www.greenmediaonline.com July 2014 Green Media 23
• Check for the proper opening and closing of each valve.
• Check the spray pattern to make sure it is fully covering
each zone.
• Check the operation of each sprinkler head. Do pop-ups
function correctly? Do rotary heads rotate? Are heads at the
correct height and are they adjusted correctly?
• Is any sprinkler head allowing water to flow out (rather
than spraying)?
• Is water being sprayed in the direction you intend? (In
other words, the only place water should be falling is on the
playing surface; it should not spray the dugout, spectator
stands, areas outside the fence and so forth). Remember that
water falling on other areas is (a) going to waste, and (b) may
ultimately damage or waterlog those other areas if they don't
have sufficient drainage systems. (And that's a story for another
time).
Take the time to readjust, repair or replace any damaged
elements in the irrigation system. If unsure of any of the work-
ings, contact the designer or builder of the original system,
who can provide information.
The efficiency of an irrigation system is irrevocably tied to
the drainage system beneath the field. So once the irrigation
system has been given its check-up, take the time to make sure
it's working well with the drainage system. Irrigate the field
heavily (or, if the weather is right, you can use a heavy rain as
your yardstick. Either is fine; what you're looking for is a good
soak to help you test the drains).
Once the field is saturated, carefully inspect the surface to
ensure it drains as quickly as expected and there are no areas
where water collects or where the field does not drain. If
you spot standing water, check how deep it is. Does this area
drain more slowly, or not at all? Take pictures of the problem
and contact your field builder, who can help you determine
what is wrong. It may take a simple fix; it may be something
more complex. One thing is for certain, however: whatever
is wrong is not going to remedy itself, and will require some
kind of assistance.
Keeping a field performing at its optimum level means
putting in the extra time to make it work that way. No facil-
ity thrives on neglect and a field with excellent irrigation and
drainage will remain playable, comfortable and hassle-free for
years to come.
Mary Helen Sprecher is a free lance writer who wrote this article
on behalf of the American Sports Builders Association. ASBA is a
non-profit association helping designers, builders, owners, operators
and users understand quality athletic facility construction. ASBA
publishes Sports Fields: A Construction and Maintenance Manual,
a comprehensive guide to the design, construction and maintenance of
sports fields. The book is available for purchase either in hard copy or
in electronic form. Information is available at www.sportsbuilders.org.
Photo courtesy of Medallion Athletic Products, Inc., Mooresville, NC
LI
