This document is provided as general guidance only and does not constitute legal, safety, or compliance advice. See the Important Notice at the end of this document.

This document provides guidance on inspection regimes for pitch irrigation systems at professional sports venues. It covers inspection intervals, inspection task examples across each system component, and seasonal considerations. The guidance applies to natural turf pitches across all professional sports venues including football stadia, rugby grounds, cricket grounds, and racecourses.

Inspection Regime

Unlike portable equipment, pitch irrigation systems are largely fixed installations in continuous seasonal use. A pre-use and end-use check regime is not appropriate here. Instead, a structured programme of periodic inspections is the right approach, with frequency varying by component type and season.

The following intervals are provided as guidance. Organisations should determine appropriate intervals for their own systems based on manufacturer recommendations, the age and condition of the installation, and any applicable statutory requirements.

In-Season Inspections

Sprinkler heads & nozzles: weekly
Controller settings & programmes: weekly
Visible pipework & valves: weekly
Solenoid valves: monthly
Pump station: monthly
Flow sensors & weather station: monthly
Full system operational test: monthly

Out-of-Season Inspections

Winterisation check: prior to first frost
Spring recommissioning check: prior to season start
Annual full system inspection: once per year
RPZ Valve Annual Certification (Fluid Category 4 protection): the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 requires testing by a WaterSafe approved contractor. The certificate should be uploaded to the asset record and a copy sent to the local Water Undertaker
Pump station service inspection: annually
Control system firmware & calibration: annually
Water storage tank inspection (Legionella control): six-monthly where a break tank or storage vessel is installed. Inspection to include temperature checks (Legionella thrives between 20°C and 45°C, and stadium tanks in summer can easily reach this range), visual inspection for stagnation and sediment, and confirmation that the tank remains vermin-proof and covered

Configuring schedules in Toolminder. Each inspection interval can be set up as a separate repeating calendar event, assigned to the appropriate operator or contractor, with automatic notifications on completion. See the configuration section at the end of this document for further detail.

System Components & Inspection Tasks

The following sections set out example inspection tasks for each major system component. These are intended as a starting point. Check templates should be configured to reflect your specific installation, manufacturer guidance, and any site-specific requirements.

For consistency, this document uses the following terms throughout: irrigation controller (controller) for the central programming unit; sprinkler heads (heads) for all pop-up rotor and spray units; and pump station for the pump set or booster set supplying system pressure.

Sprinkler Heads & Nozzles

Sprinkler heads are the most frequently inspected component, as they are subject to direct physical wear from mowing equipment, foot traffic, and general pitch use. Inspections should be carried out when the system is operating to allow coverage patterns to be observed.

Weekly Check Tasks

All heads rise and retract fully without obstruction
No heads visibly cracked, broken, or missing
Spray pattern is even with no dead spots or uneven coverage
No heads streaming or misting excessively (typically indicating nozzle wear or excessive pressure)
No heads leaking when system is off (faulty seal)
Head height flush with or just below turf surface when retracted
No heads displaced by pitch maintenance machinery

Monthly Check Tasks

Nozzle arc and radius settings correct per zone specification
Filter screens cleaned or replaced where required
Check valve (non-return) functioning, with no low-head drainage (water weeping from lowest heads after the system shuts off)
Head body free from soil ingress and debris
Rotor drive mechanism functioning smoothly
Pressure at head within manufacturer specified range (where measurement equipment is available, or during a specialist inspection)
Head spacing providing correct overlap for full coverage
All sprinkler head covers flush with turf surface: no heads sitting proud of the surface, rubber grass cap secure and not perished (a raised or loose head is a trip and ankle-roll hazard for players and staff)

Irrigation Controller & Programming

The irrigation controller governs all watering programmes and is the central point of system management. Regular checks ensure programmes remain correctly configured and sensor inputs are functioning as expected.

