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Yes, repurposing an existing tennis or basketball court is one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get a playable pickleball space. If the surface is in good shape, all you need to do is repaint the lines and install a pickleball net. If the surface is cracked or uneven, resurfacing may be necessary, which adds to the cost but is still cheaper than building from scratch.

Pickleball is a much faster sport than tennis, which can increase your chance of injuries. Since most pickleball courts use hard surface materials like concrete or asphalt, you're more likely to get hurt more severely than if you were to use a tennis court with a softer surface. The harder surface and paddles can also make pickleball a noisier sport, which can bother neighbors. 

The biggest disadvantages of building a tennis court are the cost and the space if you lack enough square footage. Tennis courts cost double or triple the cost of pickleball courts, which can price out many homeowners looking for an at-home tennis court. You also need to consider the higher maintenance costs when it comes time to resurface or repair your tennis court. 

Tennis courts typically last between 10 and 25 years, but the lifespan heavily depends on the court type and how well it’s maintained. Clay and grass courts can last indefinitely with proper maintenance. Hard courts usually last between 15 and 25 years, while artificial turf courts last 10 to 15 years. However, you need to resurface many courts every five years or so to maintain their appearance and playability.