Water is one of the biggest factors affecting the condition of a synthetic grass sports surface.
A well-designed synthetic court or field should move water away efficiently. But synthetic grass drainage isn’t just about what happens underneath the turf. It starts outside the playing area, continues across the surface and finishes with the drains and sumps that take the water away.
The principle is simple:
Keep outside water off the surface and help water that lands on it get off as quickly as possible.
Get those two things right and you reduce the conditions that lead to algae, moss, contamination and surface damage.
Start outside the court or field
Rain falling directly onto a court or field is generally relatively clean. Water running onto it from gardens, paths, embankments and surrounding areas is different.
It can carry soil, silt, leaves and organic matter onto the synthetic surface. Once there, this material settles into the turf, restricts drainage and creates conditions that encourage algae and moss.
The first priority should therefore be to stop external water getting onto the synthetic surface wherever possible.
Look at what happens around your court or field during heavy rain. Where does the water naturally flow? Can runoff from gardens, paths or higher ground enter the playing area?
Where necessary, divert this water away from the surface or into appropriate external drainage.
Keep the surrounds clear
Gardens and vegetation around a synthetic court or field also need attention.
Over time, soil, leaf litter, mulch and vegetation can build up around the edges. This can change the natural flow of water and divert dirty runoff onto the playing surface.
Keep the perimeter clear and make sure surrounding areas continue to drain away from the court or field.
This is particularly important where the surface is surrounded by trees, gardens or sloping ground.
Once water is on the surface, help it get away
Most synthetic courts and fields are designed so water moves through and/or across the surface towards a drain, channel or sump.
That pathway needs to remain unobstructed.
Anything that slows the movement of water can leave part of the surface damp for longer than it should be. This creates an ideal environment for algae and moss.
Common obstructions include:
– fallen leaves and organic debris;
– tennis nets resting on the surface;
– sporting or maintenance equipment left in one position; and
– accumulated material around the edges of the playing area.
Keeping the surface clear helps water move away and allows the turf to dry naturally.
Keep drains and sumps clear
If your court or field drains towards a perimeter drain, channel or sump, check it regularly.
Leaves, soil, vegetation and other debris can build up and restrict the flow of water. A blocked outlet can affect drainage across a much larger section of the playing surface.
Pay particular attention after storms, heavy leaf fall or landscaping work around the facility.
Keeping these drainage points clear is a simple maintenance task that can prevent much bigger problems.
Watch what happens after rain
One of the easiest ways to identify a drainage problem is to inspect the surface after rainfall.
Don’t just look for large puddles. Look for areas that remain wet noticeably longer than the rest of the court or field.
Where water slows down, it can also drop the dirt and sediment it is carrying, leaving darker patches on the surface.
Repeated wet or dark areas are worth investigating. Check for surface obstructions, accumulated material and blocked drains. If there is no obvious cause, there may be a problem within the surface or its underlying drainage.
Catching the issue early will generally make it easier to fix.
What happens when drainage becomes badly blocked?
Poor drainage usually starts with relatively minor signs — slow-drying areas, dark patches, algae or moss.
In severe cases, however, a court can flood.
If enough water gets underneath the synthetic surface, sections of the turf can lift or float. When the water recedes, the surface may not settle back into its original position, leaving the turf wrinkled or crinkled.
At that point, significant remediation may be required.
It is an extreme example, but it shows why drainage is more than a cosmetic maintenance issue.
Algae and moss can be warning signs
When algae or moss appears on a synthetic court, removing the growth is only part of the job.
It is also worth asking why that particular area is staying wet.
Shade and weather obviously play a role, but recurring algae or moss can also point to poor water movement or drainage.
If the same area keeps developing growth, look at how water gets there and whether it is getting away quickly enough. Addressing the cause can help prevent the problem from returning.
Two simple rules for synthetic grass drainage
For schools, councils, clubs and facility managers, good drainage management comes down to two things:
1. Keep outside water off
Make sure surrounding gardens, paths and landscaped areas drain away from the synthetic surface. Divert runoff where necessary and keep the perimeter clear of vegetation, soil and organic build-up.
2. Get on-surface water off as quickly as possible
Keep the playing surface clear, remove leaves and other obstructions, and make sure drains, channels and sumps remain open and functional.
Keep outside water off. Help the water on the surface get off.
Do that consistently and you will go a long way towards keeping a synthetic court or sports field clean, dry and performing as it should.
Concerned about drainage on your synthetic sports surface?
Sports Clean maintains and rejuvenates synthetic grass tennis courts, sports fields and other synthetic sporting surfaces.
If your surface is taking too long to dry, developing recurring algae or moss, holding water in particular areas or showing other signs of poor drainage, contact Sports Clean to arrange an assessment and discuss the appropriate maintenance approach.