Weekly Check Tasks

Controller display functioning and showing correct date/time
Active programmes correct for current season and conditions
No fault or error messages displayed
Weather-based adjustment (evapotranspiration/ET or sensor override) active if applicable
Rain sensor or soil moisture sensor overrides functioning
Recent run history reviewed: all zones completed as scheduled

Annual Check Tasks

Firmware updated to current manufacturer release
All programmes reviewed and updated for new season
Backup of controller programme taken and stored securely
Communication links to remote monitoring confirmed operational
Battery backup tested: controller retains settings on power loss
Sensor calibration verified against known reference values

Solenoid Valves

Solenoid valves control water flow to each irrigation zone. Valve failures, whether stuck open, stuck closed, or leaking, can result in overwatering, underwatering, or water loss. Monthly inspections should be carried out both electrically and operationally.

Monthly Check Tasks

Each valve opens and closes correctly on command from controller
No water audible when valve is in closed position
Valve box free from standing water and debris
Wiring connections secure with no visible corrosion
Solenoid resistance within manufacturer specified range
Manual bleed screw accessible and not seized
Valve cover/box lid intact and correctly seated

Annual Check Tasks

Diaphragm and seat inspected for wear or debris
Filter screen cleaned or replaced
Flow control adjustment (where fitted) checked and set correctly
Wiring insulation inspected for deterioration
Valve body inspected for cracking or damage
Pressure rating confirmed appropriate for system operating pressure
Manual override functional test: briefly operate each solenoid valve manually to confirm staff can shut down or activate any zone independently of the controller in the event of automation failure

Pipework & Distribution

Mainline and lateral pipework is largely buried and not directly observable during routine inspections. Surface indicators (wet patches, settlement, or unexplained pressure drops) are the primary means of identifying subsurface issues.

Weekly Visual Check Tasks

No unexplained wet areas on pitch surface between watering cycles
No surface settlement or ground movement above known pipe routes
No visible pipe or fitting damage in accessible locations
Isolation valve locations known and access unobstructed
No evidence of water discharge at pipe entry/exit points

Annual Check Tasks

System pressure test carried out and results recorded
Flow rates per zone checked against commissioning records
Any unexplained pressure loss investigated and documented
Accessible joints and fittings inspected visually
As-built drawings confirmed current and stored accessibly
Any pipe repairs carried out during year reviewed and signed off

Pump Station

Where a dedicated pump station is installed, it requires regular inspection as a safety-critical component. Pump failures may result in partial or complete loss of irrigation capability during critical growing periods. Some pump station inspections should be carried out by a qualified engineer. Only qualified personnel should access electrical panels or carry out work on the pump electrical supply.

Monthly Check Tasks

Pump starts and reaches operating pressure within normal time
No unusual noise or vibration during operation
No visible leaks at pump body, seals, or pipe connections
Pressure gauge reading within normal operating range
Pump house or enclosure secure, dry, and well ventilated
Control panel: no fault indicators or alarms displayed
Power supply secure with no exposed or damaged cabling

Annual Service Inspection Tasks

Pump impeller and seals inspected and replaced if worn
Motor windings tested for insulation resistance
Pressure vessel pre-charge checked and adjusted if required
Non-return valves inspected and tested
Strainer/filter cleaned and inspected
Electrical connections tightened and inspected for corrosion
Service record updated and retained with asset history

Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention devices protect the mains water supply from contamination by irrigation water. Testing requirements are governed by water regulations and should be carried out by a qualified, approved contractor. Results should be recorded and retained.

Regulatory requirement. In the UK, testable backflow prevention devices, including Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valves, on irrigation systems connected to the mains supply are subject to annual testing under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Testing must be carried out by a WaterSafe approved contractor, and records should be retained. Toolminder can be used to schedule these inspections and store the resulting test certificates against the asset.

Seasonal Inspections

Distribution Uniformity: Recommended Best Practice

For professional venues where pitch surface consistency directly affects player safety and performance, a seasonal Distribution Uniformity (DU) assessment is recommended best practice. This involves placing catch cans across the pitch during a timed irrigation run and measuring the volume collected at each point to identify uneven coverage, dry patches, or overwatered areas.

