Rejuvenation Process

Astro pitches can develop problems over time such as flooding, ponding, moss and algae /sludge build up, making the surface unpleasant to play on and in some cases dangerous to players. 

A ‘rejuvenation’ can make an astro pitch drain better, reduce algae sludge, moss and improve shock absorption for players. 

Algal sludge on pitches typically occurs in autumn or spring. As algae love warm damp condition they can ‘bloom’ very quickly giving an artificial sports surface a muddy appearance. Short term the algal can be removed from the surface using a rubber squeegee and brushing the surface.  The algal will however reappear at the first opportunity and cause further problems. A complete rejuvenation will often solve this problem in the long term.

Moss and leaves should be removed from an artificial grass surface as soon as practically possible. If allowed to establish a sports surface can become unusable and a rejuvenation would then be required. A deep clean can remove heavy moss contamination and restore a surface, however the spores are left in the sand and may reoccur if not kept in check. 

A compacted surface feels very hard under foot and it will impede drainage. As part of the rejuvenation process the carpet fibres are separated and the infill agitated. 

Problems With Artificial Turf Sports Pitch

High Pressured Air Rejuvenation Of Sports Flooring

The rejuvenation process uses high pressure compressed air to extract the existing infill, including the built up contamination from the synthetic grass carpet prior, to new infill being applied and brushed in. During the process the carpet fibres are opened up and separated, therefore the surface is decompacted.

The rejuvenation process is very successful in restoring the drainage of a surface and resolving ponding and algal problems. It  is usually  carried out on a synthetic grass sports surface after a period of between 5 to 10 years depending on use, location and usage. Courts of this age typically begin to suffer from slowing in drainage and build up of moss and algae.  Rejuvenation of a pitch may extend its lifespan so saving clients additional expenditure.

The process can be carried out all year and in “all weather”, bringing courts back into play all year round for players' enjoyment.

The rejuvenation process aims to restore the infill in the carpet, lift and decompact the artificial grass fibres , and decompact the infill not removed.

This process allows the courts drainage system to work as a ‘new’ system would. Rainwater normally percolates through the artificial grass and infill.  Over time dirt, vegetation and debris filters into the sand and carpet fibres and block the air holes between the sand particles which provides a medium for moss and algae. By replacing some of the sand infill the debris which has built up is removed and allows the artificial grass sports system to drain.

Pressurised / Jetwash Rejuvenation of Artificial Grass Sports Surface

We don’t recommend a pitch rejuvenation by using a pressurised water system. Initially results can appear to be comparable, however the pressurised water drives contaminates deeper into the infill and turf. The bottom layer would be more contaminated which would impede water through the system, and make the higher level of sand not drain as well. This would again provide a medium for moss and algae to take hold quicker.