Simonis Tips for Pool Table Owners: What I Learned from Ordering for 50 Venues

Simonis Pool Table Cloth: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

If you’ve ever had to order replacement cloth for your pool tables—or you’re outfitting a new space—you’ve probably run into Simonis. It's the brand everyone mentions, but there's a lot of noise around what actually matters. I’ve been managing procurement for a company that runs multiple recreation venues, and after ordering Simonis cloth for... I don’t even know how many tables now, here are the answers to the questions I wish I’d asked upfront.

How often should I replace Simonis cloth on a pool table?

Honestly, it depends on usage. For a busy commercial venue with daily play (say, 8+ hours of table time), you’re looking at replacing Simonis 860 cloth every 12 to 18 months. For a home table used a few times a week, you can stretch it to 3 to 5 years. But here’s the thing: if you wait until you see visible wear—like shiny spots or pilling—you’ve already waited too long. The ball roll gets slower and less consistent long before the cloth looks bad. I’ve had tables where players complained about speed, and new Simonis cloth fixed it immediately. (We now budget for replacement at the first sign of wear, not the last.)

Why is Simonis so expensive? Is it worth the cost?

Short answer: yes, for commercial use especially. Simonis cloth costs more upfront—about $150 to $250 for a sheet of 860, depending on the dealer. But I’ve tried cheaper alternatives (I actually ordered from a budget brand once, circa 2021, to save money). It was a mistake. The cheaper cloth started showing wear after 6 months in a medium-traffic venue. Simonis 860 easily lasted 18 months under the same conditions. When you factor in labor for installation plus table downtime, the cheaper option ended up costing more per month. So if you're running a pool hall or bar, Simonis is basically the standard for a reason.

What's the difference between Simonis 860 and Simonis 760?

This is probably the most common question I hear, and the answer is pretty straightforward. The number refers to the thread count per square inch. 860 has a tighter weave (860 threads vs. 760 threads). That means 860 is faster, more durable, and the standard for serious play and tournaments. 760 is a bit slower, with a slightly more textured feel. It’s often chosen for home use or places where you want a more leisurely pace. But honestly? Unless you're running a pro room, 760 is perfectly fine and saves you a little money. For our main tournament tables, we use 860. For the side tables in bars, we use 760. It’s a practical split.

What is Simonis Tournament Blue, and why is it a big deal?

Simonis Tournament Blue is a specific shade—Pantone-like, but it’s actually Simonis’s own proprietary color. It’s not just any blue; it's the blue you see in professional tournaments. I’ve had players walk in, look at a table with Tournament Blue cloth, and say “ah, that’s the real deal.” It’s become a visual cue for quality. If you’re marketing a venue as a serious pool hall, Tournament Blue instantly communicates that. (And it looks great on camera for streamed matches, which is a thing I’m learning matters more than I thought.)

Should I use Simonis X1 cleaner? Or can I just use a regular cleaner?

Here’s something vendors won’t tell you: using the wrong cleaner will destroy your cloth. Simonis cloth is woolen (or a wool-nylon blend for 860, actually). It’s delicate. Regular household cleaners, especially ones with alcohol or bleach, can strip the nap and cause the cloth to wear out much faster. X1 is designed specifically for their cloth—it’s a mild, pH-balanced solution that removes chalk and grime without damaging the fibers. I learned this the hard way (ugh). We used a generic carpet cleaner once, and the cloth on that table developed a bald spot within a month. Now we stock X1 and make sure the cleaning crew uses only that. It costs more per bottle, but it makes the cloth last. Trust me on this one.

Can I install Simonis cloth myself, or should I hire a professional?

Technically, you can. I’ve seen YouTube tutorials. But honestly, installing pool table cloth is one of those things where the difference between a good job and a great job is subtle but enormous. A pro can get the cloth taut without over-stretching, ensure the seams are straight, and—crucially—they know how to handle the Simonis material so it doesn’t get damaged. One bad staple can ruin a sheet. For our venues, we always hire a licensed installer. The $200–$300 labor cost is worth not having to re-order cloth because it got bunched up. (And yes, I’ve had to re-order a sheet once after an amateur job—surprise, surprise—not a saving we’d repeat.)

Where can I buy genuine Simonis cloth and X1 cleaner?

I buy direct from authorized Simonis distributors. For us in the US, that’s often through Billiard Factory or Mueller Recreational Products. Buying from eBay or unknown dealers is a risk—there are counterfeit Simonis sheets out there. Look for the Simonis hologram and the branded packaging. X1 cleaner is easier to find; many pool supply stores carry it. But if you want to be sure, buy from the Simonis website itself or their verified dealer list. I actually do this: I place one big order per quarter to lock in pricing and avoid stockouts. (As of January 2025, they had good availability, but supply chain can be unpredictable—so plan ahead.)

Final thought (yes, I know the format says no traditional ending, but this is practical)

If you manage a venue with pool tables, the single best investment you can make is good cloth and a protocol for maintaining it. Simonis is the gold standard for a reason: it performs, it lasts, and it signals quality to your customers. X1 cleaner keeps it performing well. And understanding the 860 vs. 760 difference lets you make smart, budget-conscious choices. That’s really all you need to know. Go order your cloth—and don’t forget the cleaner.