Fall Gym Maintenance Checklist: What Facility Managers Should Do Now

As the seasons change, facility managers must prioritize a comprehensive fall gym maintenance checklist to ensure safety, efficiency, and member satisfaction. Proactive upkeep not only prevents costly repairs but also extends the life of your equipment and facility. Below is a detailed guide for fall gym maintenance, including essential tasks like basketball backboard padding replacement.

• Prepares your facility for increased fall and winter usage
• Reduces risk of accidents and liability
• Protects your investment in gym equipment and infrastructure
• Boosts member confidence and satisfaction

1. Inspect and Replace Basketball Backboard Padding

• Check all basketball backboard padding for wear, cracks, or looseness.
• Schedule basketball backboard padding replacement if any damage is found to maintain player safety and comply with regulations.
• Document all replacements and repairs for liability and insurance purposes.

2. Deep Clean and Sanitize All Areas

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces: counters, door handles, and equipment after every use.
• Deep clean locker rooms, showers, and restrooms.
• Steam clean carpets and wax hard floors for a fresh start to the season.

3. Equipment Maintenance and Preventive Care

• Daily: Wipe down and inspect all gym equipment for visible damage or malfunction.
• Weekly: Deep-clean machines, check cables and pulleys, and tighten bolts.
• Monthly: Lubricate treadmills, check belts, and rotate mats to balance wear.
• Schedule preventive maintenance for all major equipment and update maintenance logs.

4. Facility Safety Checks

• Test fire extinguishers and emergency systems.
• Inspect lighting throughout the facility; replace any flickering or burnt-out bulbs.
• Ensure all safety signage is visible and up-to-date.
• Check HVAC systems for proper airflow and schedule seasonal HVAC system servicing.

5. Floor and Surface Inspections

• Examine gym flooring for cracks, loose tiles, or slip hazards.
• Use non-slip mats in high-traffic and wet areas to prevent falls.
• Repair or replace damaged flooring immediately.

6. Exterior and Entryway Maintenance

• Clean exterior windows and entryways.
• Inspect parking lots and walkways for debris, cracks, or hazards.
• Ensure outdoor lighting is functional for early morning or evening use.

7. Staff Training and Member Education

• Train staff on updated cleaning protocols and emergency procedures.
• Display signage reminding members to wipe down equipment and practice good hygiene.
• Review and enforce gym rules to maintain a safe environment.

• Basketball backboard padding replacement is especially important before the start of basketball season to prevent injuries and maintain compliance.
• Review HVAC and ventilation systems to ensure optimal air quality as windows and doors remain closed more often in cooler weather.
• Prepare for increased usage by stocking up on cleaning supplies, first aid kits, and replacement parts.

• Use a digital maintenance tracking system to schedule and document all tasks.
• Regularly update your checklist based on facility-specific needs and regulatory changes.
• Communicate maintenance schedules and completed tasks to staff and members for transparency and trust.

MW Billings, Inc. is committed to helping facility managers maintain safe, efficient, and welcoming gym environments. Prioritize these fall maintenance tasks—especially basketball backboard padding replacement—to keep your facility in top shape all season long.