Which sand is right for my surface?

While the use of sand – and the base layers underneath – may not be the most visible part of a pitch system, it can have a significant impact on performance and playability.

© Michal / Adobe Stock.

Unpredictable weather and pressure on sports facilities to boost their ROI and customer experience are just two of the many reasons why grounds staff are under mounting pressure to maximise playability of their pitches. Here, Duncan McCool, Sales Manager at Holcim UK, explains why not all sand should be considered equal and the considerations that should be made when using it for rugby and football pitches.

A sand selection checklist

Choosing the right sand for your rugby or football pitch is critical to ensuring optimal performance, safety and longevity. The type of sand you select can significantly impact drainage, playability and turf health. To make an informed decision, grounds staff can ask the following key questions. First, what is the primary use of the surface? Is the surface going to be used for high-impact sports and will the surface need to accommodate multiple sports or events? 

Once you’ve established the exact usage requirements for the sand, you can move on to looking at the soil composition and structure. Have you conducted a soil analysis to understand existing conditions and how does the current soil interact with water? This will determine the drainage rate and compaction of the base surface without the sand.

Sand is a finite resource that makes finding a good quality one suited to your specific needs even harder. That’s why industry specialists should take great care and due diligence in carrying out proper technical testing on their sand offering. Alongside fertiliser and seeding programmes, growth lighting rigs, irrigation, cutting and maintenance, the right sand is imperative to a high-quality surface.

Industry experts will work with you to find the correct sports sand for your pitch and take the time to find a solution, rather than just a product, that elevates players’ game and takes your surface offering to the next level.

© Lightfield Studios / Adobe Stock.

The right sand solution

Natural turf pitches

Incorporating sand into natural turf surfaces is a proven method to improve the physical properties of the soil profile. A properly selected sand significantly extends the lifespan of

the turf, leading to lower upkeep costs. For natural turf, high-quality sand improves drainage and aeration, creating a healthier root zone that resists compaction and disease. This enhanced resilience reduces the need for expensive repairs and frequent reseeding, as the turf can better withstand heavy play and environmental stress.

Technical specifications

Sand grading refers to the particle size distribution. A singular sized sand is ideal because it prevents the sand from compacting too tightly, which would impede drainage and root growth, while also providing a stable, firm surface. Finer sands (silt and clay) can lead to compaction and poor drainage, while sands that are too coarse can result in a loose, unstable surface. The correct grading creates a robust soil structure that resists compaction.

We then look at particle size. Particle size distribution alone does not mean that a sand will give you the necessary performance characteristics. However, similarly graded sands with demonstratively different particle shapes will behave differently. Sub-angular with medium sphericity, for example, can give the performance required for sports pitch use.

The measure of the void spaces between sand particles (porosity) is equally important. In natural turf, a porosity of 35-45% is considered optimal. These voids are crucial for water infiltration, air exchange and root growth. A highly porous sand allows water to drain rapidly, preventing waterlogging and maintaining a firm playing surface even during heavy rainfall. This rapid drainage also ensures oxygen is available to the grassroots, promoting healthier growth and a more resilient turf.

The pH of the sand should be within a neutral to slightly acidic range. This pH range is optimal for nutrient availability and healthy grass growth. Sand with a high pH can inhibit essential nutrients like iron and manganese, leading to nutrient deficiencies in the grass, while sand that is too acidic can be toxic to turf. Maintaining the correct pH is essential for the long-term health and vigour of the turf.

Hydraulic conductivity must also be considered. This measures the rate at which water moves through the sand. For high-performance sports pitches, the goal is to achieve a hydraulic conductivity of 150 mm/hr or higher. A high hydraulic conductivity is a direct result of proper sand grading and porosity, allowing water to drain quickly and efficiently. This prevents the buildup of excess surface water and ensures the pitch remains playable and firm even during heavy rainfall. High hydraulic conductivity is key to preventing waterlogging and maintaining a resilient, durable playing surface.

Consistency and quality are paramount when selecting the right material. Sports sand specialists ensure superior performance through regular monitoring and rigorous testing in both our internal and external laboratories.

Synthetic turf pitches

For synthetic pitches, sand is used as an infill material to stabilise the fibres, provide ballast, and enhance player safety and performance.

On synthetic pitches, the right sand infill stabilises the fibres, preventing them from wearing down and matting. This protective layer shields the turf from UV damage and abrasion, extending the life of the synthetic fibres and delaying the need for costly resurfacing. In both cases, investing in premium sand upfront reduces long-term maintenance labour and material costs, ensuring the pitch remains a top-performing asset for years to come.

Technical specifications

For synthetic turf, silica sand of a very uniform size is a must. This grading ensures that the sand settles evenly between the synthetic fibres, providing consistent support. The uniform particles resist compaction, ensuring the pitch remains cushioned and stable over time. This consistent infill prevents the fibres from lying flat, which can compromise the playability and lifespan of the pitch.

While less critical than in natural turf, the porosity of the sand in a synthetic pitch is still important for drainage. The sand infill and the porous backing of the synthetic turf work together to allow rainwater to permeate through the pitch, preventing puddles and ensuring the surface remains playable in all weather conditions.

The sand infill’s pH is, again, critical for long-term durability and safety. A relatively neutral pH prevents the sand from chemically reacting with the synthetic fibres or other infill materials (like rubber crumb). A pH outside of this range could accelerate the degradation of the synthetic materials and shorten the pitch’s lifespan.

In a synthetic pitch, the hydraulic conductivity of the infill, while not the main driver of drainage, still contributes to the system’s overall water management. A high hydraulic conductivity in the sand ensures that water readily passes through to the porous backing of the turf. This prevents the infill from becoming completely saturated and compacted, which could make the pitch feel heavy and slow. By allowing water to move freely, a high hydraulic conductivity helps maintain a consistent feel and playability, even after heavy rainfall, complementing the turf’s primary drainage system.

The consequences of getting it wrong

Groundskeepers will already understand the consequences of choosing the wrong sports sand for their surface. Opting for a cheaper option will cost, both reputationally and financially, in the long run. Not only does it take a lot of work and expense to rectify the wrong sand choice on a surface, but it also means players can’t use your venue and matches are postponed or cancelled.

This could be as a result of poor drainage, due to the use of lesser quality sand, leading to flooding. Inadequate drainage can also lead to disease in natural pitches when water, which sits in the top level, begins to affect the root.

A holistic approach to sand selection is crucial for achieving a high-performance sports surface. Each property (grading, porosity, pH, and hydraulic conductivity) is interdependent and essential. Without the correct grading, a sand’s porosity and hydraulic conductivity will be compromised, leading to poor drainage and compaction. Similarly, an improper pH can hinder grass health, ultimately affecting the surface’s stability. By ensuring all these technical specifications are met, sports surfaces can deliver optimal performance, durability and safety, guaranteeing a superior playing experience for all users.

Solution focused

When it comes to choosing the right sports sand for your pitch, a consultative approach is always best. Rather than focusing on a singular product, all your surface needs must be considered to find the sand that’s right for you. That’s why it’s imperative that groundkeepers reach out to trusted and reputable suppliers, who can handle both the technical testing of sands and the needs of your pitch to make sure every tackle and kick is perfect.

To find out more about natural and synthetic sports sand pitches, please visit www.holcim.co.uk/products/aggregates/sands/sports-sands