From Noise Battles to Sound Solutions: How Pickleball Courts Are Embracing Absorptive Materials for Noise Reduction

High end pickleball court construction

Introduction: Pickleball's meteoric rise in popularity has been matched by increasing concerns about noise. Communities, HOAs, and cities are facing growing pushback over the relentless “pop-pop” sound from pickleball courts. At the 2024 ASBA Technical Meeting, a major shift was clear: reflective noise mitigation strategies are out, and absorptive materials are the new gold standard for noise reduction. As the leader in cutting-edge noise control, SLN/CR is ready to meet this demand with solutions designed for pickleball players, communities, and court builders.

The Problem: The Reflective Surface Noise Trap

For years, noise mitigation efforts have relied on reflective materials like walls and barriers to reduce sound around courts. But reflective surfaces don’t solve the problem—they simply redirect the noise elsewhere. This outdated approach leaves neighbors frustrated and noise complaints unresolved.

Key pickleball noise terms:

• Reflected Sound: Bounces off surfaces without reducing intensity.

• Direct Sound: Travels straight from paddles to ears, creating that disruptive pop.

• Noise Propagation: How sound spreads into surrounding areas.

At the ASBA meeting, one thing was clear: absorptive materials are the way forward.

The Shift: Absorptive Materials as the Proven Solution

Unlike reflective barriers, absorptive sound panels absorb the energy from sound waves, preventing noise from propagating into surrounding neighborhoods. This science-backed approach directly reduces the volume and intensity of pickleball noise.

At SLN/CR, we’ve designed high-performance noise baffling panels specifically for the sport of pickleball:

• Lightweight and easy to install

• Made with advanced nano-materials for superior sound absorption

• Tested and proven to meet community noise regulations

Whether you’re designing a new court or mitigating noise at an existing one, SLN/CR offers the most effective, price-to-performance solution on the market.

The Stakes: Why It Matters to Pickleball Communities

Unchecked pickleball noise has real consequences:

• Court Closures: Cities and clubs are forced to shut down courts due to complaints.

• Community Backlash: Tension between players and neighbors can escalate quickly.

• Lost Revenue: Court builders and HOAs lose projects and membership revenue.