The Benefits of Synthetic Turf Irrigation Why Irrigate Fake Grass?
DESIGN
WHY ADDRESS IRRIGATION OF SYNTHETIC TURF
“We never know the worth of water ’til the well is dry.” Thomas Fuller, physician and author, 1732.
KEY ISSUES/POINTS TO ADDRESS
Why Irrigate Surface Temperature Management Removal of Debris and Biologic Matter Elimination of Pathogens and Bacteria Elimination of Static Build Up
Surface temperatures of infill synthetic turf have been reported to be as high as 93 degrees C (199.4 F) on a day when the ambient temperatures were 37 degrees C (98 degrees F). (Penn State Center for Sport Surface Study)
• JBC 2008
Key Issues Associated with Temperature Management
Public Health and Safety • Be Aware of the Dangers • Educate Installers & Owners on Safety • Manage Risks • Implement Methods to Reduce Risks • JBC 2009
Eliminate the Myths Synthetic Turf Stores Heat in Crumb Rubber Irrigation Applied to Infill Turf will Reduce Heat and Health Risk Synthetic Fields Require Less Water Than Natural Turf Fields
• JBC 2009
The Truth Behind the Myth Synthetic Turf is a Solar Collector Heat is Collected in the Green Pile and Stored in the Crumb Rubber Cooling Synthetic Turf with Water will Reduce the Surface Temp by 14 degrees over a 2 hour period Studies show that 30 minutes of irrigation lower surface temps equal to natural grass Approximately 0.3 gals/sf is required to reduce synthetic turf surface heating • Penn State Center for Sports Surface Research
The Truth Behind the Myth Synthetic Infill Turf is Hydrophobic requiring the use of surfactants or wetting agents to improve drainage Synthetic Turf Surface Tension Restricts Downward water movement until thoroughly wet 10 Minutes of Irrigation will only wet the 1st 1 – 2mm of infill material
The Truth Behind the Myth
Synthetic Turf Requires Less Water than Natural Turf • A Synthetic Turf Soccer Field will use 3,000 gals with each syringe cycle to achieve a 14 degree temperature drop • A Natural Grass Soccer Field will use 7,500 gals with each daily cycle • During high heat events several syringe cycles may be required •
KEY ISSUES/POINTS TO ADDRESS Removal of Debris and Biologic Matter Irrigation of Synthetic Turf provides for removal of: • Trash and Debris left behind by the public • Human pathogens left behind after sporting events • Bird and Animal Fecal Matter
KEY ISSUES/POINTS TO ADDRESS Elimination of Pathogens and Bacteria • Most Pathogens and Bacteria populations do not survive well in Infill Synthetic Turf Fields Due to Heat Gain • Intensity of Field Use Will Increase microbial populations in Crumb Rubber • Irrigation or application of antiseptics on playing surfaces after intensive use will reduce microbial populations
KEY ISSUES/POINTS TO ADDRESS
Elimination of Static Build Up Frequent Irrigation can eliminate static on the field caused by low humidity and temperatures The use of sprays or emulsions will help to eliminate static build up
Public Health and Safety Educate Your Staff and Owners • Be Proactive in Training Installers in Health Risks with Synthetic Fields • Establish Safety Policies for the Company • Advise the Owner of Prudent measures to take during periods of hot weather and public use: • Safety procedures to protect participants • Education of users in what to look for in potential heat exhaustion events
Synthetic Turf Irrigation Systems
Types of Systems and Equipment Which One is Best?
WHAT THE ?
Synthetic Turf Irrigation Systems In Discussing Options with Owners Understand the Options and the value of Each Type
Synthetic Turf Irrigation Systems
In Discussing Options with Owners Understand the Options and the value of Each Type
TYPES OF SYSTEMS Synthetic Turf Irrigation Systems Coupler in Valve Box with Booster Pump and Controller
TYPES OF SYSTEMS Synthetic Turf Irrigation Systems Traveling Sprinklers and Traveling Rain Guns Water Reel and Sprinklers Water Tractors Pop Up Rotors Valve In Head Rotors RainGuns
RECAP Why Irrigate Synthetic Turf? • Reduce Surface Temperature Due to Solar Heat Gain • Reduce Microbiobal Populations • Reduce and Remove Debris • Types of Irrigation
J E F F R E Y LANDSCAPE
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The Benefits of Synthetic Turf Irrigation QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
