of the table, you show respect for the game, the owner, and the other players. Encourage others to follow these basics—especially in casual settings where damage adds up fast. Pool is better when the equipment works the way it’s supposed to.