How to Choose the Best Outdoor Pool Table for Every Season

If you love playing pool outside, choosing the right table is important to make sure it lasts and works well in all seasons. Whether it’s sunny in the summer or chilly in the winter, your outdoor pool table needs to handle the weather and still give you a great game. Let us show you what to look for when picking the best outdoor pool table for every season.

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Why an Outdoor Pool Table?

✅ Enjoy the Outdoors. Playing pool outside lets you enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while having fun.

✅ Fun for Guests. It’s a great way to entertain friends and family. Everyone can enjoy a game together.

✅ Looks Great. Outdoor pool tables come in different styles. They can make your backyard look nice and stylish.

✅ Increase Home Value. Adding an outdoor pool table can make your home more attractive to future buyers.

✅ Play All Year. With the right care, you can use the pool table most of the year, no matter the season.

✅ Great for Socializing. It’s a fun way to spend time with others. You can relax, play, and talk outside.

Key Features to Look For

Choosing the right outdoor pool table is important to ensure that it lasts and provides a great playing experience. Here are the key features to consider when shopping for an outdoor pool table:

Weather-Resistant Materials. Make sure the table is made from materials that can handle rain, humidity, and sun. Look for weatherproof wood or metal frames.

Durable Playing Surface. The playing surface should be made of a strong material like slate or a weather-resistant alternative. This ensures smooth gameplay and better durability outdoors.

Sturdy Frame and Legs. A solid frame and legs are crucial for stability. Metal frames are often better for outdoor use since they resist rust and weather damage.

UV Protection. Choose a pool table that has UV-resistant coating to prevent the sun from damaging the colors or materials over time.

Protective Covers. A good cover helps protect the table when it’s not in use, keeping it safe from dirt, rain, and other outdoor elements.

Leveling System. A leveling system ensures that the playing surface is flat and even, so you get the best playing experience.

Choosing the Right Size

When it comes to outdoor pool tables, selecting the right size is essential for both the look of your space and the quality of play.

Standard Pool Table Sizes

Outdoor pool tables typically come in three standard sizes, each suited to different space requirements:

7 feet: This is the smallest size available and is perfect for smaller spaces like compact backyards, patios, or decks. It's ideal for casual play and works well where space is limited.
8 feet: The most common size, 8-foot tables are a great balance between a full-sized table and a more compact design. If you have a medium-sized outdoor area, this is likely the best choice, providing plenty of space for play without overwhelming the area.
9 feet: This is the largest size, often preferred for more serious players and larger outdoor areas. A 9-foot table requires a spacious setting to allow enough room for the players to comfortably take shots and move around.

Consider Your Available Space

Before choosing the size, carefully measure your outdoor area. You need to not only consider the dimensions of the pool table itself but also the space required for players to move around it. It’s crucial to account for the area needed to pull back and use the cue stick properly.

Space for the Table: Measure the length and width of your space and compare it to the table sizes. You’ll want enough room to accommodate the pool table comfortably.
Space for Playing: The general recommendation is to leave at least 5 feet of space on all sides of the table. This ensures there’s enough room for players to line up their shots and move around without feeling cramped.

Room for Playing Comfortably

For a more enjoyable game, you need enough room to move around freely while playing. A larger table like the 9-foot version will require more space, so make sure you have enough clearance for players to stand back and make full, smooth shots. If your outdoor space is tight, a 7-foot table might be a better fit to allow for movement without feeling restricted.

Balancing Size and Style

While functionality is important, the size of the pool table should also match the style and proportions of your outdoor space. If you have a large backyard, a 9-foot table might look stunning and fit well. However, in a smaller area, a table that’s too large might dominate the space, making it feel crowded. A medium-sized 8-foot table often works best, balancing playability and aesthetics.

Seasonal Considerations

An outdoor pool table faces different challenges depending on the time of year. To keep your table in good condition and ensure you can play comfortably year-round, here’s what to consider for each season:

Summer

Heat and Sun Exposure. During hot weather, the sun can damage the materials of your pool table. UV rays can fade the surface and cause certain materials, like wood, to crack or warp. Look for a table with UV-resistant finishes to help prevent this damage.

