AusLeisure

An innovative treatment that can radically reduce the surface temperature of synthetic turf fields during hot conditions is now available in Australia.

Developed in the USA by Arizona-based Shaw Sports Turf, HydroChill™ has shown cooling effects of as much as 30 degrees centigrade – offering a significant boost to participant and player comfort when playing on synthetic turf surfaces during warmer months.

With the additional heat generated on synthetic turf fields in Australia identified as one of the few deterrents to their installation, the arrival of HydroChill™ in the Australian market is likely to significantly boost installations.

HydroChill™ technology is a coating activated by water, with energy from sunlight driving out water and removing heat from the surface. HydroChill™ components react and form a coating on the infill with, as the turf surface is heated by solar radiation, moisture stored in the turf being released, leaving a cooler, more comfortable surface for athletes – with the cooling effect of HydroChill lasting two to three days after watering.

HydroChill provides maximum benefit during summer months with the additional surface absorption of more energy, resulting in greater activation of the coating. HydroChill is also UV-resistant and will not affect the performance characteristics of a synthetic turf field.

Shaw Industries Vice President of Innovation Pete Sigmon explains “Shaw Sports Turf is committed to extraordinary performance, and the new HydroChill technology is a result of that commitment.

“This system provides a substantial cooling effect that will have a great impact on athletes in extreme climates.”

The research behind HydroChill has been extensive and has been conducted for nearly three years, both in laboratory tests and in real-world field applications currently in use by athletes. With a background in golf surface installation in the heat of Arizona, USA, Shaw Sports Turf’s testing facilities include an entire laboratory dedicated to the study of heat on turf.

The laboratory houses a custom-built solar simulator with a watering mechanism that simulates rainfall so testing can be conducted on a year-round basis. Tests on a variety of outdoor surfaces were conducted with thermocouples, an Infrared thermometer and by a certified thermographer with a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera.

Shaw Sports Turf Director of Research & Development Dr. Phil Stricklen adds “our process in bringing HydroChill to market has been very scientifically regimented.

“We tested in a variety of settings with several test instruments in order to make sure the findings were consistent.

“The introduction of HydroChill marks the biggest impact on heat reduction in the history of synthetic turf. This will change the way customers look at turf systems.”

Shaw Sports Turf’s Australian partner Southwest Greens is recognised as a leader in the sale, design and installation of synthetic landscaping and turf solutions.

For more information contact David Woods of Southwest Greens Australia on 0412 269 959, E: david@southwestgreens.com.au

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