So you buy a table, you set it up, and it looks great. You play a few games, turn out the lights, and leave it alone? That's not the case. There are several things you need to do to keep your table in good shape so that you have it for years to come. It's a big investment, so, like a car, you want to keep it in good condition.

A Clean Cloth

With all the chalking up you've learned to do, you're creating a dust storm on your table cloth. You may not see it, but you will if you don't keep on top of it. If the dust builds up on the table, you will destroy the cloth. You can replace the cloth if it gets to that point, but you may not be getting the most from your investment. Dust buildup will impede the way your balls move on the table. It is okay to use a damp cloth on your table as well, but make sure you don't use too much water because that could stretch the cloth and loosen it.

Billiard supply stores sell brushes specifically designed to sweep away all the dust. They are angled to get around the cushions and around the pockets. These brushes are very helpful tools. It's a good idea to give the table a frequent brushing to ensure that the chalk dust and other elements do not clog the nap of the cloth. That will slow down your play and you'll be frustrated pretty quickly.

You can also do some proactive care by investing in a table cover. That will, at least, help keep some of the elements away from the cloth, like natural dust in the home or spills from drinks that you might have served at one of your pool parties. Kids can also do some damage to the cloth if they are rough or careless in any way. So if you have kids and you let them hang out in your poolroom, be sure to lay down some ground rules, or at the very least, a table cover.

Once you've found the spot in your home for the table, get ready for hours of fun. Won't it be nice to have a private place to practice all those fancy shots you've been dreaming about?