How zeolite cools artificial turf

Zeolite is a porous mineral that absorbs and slowly releases water. When the infill is hydrated, that stored moisture evaporates and pulls heat from the turf system. The effect is strongest in direct sun with adequate airflow and a recent rinse or irrigation cycle.

What zeolite does not do

  • It does not cool when dry.
  • It does not change the turf fiber’s solar reflectance or color.
  • It is not a substitute for shade, light-colored fibers, or engineered cool-fiber technology.

Cooling performance in the real world

Expect a noticeable temperature drop for a period after watering, then a return toward ambient as the infill dries. Duration and magnitude depend on climate and system design.

Key factors that influence results

  • Hydration level: Recently wet infill delivers the most evaporative cooling.
  • Climate: Lower humidity and steady airflow enhance evaporation. Very humid air slows it.
  • Sun exposure: Full sun drives peak heat gain and the biggest benefit from active cooling.
  • Infill depth and blend: Enough zeolite surface area and mass improves water holding and release.
  • Turf build: Fiber color, face weight, and backing permeability all influence heat and drying rate.

Installation and blend recommendations

Blend ratios that perform

  • Use zeolite as part of a blended infill for balanced ballast, cooling, and play feel.
  • Common practice is 20 to 50 percent zeolite with rounded silica sand by weight.
  • Total infill loading typically ranges from about 1.5 to 3.0 pounds per square foot, depending on turf face weight and application. Follow your turf specification.

Application steps

  1. Spread infill in light lifts using a drop spreader for even coverage.
  2. Power broom or stiff-brush between lifts to stand fibers and seat material.
  3. Repeat until you reach the specified infill depth and distribution.
  4. Finish with a thorough brooming and a rinse to settle dust and activate zeolite’s pores.

Hydration strategy

  • Pre-wet the surface before peak sun to front-load cooling capacity.
  • Re-wet during the hottest window if you want continued cooling.
  • Use irrigation, a hose, or a mist line where available.

Where zeolite shines

  • Pet areas: Delivers cooling when rinsed and provides odor control benefits by adsorbing ammonia.
  • Residential landscapes: Easy to hydrate with a hose for short, targeted cooling during play.
  • Rooftops and small commercial spaces: Effective when there is a planned water source or automated irrigation.

When to pair zeolite with other heat solutions

  • Humid climates: Add shade or cool-fiber turf since evaporation is less efficient.
  • Water-restricted sites: Rely more on high-SRI fibers, light colors, and shading since frequent wetting is limited.
  • High-traffic sports: Consider engineered infills designed to run cooler and maintain performance under load, then supplement with hydration as allowed.

Alternatives and complements

  • Cool-fiber technology: Fibers formulated to reflect more solar energy reduce baseline heat gain.
  • Light-colored fibers and infills: Lower absorption compared to darker materials.
  • Engineered infills: Coated sands, organics, or elastomeric options that are designed for lower surface temperatures.
  • Shade and airflow: Shade sails, trees, and open airflow cut radiant load and speed drying.
  • Misting or periodic rinsing: On-demand cooling for play windows and events.

Maintenance and longevity

  • Zeolite is a stable mineral that holds up under typical landscape use.
  • Top off infill as needed after grooming or heavy use to maintain target depth.
  • Rinse periodically to refresh pores and keep cooling performance ready.

Quick decision guide

  • Choose zeolite if you want on-demand cooling with a hose or irrigation, plus odor control in pet zones.
  • Blend it with sand to balance cost, ballast, drainage, and play feel.
  • Add shade and cool-fiber turf when humidity is high or watering is limited.