What makes an infill safe for family and pet spaces
Safety is not one thing, it is the full system. Focus on infill materials that are clean, non-toxic, comfortable underfoot, and proven by data. Evaluate these factors together:
- Chemical safety and cleanliness: look for third-party testing for heavy metals and PAHs, plus SDS documentation.
- Heat behavior: lighter colors and engineered polymers tend to run cooler than dark, dense materials.
- Abrasion and dust: rounded particles reduce fiber wear and skin irritation compared to sharp, angular grains.
- Hygiene and odor: in pet areas, select infills that resist absorption or help neutralize ammonia.
- Impact performance: for play areas, verify system-level Gmax and HIC testing when fall protection is required.
- Drainage and drying: fast-draining systems help control bacteria growth and odors.
- Stability and migration: materials should stay put with normal grooming, not track into the house or yard.
Top infill options for kids and pets
Rounded silica sand
- Profile: washed, rounded sand sized for turf.
- Safety: inert, clean, low dust when properly washed.
- Comfort and heat: stable underfoot, moderate surface temps.
- Best use: general yards and play lawns. Often blended with zeolite in pet zones.
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer)
- Profile: virgin engineered polymer granules, often light color.
- Safety: consistent, non-toxic formulations with robust documentation available.
- Comfort and heat: resilient feel with lower heat gain than many dark infills.
- Best use: premium family and pet applications looking for cooler, cushioned performance.
EPDM
- Profile: resilient rubber granules produced in controlled colors and sizes.
- Safety: widely used in playground surfacing, available with strong third-party testing.
- Comfort and heat: soft underfoot, choose lighter colors to reduce heat.
- Best use: high-use play areas where durability and cushion matter.
Cork
- Profile: natural plant-based granules.
- Safety: non-toxic and lightweight.
- Comfort and heat: cooler surface temperatures, pleasant feel.
- Best use: family yards and playgrounds focused on natural materials. Plan for periodic top-offs as cork can settle.
Coconut husk blends
- Profile: organic fibers or granules, sometimes pre-mixed with minerals.
- Safety: natural and clean when properly processed.
- Comfort and heat: very good cooling and soft feel.
- Best use: climates where routine grooming is easy. Monitor moisture to prevent clumping.
Zeolite
- Profile: natural mineral with odor-absorbing properties.
- Safety: inert and clean when sourced for turf use.
- Comfort and heat: stable temperatures, strong ammonia control in pet areas.
- Best use: dog runs and pet-heavy lawns, often blended 50-50 with rounded sand to balance stability and odor control.
Choosing the right infill step by step
- Define the priority: pet odor control, maximum cooling, or extra cushion for play.
- Match to climate: choose lighter colors and cooling materials for hot regions. In wet climates, favor fast-drying options.
- Select material: sand or sand plus zeolite for most yards, TPE or EPDM for premium cushion, cork or coconut for plant-based preference.
- Confirm documentation: request SDS and independent heavy metal and PAH testing, plus any REACH or equivalent compliance statements for polymers.
- Specify amount: most residential lawns use about 1.0 to 2.5 pounds per square foot depending on pile height. Follow the turf manufacturer specification.
Installation and maintenance that protect safety
- Depth and distribution: install to the specified depth, then power broom to settle infill evenly and support fiber.
- Grooming: cross-brush periodically to keep blades upright, reduce compaction, and limit heat buildup.
- Top-offs: inspect high-traffic zones and add infill as needed to maintain coverage and comfort.
- Pet hygiene: rinse regularly in pet areas and use enzymatic cleaners that are safe for synthetic turf.
- Edge containment: use proper edging so infill does not migrate onto walkways or into storm drains.
Testing and documentation to request
- SDS and third-party lab results for heavy metals and PAHs. EN 71-3 style heavy metal screening is a useful benchmark for consumer safety.
- For playgrounds, system-level impact results: Gmax per ASTM F1936 at or below 200 and HIC per ASTM F1292 under 1000 at the intended fall height.
- Material specs: particle size distribution, color, density, and recommended infill rate for the turf model.
Heat and comfort tips
- Prefer light-colored infills like TPE, EPDM in light tones, cork, coconut, or clean sand for lower surface temperatures.
- Add shade sails or schedule play earlier and later on extreme heat days. Brief rinsing can cool surfaces temporarily.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Using unwashed or angular sand that increases abrasion and dust.
- Skipping documentation. Always confirm third-party safety data.
- Overfilling infill which can increase tracking and reduce drainage.
- Ignoring pet odor management. Plan a zeolite blend or a cleaning routine from day one.
Ready to spec your infill
We help you choose the safest, cleanest infill for your climate, play level, and pets. Connect with a FusionTurf expert to dial in the right mix and maintenance plan.
