Is Your Artificial Sports Surface Ready for Winter?

As temperatures begin to fall, now is the time for sports facility managers to prepare their artificial pitches and courts for the challenges of winter. Taking preventative measures before frost arrives can help manage freezing conditions, protect the surface and reduce disruption to planned sporting activities.

Even a well-maintained artificial sports surface can be affected by freezing temperatures. Moisture within the infill can freeze, leaving the surface hard, slippery and potentially unsafe for play. Snow can also linger on frozen infill, making winter conditions more difficult to manage.

So, is your facility prepared for the colder months ahead?

One of the most effective ways to prepare for freezing conditions is to apply a suitable preventative treatment before frost develops.

Technical Surfaces recommends PDV (Pure Dried Vacuum) Salt for artificial sports pitches. Unlike rock salt, PDV salt contains few impurities and will not contaminate or damage your pitch when used as recommended.

Apply approximately 50g per m² and brush it into the surface. PDV salt helps prevent the surface from freezing, but it is important to remember that it is a preventative treatment rather than a de-icer. Repeat applications may be required to maintain protection as weather conditions change.

Having an adequate supply of PDV salt, together with the right spreading equipment, means you can prepare your surface when conditions demand it rather than waiting until frost becomes a problem.

Winter surface management requires more than just a suitable treatment. Having the right equipment available can make it easier to prepare and manage your facility during periods of cold weather.

Technical Surfaces supplies a range of winter products, including:

• PDV Salt:  for preventative treatment of artificial sports pitches.
• Spinner spreaders:  offering wide coverage and adjustable application rates.
• Drop spreaders:  providing accurate application with a lightweight design.
• Snow-clearing equipment:  including heavy-duty shovels and Snoblade hand push ploughs for suitable applications.

Planning ahead gives facility managers time to check their existing supplies and arrange any additional products they may need before winter conditions arrive.

Prevention is important, but knowing how to manage your surface when temperatures fall is equally essential.

Frozen infill can leave an artificial pitch hard and slippery. Snow can make the situation worse, lingering on the frozen surface and becoming difficult to remove. On 3G pitches, avoid clearing snow, as this can displace the infill and affect the surface performance.

There are several other important points to consider when managing artificial sports surfaces during winter:

Check drainage regularly.
Keep an eye on drains and inspection chambers to help maintain effective drainage throughout the winter months.

Avoid maintenance while the infill is frozen.
Wait until the top layer of infill has thawed before carrying out maintenance, helping to avoid unnecessary disturbance to the surface.

Use suitable products.
Avoid rock salt and non-soluble products, as these can affect surface drainage and potentially cause problems over time.

Review conditions before resuming normal use.
Frozen surfaces can present safety risks, so assess conditions carefully before allowing play to resume.

Once conditions improve, brushing the surface can help regulate infill levels and maintain an even distribution.

To help facility managers prepare for the winter season, Technical Surfaces has produced its Frozen Surfaces 2026/2027: Advice for Winter Surface Management & Product Range guide.

The guide brings together practical advice for managing artificial sports surfaces in cold weather, alongside details of our recommended winter products and equipment.

Whether you manage a school sports pitch, a community facility, a club ground, or a larger multi-sport venue, preparing for winter now can help you respond more effectively when freezing conditions arrive.

Download our Frozen Surfaces 2026/2027 guide to review the recommendations and product range, and make sure your facility is ready for the months ahead.

Technical Surfaces supplies PDV salt and specialist equipment to help facilities manage artificial sports surfaces during winter. Our team can discuss your requirements and help you identify suitable products for your site.

Don’t wait until the first frost to check your supplies.

Contact Technical Surfaces to discuss your winter requirements or place an order.