How To Store Pool Balls? A Breakdown Of Your Best Options

Maintenance and cleanliness of your pool balls are two of the most important things when it comes to their longevity, and proper storage is key.

Pool balls, made from phenolic resin or polyester, are susceptible to damage if not stored correctly.

Factors like temperature, humidity, and light exposure can significantly affect their condition.

In this comprehensive guide, I will explore the best practices for storing pool balls, ensuring they remain in top condition for your next game.

Key Takeaways

Proper storage of pool balls is crucial for maintaining their quality and longevity.
Factors like temperature, humidity, and light exposure can affect the condition of pool balls.
Specialized storage cases and racks are recommended for optimal care.

Can You Store Pool Balls In the Pockets?

Yes, you can store pool balls in the pockets and many players store them like this, however it can pose a bit of problem if you do.

Putting your balls in pockets is kind of a bit it is like mar mite, players either think nothing of it or avoid it like the plague

The main reason many don’t like the idea is because:

Balls being stored this way can leave pockets stretched.
Pool balls are heavy and weighted, placing many balls inside the table’s pockets forces them to stretch downwards into an elongated stretch

This may or may not bother you too much.

If you are someone who cares about the pool table’s aesthetics, taking pride and joy in your set-up, stretched pockets doesn’t look too nice.

Pockets won’t stretch too much if you do it the odd time, but stacking balls into pockets long term will ruin their shape.

Will My Pool Balls Be Damaged If I Store Them In the Pockets?

Storing pool balls in the pockets, may cause the balls to slightly damage, but it can depend on two things:

The quality of the balls
The length of time they are left in them

Unless you own vintage balls, most pool balls today are made out of Phenolic Resin, which is one of the hardest plastics you will find.

However, when balls are left for months on end, piled in on top of each other, resting for long periods, they can potentially develop little tiny dimples and nicks.

The main consideration is the quality of your pool balls.

Higher quality ones, like for instance from Aramith, are more durable and long-lasting than cheap low quality sets.
These won’t damage anywhere nears as quick as cheap sets will

Can You Leave Pool Balls on the Table?

Much like leaving your balls in pockets, yes you can leave pool balls on the table, however it can speed up wear and tear on the table and the balls themselves.

Most serious players, won’t leave them sprawled across the playing surface when they are not being used.

It’s a habit more commonly found among casual players and ones only new to the game.

If you do keep your balls on the table, there are a couple of problems you need to be aware of:

Discoloration
Dents

Pool balls, made of resins, naturally lose their shine and develop an off-white, yellow color over time due to changes in the surrounding temperatures.

When left sitting idle in the same spot on the cloth, for very long periods, the exposed parts of the ball will faster than the rest, which can look odd
What you will also find when you eventually move the balls, is less dislocation to the playing cloth where each ball sat motionless
Cheap, low quality set of pool balls left on the playing surface for long periods, can leave marks and stains in the playing cloth

Many people rack their balls and leave them sitting within the rack ready for the next time of use, though it could take years, storing in this fashion can leave small dents in the tables’ cloth.

Not ideal if you want to keep your pool table as good as new and playing optimally.

Should You Use A Pool Table Cover?

Yes, you should be using a pool table cover if you store your pool balls on the table or in the pockets. A quality cover will provide a higher level of protection from dirt, dust, and discoloration.

When you’re not playing pool, it is one of the best options for you to prolong the life of both your table’s felt and pool balls.

Dust and dirt will affect the longevity of the cloth and cause it to slow down

Even if you don’t store balls this particular way, you will undoubtedly be doing your table a great service by covering it when it is not in use.

How To Store Your Pool Balls?

Storage Travel Case

Storage travel cases provide a fantastic way to store the pool balls away between playing sessions.

Some of the cases come with a shoulder strap for easy carrying, should you be on the move with them
Even if you plan on simply storing them away in your home, travel cases take up little space, yet keep dust and dirt getting on your balls.

Cue and Ball Wall Mounted Rack

If you’re looking for a way to store your balls’ with style and panache, then a cue and ball wall-mounted rack is a great option.

Wall racks can protect both your pool balls and cue, keeping them protected when not being used
The aesthetics of a ball and cue rack looks fantastic
Usually most racks aren’t hard to install and the colorful balls on display add color vibrancy to a room