Pickleball noise control is becoming a top priority for communities, clubs, and residential areas as the sport continues to grow. Hushtec ClearPlay offers an innovative solution that reduces impact noise and paddle echoes without blocking sightlines.
Pickleball is booming — more players, more courts, more fun. But with that growth comes a common complaint: noise. The pop of the paddle, the bounce of the ball, cheers and conversation — in residential or mixed-use settings, what’s fun for players can be disruptive for neighbours.
Fortunately, with the right acoustic strategy you don’t have to choose between vibrant play and peaceful surroundings. Enter ClearPlay from Hushtec: a transparent noise barrier solution designed for outdoor sports courts like pickleball. ClearPlay from Hushtec: a transparent noise barrier solution designed for outdoor sports courts like pickleball.
Why Noise Matters in Pickleball Facilities
- Pickleball sounds tend to be sharp and high frequency — paddle on ball, quick reactions, echoes.
- If a venue is near homes, parks, or other sensitive uses, noise can lead to complaints, restrictions, or community friction.
- Traditional solid walls or fences may block noise but often block sight lines, natural light, or create a closed-in feel.
What ClearPlay Offers
Here’s how ClearPlay addresses the key issues:
- High noise reduction: ClearPlay offers up to 66dB of noise reduction and an STC rating of 29 in its premium specification.
- Transparent / see-through design: Because the panels are clear, players, spectators, and passers-by keep visibility — no feeling of being boxed in.
- Slim & lightweight: At just about 5 mm thick and approx. 5 kg/m², the panels integrate neatly with fencing systems or support frames without overwhelming the structure.
- Durable for outdoor sport: Weatherproof, UV-resistant, fire-retardant, built for outdoor installation and sports environments.
- Flexible installation: Can be used to retrofit existing courts or built into new installations. Works alongside solid acoustic panels if you want a mix of views + stronger barrier zones.
Benefits for Courts and Communities
- Better neighbour relations: Lower noise means fewer complaints and smoother operations for clubs, facilities and venues.
- Player experience maintained: With transparency, you keep open views, daylight, spectator access, and avoid a “caged-in” feeling.
- Reduced operational risk: Especially in residential zones or mixed-use developments, acoustic mitigation helps ensure you meet local sound-level requirements or zoning conditions.
Modern aesthetics: Transparent panels give a clean, professional look — ideal for modern clubs, upscale communities, or multi-purpose recreational facilities.
Implementation Tips & Considerations
- Determine your site: how close are residences, what’s the current noise level, what are peak usage times?
- Decide the barrier extent: full perimeter or only sides facing sensitive zones, mixing transparent panels + solid acoustic where full blocking is needed.
- Work with an acoustic consultant if required to model sound propagation and pick the right panel thickness / layout.
- Choose installation that doesn’t hinder drainage, life-safety, or maintenance access. Transparent panels still need proper framing, eyelets, joins (Velcro joins are used in ClearPlay).
- Communicate with stakeholders (club members, residents, local authorities) about your noise-mitigation plan — showing that you’re proactive helps community buy-in.
- Monitor after installation: check that the noise levels have in fact dropped and that players and spectators are satisfied with visibility, safety, and lighting.
Conclusion
If your facility is juggling the excitement of pickleball with the reality of nearby neighbours and sound sensitivity, you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. With a solution like ClearPlay, you keep the game alive — the rallies, the cheers, the community — while creating a quieter, more acceptable environment for all.
Have questions about how to assess your court, pick panel mix, or budget the installation? We’d be happy to walk through it with you.
