If you're hunting for a solid secondhand deal, a leisure bay billiards pool table is usually one of the best finds you can stumble across on the used market. You've probably seen them popping up on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, often priced way lower than what you'd pay for a brand-new high-end table. The thing about Leisure Bay is that they weren't just a pool table company—they were big into hot tubs and patio furniture too—but back in the day, they put out some surprisingly sturdy tables that have stood the test of time.
I've spent a lot of time around different tables, from the flimsy MDF ones you find at big-box retailers to the heavy-duty professional ones used in tournaments. Leisure Bay sits in that sweet spot where you get a professional feel without the eye-watering price tag of a custom-built piece. If you're looking to turn your basement or garage into a hangout spot, it's worth knowing what you're getting into with this specific brand.
Why the build quality matters
When you're looking at a leisure bay billiards pool table, the first thing you want to check is the slate. Most of their tables were built with three-piece slate, which is exactly what you want if you care about the ball rolling straight. Some cheaper "home" tables use wood or synthetic materials for the bed, but those eventually warp. A slate table stays flat forever, provided it's leveled correctly.
The frame on these tables is usually pretty beefy. You'll find a lot of solid wood or high-quality veneers that don't just look good but actually provide the weight needed to keep the table from shifting when someone leans on it to make a shot. If a table moves when you bump it, it's not a serious table. Most Leisure Bay models are heavy enough that once they're set, they aren't going anywhere.
Scouting the used market
Since Leisure Bay isn't churning out new tables like they used to, you're almost certainly going to be buying one from a previous owner. This is actually a good thing for your wallet, but it means you have to be a bit of a detective. People often sell these tables because they're moving or their kids have grown up and moved out, leaving the table to collect dust and laundry.
When you go to look at one, don't just look at the wood. Check the rails. Give the cushions a firm squeeze and a few test shots. If the ball hits the rail and sounds like it's hitting a brick, the rubber has "died." This happens over time, especially if the table was in a room with a lot of heat or humidity. Replacing rail cushions isn't the end of the world, but it's an extra cost you'll want to factor into your offer.
The headache and joy of moving it
Let's be honest: moving a leisure bay billiards pool table is a total pain. You can't just grab three friends and a pickup truck and expect to move it in one piece. Well, you could, but you'd probably ruin the frame or crack the slate.
The right way to do it—and I can't stress this enough—is to take it apart. You have to remove the pockets, take off the rails, carefully peel back the felt, and then unscrew the slate sections. It's a process. If you're not handy or don't have the patience, this is the time to call in the pros. Hiring a pool table mover might cost a few hundred bucks, but they'll also level it perfectly when they set it up in your house. A table that isn't level isn't a game; it's just an exercise in frustration.
Choosing the right felt
If you buy a used table, you'll probably want to put new felt on it anyway. It's like getting new tires for a car. You can go with the standard "slow" felt that's thick and fuzzy, which is fine for casual play. But if you want that "pro" feeling, look for worsted wool, often called "speed cloth."
Leisure Bay tables look great with a classic green, but don't feel limited. Since you're re-felting it anyway, you could go with a sleek charcoal grey or a deep navy blue. It completely changes the vibe of the room. Just make sure the installer stretches it tight. If there are any wrinkles or loose spots, your shots are going to behave weirdly, and you'll regret not doing it right the first time.
Maintenance is easier than you think
Once you've got your table set up, you don't actually have to do much to keep it in good shape. The biggest rule? Keep it covered. Dust is the enemy of pool felt. It gets into the fibers and acts like sandpaper on the balls and the cloth. A simple vinyl cover will save you years of wear and tear.
Also, keep the drinks on a side table. We've all seen those movies where someone sets a beer on the rail, but in real life, that's how you get rings on the wood and stains on the felt. If you do get a stain, don't scrub it. There are specific cleaners for pool cloth, but usually, a light brushing (always in one direction, never circles) is all you need to keep the playing surface fast and clean.
The social side of owning a table
There's something about having a leisure bay billiards pool table in the house that just brings people together. It's different than sitting around a TV. You're moving, you're talking, and there's that satisfying clack of the balls that fills the room. It's a great way to get the kids off their phones or to have a reason for friends to swing by on a Friday night.
I've found that these tables specifically have a very "classic" look. They don't look like something out of a futuristic movie; they look like a piece of furniture that belongs in a home. Whether it has the carved claw feet or a more tapered, modern leg design, a Leisure Bay table usually blends in well with most home decor styles.
Is it worth the investment?
If you find a leisure bay billiards pool table for a few hundred dollars on a local listing, it's almost always a "yes." Even if you have to spend a little extra on new felt or a professional mover, you're still ending up with a slate-bed table that will outlast almost everything else in your house.
Think about it this way: a brand-new table of similar quality could easily run you three or four thousand dollars. By picking up a solid used Leisure Bay, you're getting 95% of that performance for a fraction of the cost. It's one of those rare instances where the secondhand market really works in favor of the buyer.
Wrapping it up
At the end of the day, pool is about having fun and improving your game. You don't need a gold-plated table to do that. A well-maintained leisure bay billiards pool table provides a consistent, reliable surface that lets you focus on your stroke and your bank shots. It's a workhorse of a table.
If you're willing to do the legwork of finding one, inspecting it, and getting it moved properly, you're going to be very happy with the result. Just make sure you leave enough room around the table so you aren't hitting the wall with your cue—there's nothing that ruins the "cool factor" of a home pool room like having to use a short cue for every other shot. Get the spacing right, get the leveling right, and you'll have a table that's the centerpiece of your home for decades.