Pool games are an excellent choice to spend some quality time with friends and family. You can always show off your techniques and control on the pool game that you have mastered and flaunt your expertise in a certain area regarding pool games.
But there is one factor which can cause big-time hurdle between such enjoyment and that is the level of the pool table.
If the table is not leveled, the balls will either roll to one side or the other on the table. To avoid such happenings, you must make sure that the table is level either when the installation is being done or when you have some intuition that the table is not perfectly level.
You don’t always need an expert to tell you about the leveling. You can do that by yourself at home without any trouble, all you need are a few items which are easily available at a carpenter’s shop or home.
Wondering whether table needs leveling or not:
Before you start levelling your pool table, first make sure that is requires levelling or not or how much the table is imbalanced.
If you notice that your pool balls are making strange curves and sudden drops, it might be the time to get the level of the table checked.
So today, I will be guiding you about the leveling off the table. Let’s get started.
You go and get a carpenter’s level and place that on the table. Both analog and digital are ideal for use.
The analog level has bubbles in between the two lines where reading can be done. When placed on the table and the surface is leveled, you will see that the bubbles remain in the center and between the lines.
In case the surface is not level, the bubbles will move towards the direction where the surface is uneven.
Digital level works in the same manner except for bubbles; it has digits.
You place the level in the middle of the pool table in lengthwise. If the table is level from end to end, the bubbles will remain between the two lines of the glass tube.
If the bubbles move upward or downward from the middle line, then you will understand that you need to either raise or lower the ends of the table.
Now place the carpenter’s level again in the middle but in the opposite direction. I mean first it was in the lengthwise direction, now it would be in the widthwise direction.
Again, if the bubbles remain in center, it means that the surface is level. If not, then adjust the legs according to the movement of the bubbles.
You must check all sides of the table. Usually, one leg of the table is not leveled properly. What you have to do is you place the level near the edge of each four sides one by one.
You would move the level from each side and corner along the rails. Where it gets the leanest, focus that place as that is the spot you were looking for.
If you are not using the carpenter’s level, then you can use the modern versions of these levels. Now-a-days smartphones have such apps available which can easily tell about the levelling of the surface.
These apps are either for free or if not then they are of very cheap price that anyone can easily afford it. You simply have to download the required app, install it in your smartphone, run it and place the mobile phone on the surface of the pool table. The app will show whether the surface is level or not.
You can also check the level of the pool table by simply using the balls of the pool games. Since balls are something which comes with the game, so you will have them.
How to Use This Method:
You have to roll the ball on the surface. Try to roll as much straight as possible and keep a keen eye on the course of the rolling ball. Notice if the balls are moving toward any particular side or not.
If the balls are moving in the straight line, it means that the table is level. If not, then you need to level it by adjusting the legs.
Try repeating the same process from different sections on the table. Keep repeating from every angle and corner till you are fully satisfied with the result.
This way of leveling is a bit difficult as you are required to roll the ball as straighter as possible. So, the key to success here is the ball rolling in a straight line.
You can place a piece of glass in the center of the pool table and then place a marble on it.
If the marble stays in the same position where you placed it, it means that the table is perfectly level.
Otherwise, the marble will roll to one side, and that side will be responsible for the imbalance. You can fix that side as required.
The height of the pool table can be adjusted if the table level is not properly done. Many pool tables are made up of metal plates which can be removed to adjust the height and level of the table as per required by the floor.
Some pool tables have adjustable screw while others have adjustable legs with feet which can be screwed left or right as per requirement.
You must consult your pool table’s manual. If you don’t have it, fear not. Look for yourself.
These manuals have all the information required for the leveling of the pool table through its height. They provide insight as to how that can be done.
Adjustment through legs can be made by raising the smallest leg of the table. If you feel that the lag has disturbed the overall balance, then place the leg in the previous conditions and try slipping something under it like shims.
Sometimes, with constant usage over a long time or rough usage in a short period of time, causes the screws and bolts to loosen up a bit.
So, check your pool table’s screws and bolts regularly and see if anything is in loose mode. Correct them and tighten them up.
You should make it a habit of checking your pool table thoroughly and also the underneath working materials.
Regular check-ups and maintenance help in avoiding such problems.
This is another excellent way to balance the pool table. If the table does not have any adjustable legs, you can always place pieces of shims to make smaller adjustments.
These shims are small, tapered pieces or shreds of wood or metal. They are used to fill the annoying gaps between two objects or surfaces.
These shims provide enough support in the off leveling that nothing can be felt under any leg and the table will gain its level back.
Sometimes the pool tables are not 100% smooth and leveled but anything close to perfection is just incredible.
You can always do the leveling by yourself as it is an essential part of any pool game to have a level surface of play, but you can get help from anyone else if you need to place more than one shims, or you need an extra opinion on the leveling.