Humidity. High humidity can affect the playing surface and even cause the felt to warp or wrinkle. Make sure the table is built with moisture-resistant materials to avoid damage.

Covering the Table. When not in use, cover the pool table with a weather-resistant cover to protect it from dust, dirt, and sun exposure.

Fall

Leaves and Debris. Fall brings falling leaves and debris, which can get onto the surface of your pool table. Regularly cleaning the table will help prevent build-up. A cover can also protect the table from leaves when not in use.

Rain. Rain and dampness are common in fall, and moisture can harm the wood, frame, and felt. Consider keeping the table covered during rain or using a waterproof, breathable cover to protect it.

Winter

Cold Temperatures. Freezing temperatures can be tough on your outdoor pool table. If the table isn’t built for extreme cold, the cold could damage materials like wood, and it can make the playing surface uncomfortable. Consider moving the table indoors during the coldest months, or invest in a high-quality cover to protect it.

Snow. Snow can be particularly harmful if left on the table. Heavy snow can add weight and moisture, leading to rust or warping. It’s best to cover the table completely or store it inside when snow is expected.

Spring

Wet and Humid Conditions. Spring often brings rain and humidity, which can cause rust or mold growth if your table isn't properly protected. Be sure to check that all parts of the table are covered when not in use, and wipe down the playing surface after any rain to keep it dry.

Cleaning and Maintenance. Spring is a good time to do a deeper cleaning of your pool table after a wet season. Ensure the felt is clean and dry, and inspect the table for any potential damage caused by weather conditions during the winter or fall.

Popular Outdoor Pool Tables

When it comes to outdoor pool tables, there are many great options to choose from. Each one offers different features and styles to fit your outdoor space. Let's take a look at some of the most popular outdoor pool tables on the market today. These tables not only look great but are built to last through all kinds of weather, ensuring you can enjoy a fun game no matter the season. When you add a pool table to cart, add a cover for extra protection.

Best Selling

The Brunswick Billiards The Bali 8 Foot Pool Table makes your outdoor complete. This pool table is made to withstand outdoor conditions and still provide great play. It has a modern look with a stainless-steel base, wicker aprons, and teak rails. It features a 1" unframed slate surface, SuperSpeed® Cushion Rubber for better play, brushed stainless steel sights, and strong construction. It’s perfect for years of fun with family and friends. With free delivery and accessory kit from Game Room Spot, you’ll get everything needed to start playing.

Outdoor Pool Table Set

The American Heritage Lanai Outdoor Pool Table is perfect for outdoor fun. Built with strong materials like stainless steel and a tough powder coat finish, it can handle the weather and last for years. Its modern style fits well in any backyard. The set includes an 8ft pool table, matching storage benches, and a dining top that turns the pool table into a dining table, making it great for both playing and dining. The 1" slate surface, backed by carbonized pine, provides a stable and smooth playing experience. The adjustable leg levelers help keep the table level, and the furniture-grade wood composite ensures long-lasting durability.

Versatile Pool Table

The Imperial Esterno 7 Foot Outdoor Pool Table is versatile table that can be used as a pool table, tennis table, and dining table, making it ideal for any outdoor or indoor gathering. The set includes the pool table, dining top, and 2 benches, all crafted with high-quality materials for durability and weather resistance. This Imperial table features a powder-coated finish, weatherproof play surface, and water-resistant Taclon Cloth for long-lasting performance. The bundle also includes billiard and tennis accessories for the dining top. With leg levelers for uneven surfaces, the Esterno ensures a soft, smooth playing experience.

Best Value

The Hathaway Alpine 8 Foot Outdoor Pool Table brings classic billiards to your patio or yard with its durable, UV-resistant felt and sleek gloss-white finish. Featuring K-55 gum rubber cushions and a regulation 8-ft size, it offers tournament-ready play. The easy assembly involves bolting on the legs and adjusting the built-in levelers. When you purchase from Game Room Spot, you also get 2 composite cues, a set of 2.25" balls, chalk, a plastic triangle, brush, and a rip-resistant cover. Perfect for outdoor use with its tough aluminum frame, the Alpine ensures long-lasting durability.