The Citadel integrates TCool’s evaporative cooling technology

The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium sports and recreation facilities are integrating TCool’s evaporative cooling technology into their synthetic turf systems, in an effort to reduce extreme heat.

TCool is an eco-friendly solution that cools the synthetic turf surfaces by coating the infill and/or sand. Once installed, the TCool solution continuously activates through rain, dew, humidity and/or watering the field, thus reducing the surface temperature.

“To help maximize field space and usage, converting from natural grass to synthetic turf surfaces is an ongoing trend at sports and recreation facilities nationwide,” said Rick Oleksyk, president, TCool. “Synthetic turf offers an all-weather, 24-7 alternative solution to natural grass surfaces, and a cooling solution is a gamechanger for athletes, coaches, referees and fans alike.”

During warm weather months, synthetic turf temperatures can get hot, consistently exceeding 160 degrees, according to the company. The extreme heat on synthetic turf fields is primarily driven by the sun and the composition of synthetic turf fibers.

TCool technology is now cooling synthetic turf surfaces in 34 states around the country and has been installed at facilities, including The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.; Beaufort High School in Beaufort, S.C.; Whale Branch Early College High School in Seabrook, S.C.; Spring Valley High School in Columbia, S.C.; Richland NE High School in Columbia, S.C; Blythewood High School in Blythewood, S.C.; Westwood High School in Blythewood, S.C.; West Cabarrus High School in Concord, N.C.; Kings Mountain High School in Kings Mountain, N.C.; Cox Mill High School in Concord, N.C.; JM Robinson High School in Concord, N.C. and Henry Fork River Park in Hickory, N.C.

“With over 24,000,000 square feet of synthetic turf cooled by TCool technology in landscaping, recreation, playgrounds, dog parks and residential applications, athletic fields are the next logical extension,” Oleksyk said. “By the day, decision-makers in the sports sector are recognizing the need to ensure a cooling agent is a spec for all synthetic turf surfaces.”

TCool said the company’s evaporative cooling solution for synthetic turf fields also reduces the coefficient of friction, which can diminish the severity of turf burns.