All of us who have started playing padel at some point have wondered what purpose sand plays on padel courts, if it's the one on the beach, or if it's really necessary.
The answer, categorically, is that yes, sand is necessary. And it must be made of silica.
To maintain artificial grass, it is necessary that the sand can maintain it in different scenarios (indoor or outdoor), and with a variety of climatic conditions (dry, humid, or rainy weather...).
Silica sand is the most recommended for paddle tennis courts, since it is characterized by its silica composition (SiO2), which prevents contamination by organic organisms and fungi. It differs from beach sand in that first of all it has very low silica levels and its granules are smaller and more uniform. Beach sand absorbs water creating a paste, silica sand works as a filter and avoids retaining moisture in the court, while contributing to better stability for this reason.
Oddly enough, unlike in soccer, where rubber is used to increase the ball's bounce and fluidity on grass, or in tennis, where the ball is intended to bounce more and at a high speed; The grass of the paddle tennis courts and the sand seek to control the ball pot so that it's not as fast and can be controlled.
Sand provides a rougher surface, improving traction for players and significantly reducing the risk of slipping. This is crucial in a sport that involves quick movements and constant changes of direction.
The presence of sand also influences the behavior of the ball. It helps to moderate the speed and angle of the rebound, adding a tactical element to the game.
Sand acts as a protective barrier between players and the court surface, helping to reduce wear and tear on artificial turf. In addition, it prevents the accumulation of moisture, which can prevent the formation of fungi and other organisms that could damage the surface.
Sand increases the durability of artificial grass, protecting it from damage and wear. Silica sand helps the fibers of the grass to stand more upright and in an upright position, so there is less wear and tear and requires less maintenance.
In silica sand, granulometry is important, which can penetrate the grass to protect the fibers properly. In the MejorSet padel courts we work with sand between 0.2-0.5mm, extracted in the open air from a wind dune reservoir. A sand washed with water, without chemical additives.
This type of sand is recommended for both monofilament and textured text.
Approximately 3,000 kg of silica sand are required per court, depending on the artificial turf manufacturer and their specific recommendations. For textured grass, this amount can be halved due to its compact design.
In texturing, the amount of sand used is between 7/8kg per m2, which per court equals between 1.4T and 1.6T, and in monofilament (straight grass) between 17/18kg per m2, which per court represents a total of between 3.3T and 3.4T.
As for the quantities of sand, it is This is especially important to consider when exporting courts, where sand will take up more or less space per container depending on the grass. Usually when the type of court is for outdoor use, and therefore has monofilament grass, the maximum load in a container is 2 padel courts.
Instead When the turf is textured in the same container it can fit 3 padel courts.
Regular sand maintenance is essential to ensure the best playing conditions. At MejorSet Premium Padel Courts, we recommend weekly sand distribution to prevent accumulation on the edges and maintain a consistent ball bounce. The frequency may vary depending on court usage.
Sand Distribution
Surface Maintenance
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