Does sports surface drainage really matter?

Drainage systems are designed to remove excess water from natural, hybrid and artificial surfaces, keeping the playing area usable all year round. This lowers maintenance costs and lengthens the life of the surface. The water can often be reused for other facilities or stored for when it will be needed. Grants to improve drainage are often available to sports facilities and clubs through governing and sporting bodies as flood prevention and the efficient use of water continue to be high profile topics in sport.

sports drainage channels on a golf course

What are the steps taken in sports drainage?

man conducting feasibility study

Site assessment

Depending on what stage we are brought into a project, our team can evaluate the area, assess where water drains and advise on next steps. This helps determine what soil may be required, or what the designers will need to know for prepping the build.

person designing a sports pitch

Drainage design

Our in-house team of designers are all highly experienced in designing effective drainage solutions for a range of sports. Their objective is to ensure surface water is well managed to run off properly, and be reused if possible.

ground being excavated for sports drainage to go in

Ground excavation and preparation

At this stage we remove any debris and unwanted vegetation. We then excavate trenches for drainage pipes and ensure the proper grading is complete, ensuring the water flows to the designated drainage outlets.

surface being prepared for sports pitch

Installing the drainage system

Next comes a gravel base which acts as a trench for additional filtration and water flow. Then pipes are laid which are aligned and sloped to promote the correct water flow. Finally, the pipes are wrapped in geotextile fabric which prevents them being clogged by soil or debris.

channels being dug for sports field irrigation system

Backfill the trenches

The trenches are filled with a layer of gravel, sand or specially designed drainage aggregate, allowing water to flow freely around the pipes.

hybrid pitch being stitched

Install the playing surface

For natural grass, the ground is seeded, irrigated and maintained to keep the grass growing and healthy. For synthetic turf, the drainage system is integrated into the base layer to allow water to drain away from the surface. We’ll then test to make sure the drainage system is working by simulating rainfall and adjust if necessary.

maintenance of a sports pitch

Ongoing maintenance

We can provide a 12-month strategy and maintenance service following the completion of the project. We will ensure the playing surfaces are withstanding any seasonal wear and tear, all year round.

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Why do I need sports pitch drainage?

  1. To prevent waterlogging and surface damage. Excessive water accumulating on a sports surface can lead to damage, unplayable pitches or courses and in turn costly repairs and a negative impact on gameplay.
  2. To prevent long term damage by reducing soil compaction and erosion on natural turf and hybrid pitches. By allowing the excess water to drain away, natural turf grass surfaces remain healthy and the surface can be used more frequently without deterioration. Plus, the excess water can be used elsewhere, making this more sustainable and environmentally sound.
  3. Efficient sports drainage can help to avoid the cancellation of fixtures throughout a season or abandoned days on the golf course, ultimately saving clubs money. It also can keep players safe from injury, keeping pitches from turning into soggy, muddy playing areas.
sports pitch drainage pipes next to excavator

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