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If you've ever watched a professional snooker match on TV, you might have noticed a small display near the foot of the table, showing a number—usually around 45 or 50 degrees. This refers to the temperature at which the table is heated. But why heat a pool or snooker table? Let's dive into the reasons and benefits behind this practice, along with the mechanisms involved in achieving it.
Reducing Humidity and Enhancing Speed
One of the primary reasons for heating a pool or carom billiard table is to control the moisture levels on the playing surface. The slate bed of a carom billiard table is often heated to about 5 °C (9 °F) above room temperature. This subtle increase in temperature helps keep moisture out of the cloth, which is essential for maintaining consistent ball roll and rebound. By reducing the humidity, the table cloth experiences less friction, allowing the balls to travel further and faster. This is especially important in games like three-cushion billiards, where the balls need to cover greater distances with precision.
How Do They Heat Up a Billiard Table?
Heating a pool or billiard table, especially one not originally designed with this feature, involves several potential methods, each with its own considerations:
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Gutter Heaters: One practical method is to use strips of gutter heaters, commonly found in hardware stores, which are traditionally used to prevent ice buildup on roofs. These heaters can be attached to the underside of the slate using materials like window screens to hold them in place between the table's crossbraces. This approach is cost-effective and relatively simple, but care must be taken to manage electricity consumption.
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Nichrome Wire Systems: Another more intricate solution involves the use of Nichrome wire, a type of resistance wire that heats up when electricity passes through it. This method requires careful installation, often involving drilling into the table's frame to install dowels that support heating panels beneath the slate. These panels, usually made from cement board or similar materials, hold the Nichrome wire in place. The wire's heat is then insulated with high-temperature mineral wool to ensure that it efficiently warms the slate without overheating.
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Infrared Heating Films: A modern and highly efficient method for heating billiard tables is the use of infrared heating films. These films are extremely thin, with a material thickness of less than 1 mm, and offer nearly full-surface heating coverage. The film is laid directly on a hard fiber board and fixed in place with adhesive strips. A temperature sensor, used to monitor and control the film’s temperature via a thermostat, is installed directly in the panel. This setup allows the heat to be directly transferred to the stone slab without any loss through cavities, making it a more energy-efficient option compared to traditional methods.
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Thermostats and Insulation: Regardless of the heating method, it's crucial to use a thermostat to regulate the temperature and prevent excessive energy use. Additionally, insulating the table when not in use—such as covering it with thick styrofoam—can help retain heat and reduce energy costs.
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Space Heaters and Electric Blankets: In some cases, particularly for tables in colder environments like unheated garages, players have used space heaters or even electric blankets as a temporary solution to keep the slate warm. While these methods can work in a pinch, they are less efficient and provide less consistent results than a dedicated under-table heating system.
Ensuring Consistent Playability
An electrically heated table is a requirement under international tournament rules to ensure the best possible ball rolling, though specific temperatures are not mandated. This is particularly crucial for games like three-cushion billiards and artistic billiards, where the consistency of ball movement is vital for high-level play. Heating the table helps maintain a uniform surface, preventing the cloth from becoming damp or uneven, which could affect the accuracy and speed of the shots.
Historical and Modern Applications
The practice of heating billiard tables has a long history. Queen Victoria, for instance, had a billiard table heated using zinc tubes, primarily to keep the ivory balls from warping, which was a significant concern at the time. The first recorded use of electric heating in a billiard table was during a 1927 balkline tournament between Welker Cochran and Jacob Schaefer Jr. in New York. The event was significant enough to be announced by The New York Times, highlighting the introduction of a heated table to ensure the best playing conditions.
Importance in Carom Billiards
Heating is particularly important in carom billiards, especially for games like three-cushion billiards, where precise ball control is critical. In countries where carom games are popular, even local billiard halls often feature heated tables to ensure that players experience the best possible conditions. The consistent roll and rebound provided by a heated table are crucial for the complex shots and strategies involved in these games.
Conclusion
Heating a pool or snooker table is about much more than just comfort—it's about reducing friction, controlling humidity, and ensuring consistent playability. While the practice has deep historical roots, it remains an essential feature in modern billiard games, particularly in professional and high-level amateur settings. Whether you're considering retrofitting your table with a heating system or simply curious about the benefits, understanding the mechanisms and advantages can enhance your experience and appreciation of the sport.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about custom-built tables with heating options, feel free to reach out to us at sales@pooltableportfolio.com or give us a call at 888.617.7665. We're here to help with all your pool table needs.
