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Which Irrigation System is Right for Your Sports Turf?

Artificial sports turf sprinkler

Keeping your sports turf in top condition—whether it’s real grass or artificial—is a top priority for many clubs. Irrigation is one way you can achieve consistent watering, even through a dry summer spell. However, if you’re looking to install a system, you’ll want to know that you’re making the right choice—and find a solution that is efficient and cost-effective.

What types of sports grounds can benefit from irrigation?

Whether you’re a professional sports venue, a school or a sports and leisure club, the following amenities can benefit from having irrigation systems to manage water supply:

  • Football pitches
  • Golf courses
  • Rugby pitch
  • Grass tennis court
  • Cricket pitch 

What are your options?

Permanent irrigation systems

Installed with underground pipes, water is fed to the pop-up sprinklers, which can be out of sight until they’re needed. Also known as automated pop-up systems, these offer the ultimate professional, non-intrusive experience for professional pitches. 

Hose pipe and sprinklers

Hose pipe and sprinkler irrigation provide uniform coverage that delivers water directly to the root of your grass. You can use a timer setting to automate the irrigation process, which saves time and hassle. 

Portable systems

Portable sprinklers tend to be cheaper to install than underground systems and are best suited to smaller venues. They do have their limitations, though, as they require moving and monitoring, which can be time-consuming.

Temporary watering systems

This can be a cheaper option for keeping a football pitch or sports ground hydrated. Watered in sections, commercial-quality nozzles will ensure even coverage. 

Rain guns

Rain guns produce large water droplets, as opposed to sprinklers, which create a fine spray. An advantage of this type of irrigation system is that it can cover a larger area and is suitable for ground that requires a high water flow. 

Which is better? Drip or spray irrigation?

ProsCons
Drip Irrigation Drip irrigation systems offer a more precise distribution of water. They send water directly to the roots of the grass, minimising water evaporation to ensure efficient water usage. Can be more expensive to install and maintain. 
Spray Irrigation Spray irrigation is better at sprinkling larger areas, making it ideal for sports fields and pitches. With even water coverage and the ability to customise to any field size, this is a popular solution for sports grounds.Not as efficient in windy conditions. 
Avoid watering in windy conditions to ensure the water sprays accurately with uniform coverage. 

What is the most efficient irrigation system?

A drip irrigation system is the most efficient, however, as mentioned above, it can be more expensive to maintain. You’ll want to weigh up the costs and benefits to decide which system works best for your venue. 

Speak to the sports field irrigation system experts at GlenFarrow today.