PROBLEMS THAT CAN OCCUR
Synthetic grass whether sand filled, sand dressed, rubber filled or water based will suffer a number of problems over time if not cleaned and maintained properly.
Infill Compaction: Filled synthetic grass will suffer sand compaction. The infill will, over time, be driven into the synthetic carpet by use and climatic conditions. The voids between the infill particles will become smaller allowing water to drain through at a slower rate and at the same time the surface will become harder. On some systems the carpet fibres will be left unsupported, bend over and break increasing the wear of the surface.
Contamination: Synthetic grass, filled or non filled, will become contaminated. However well maintained the surface is, simple brushing techniques can only help keep the surface in good condition. Sand is a natural filter and contaminants such as worn carpet fibre dust, ball abrasion, mud and organic matter will be washed through the surface and trapped in the voids of the sand particles. This usually happens in the top 5-10mm on sand filled systems and, in conjunction with sand compaction, will begin to form an impenetrable crust blocking drainage and making the playing surface hard.
This will happen typically within 6-8 years if the surface is not cleaned regularly. Evidence will be seen in the flooding or slow drainage of the surface, green tide marks over the surface and increased ball speed and bounce together with complaints by users of a hard surface and irregular ball performance.
Moss and algal spores can establish themselves within all systems. These spores can make the surface look unsightly as well as helping to prevent drainage and making the surface slippery. In some cases these spores can combine to produce a slime commonly known as 'algal squidge'. These spores can establish themselves not simply within the synthetic grass carpet but within the shockpad or base below making it difficult to reach them. Given the right conditions the spores will bloom leaving a dark green slime on the surface which is very slippery and dangerous. Once removed from the surface established spores within the system can easily and quickly bloom again to produce the condition over and over again. The slime is not always easily visible, and again blocks drainage which in turn encourages its own flowering conditions.
Excess Sand: Sandfilled systems should be supported to within 1-2mm from the carpet pile tip by sand. This may vary throughout the year because of the prevailing weather conditions. Surface sand will increase the wear of the carpet as players help break down the carpet fibres. Excessive sand will also make the surface slippery.
