Blocked drainage on an artificial turf pitch
6 min read Updated: 05 October 2026
If the water doesn’t drain away within half an hour after it has rained, the problem isn’t with the lawn, but with the layer beneath it.
Water Pooling on Artificial Grass Tennis Courts: Causes and Solutions
The drainage of rainwater on artificial grass courts depends on the drainage performance of the grass turf, as well as the infill material and the substructure. Puddles that persist for a long time after rain or that consistently form in the same areas should be investigated.
What are the main causes of water pooling?
Contamination and compaction of the infill sand: Dust, soil and organic debris that accumulate over time can reduce water permeability.
Algae and surface contamination: Layers forming particularly in shaded and damp areas can adversely affect drainage.
Blocked drainage systems: Blockages in channels, drains and drainage pipes can prevent water from draining away.
Infrastructure and gradation issues: Subsidence, insufficient permeability or incorrect gradation can cause water to pool in certain areas.
How can the problem be resolved?
Firstly, it must be determined whether the water is being retained on the surface, in the infill layer or in the infrastructure. Contaminated and compacted infill must be cleaned and loosened using professional equipment suitable for artificial turf. Where necessary, contaminated sand must be removed and the infill replenished with material meeting the manufacturer’s specifications.
Drainage channels must be cleaned; the substructure must be repaired in areas where subsidence or slope irregularities are present. Simply adding new sand will not resolve the drainage issue.
To prevent recurrence, leaves must be removed regularly, appropriate brushing carried out and drainage outlets kept clear. High-pressure washing must not be used, as it may damage the grass fibres, joints and the distribution of the infill.