Best Irrigation Systems for Grass Tennis Courts: Efficient, Sustainable, and Court-Ready Solutions
Published: April 25, 2025 · Updated regularly.
Why the Right Irrigation System Matters
Maintaining a lush, playable grass court requires more than occasional watering. A well-designed irrigation system ensures even coverage, water efficiency, and healthy root growth, all while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Top Irrigation Systems for Grass Tennis Courts
1. Pop-Up Sprinkler Systems
Pop-up sprinklers are the go-to solution for most professional and residential tennis courts.
- Benefits: Discreet design, customizable coverage, automated schedules
- Recommended: Hunter PGP Ultra Rotor ($15–25/head), Rain Bird ESP-TM2 Controller ($120–160)
- Cost Estimate: $800–1,500 for a single-court system
2. Drip Irrigation (Perimeter-Based or Subsurface)
Best for water-conscious installations or perimeter landscaping. Not typically used under the main turf surface unless adapted subsurface designs are applied.
- Products: Netafim Techline CV ($200), DIG LEIT 1 Controller ($150)
- Cost Estimate: $500–1,000
3. Micro-Spray Irrigation
Provides gentle mist-like watering, perfect for new grass or shaded zones.
- Products: Toro Micro-Spray Nozzles ($3–7), Orbit B-hyve Timer ($100)
- Cost Estimate: $300–600
4. Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Integrates eco-friendly water collection with your irrigation system. Ideal for areas with seasonal rain or water restrictions.
- Components: Collection tanks, first-flush diverters, filtration, and pump systems
- Products: Bushman 530 Gal Tank ($600), Grundfos MQ3 Pump ($400)
- System Cost: $1,500–3,000
5. Soil Moisture Sensors + Smart Controllers
These high-tech additions automate watering based on weather data and real-time turf moisture levels.
- Recommended: Rachio 3 Smart Controller ($250), Toro Soil Sensor ($150)
- Cost Estimate: $400–600
6. Pressure-Regulated Zones
Ensure consistent pressure across all sprinkler heads, especially helpful for courts with slight elevation variations.
- Product: Rain Bird PRS30 ($10–15/head)
- Cost Estimate: $100–300 as a system add-on
What to Avoid
- Centre Pivot & Lateral Move Irrigation: Designed for agricultural fields, not precise turf care
- Manual Hose Watering: Time-consuming, uneven, and inefficient
Conclusion
Choosing the right irrigation system can significantly impact the performance, appearance, and longevity of your grass tennis court. Whether you’re looking for a simple sprinkler system or a smart, sensor-driven setup, these solutions are designed to deliver maximum turf health with minimal waste.