This is a performance check rather than a standard inspection task and is typically carried out by a specialist irrigation consultant. Results should be retained as part of the venue's irrigation records.

Winterisation

Prior to the first frost, the irrigation system should be fully winterised to prevent frost damage to pipework, valves, and heads. The following checks should be completed and recorded before the system is shut down for the winter period.

Note for venues with Under-Soil Heating (USH). Where a pitch heating system is installed, the irrigation system typically remains operational year-round to manage moisture levels and counteract the drying effect of the heating cables. In these cases, a full system blow-out and shutdown is not appropriate. Winterisation tasks should instead focus on protecting exposed above-ground components, such as lagging above-ground pipework and any heater-trace cables, rather than decommissioning the system. For USH venues, the Spring Recommissioning check should be treated as a Pre-Renovation Full Audit carried out at the end of the playing season, ahead of summer pitch works.

All zones fully purged using compressed air blow-out to prevent residual water freezing in pipework and heads. Visual drainage alone is insufficient in sub-zero conditions
Controller set to off-season mode or powered down
Pump station isolated and any internal water removed
Backflow preventer isolated and drained where required by manufacturer
All valve boxes inspected and lids secured
Any damage identified during the season documented and scheduled for repair during the off-season
Winterisation sign-off recorded in Toolminder against the system asset

Spring Recommissioning

Before the system is returned to service at the start of the season, a full recommissioning check should be completed. This should take place sufficiently in advance of when the system is needed to allow time for any identified remedial work.

System filled slowly and checked for leaks before full pressure applied
Each zone run manually and all heads observed for correct operation
Controller date, time, and programmes updated for new season
All sensor inputs tested: rain sensor, soil moisture, weather station
Pump station started and run under load, with output recorded
Backflow preventer reinstated and confirmed operational
Any repairs carried out over winter confirmed complete and signed off
Recommissioning sign-off recorded in Toolminder with full check outcome

Match-Day Operational Check

At professional sports venues, irrigation is frequently used in the 60 minutes before kick-off and at half-time to condition the pitch surface. This operational window carries specific safety requirements. A head that fails to retract fully after a pre-match run is a direct player safety risk and could result in a match abandonment or a serious injury.

The following check should be completed before any pre-match irrigation run:

Confirm all heads in match-day zones are clear of debris and operating freely. Run each zone manually for a minimum of one minute and observe
Verify all heads retract fully and sit flush with the turf surface after the zone shuts off
Confirm no heads are stuck proud of the surface or slow to retract
Confirm run time is sufficient to condition the surface but will not leave standing water at kick-off
Record the pre-match check outcome, particularly any head that required manual intervention

Pre-match irrigation window. Sufficient time should be allowed between the end of the irrigation run and kick-off for all heads to retract and the surface to reach the intended condition. Any head that fails to retract fully should be manually pushed down and the fault logged as a defect immediately after the match.

Common Situations

Unexplained wet patch on pitch

A persistent wet area between watering cycles is likely to indicate a leaking head seal, a stuck-open solenoid valve, or a subsurface pipe leak. Isolate the affected zone and carry out a visual inspection of all heads in that zone. If no surface fault is found, record the issue as a defect in Toolminder, raise a service job, and arrange for a pressure test of the affected zone.

Zone not running or poor coverage

If a zone fails to run or coverage appears uneven, check the controller for fault messages before inspecting the zone physically. Common causes include a failed solenoid valve, blocked nozzles, a broken head, or a wiring fault. Record the affected zone and observed symptoms in Toolminder and raise a service job for investigation.

Pump fails to start or loses pressure

A pump fault can result in complete loss of irrigation to the pitch. Check the control panel for fault codes and record them. Do not attempt to reset or bypass electrical safety devices. Raise an urgent service job in Toolminder and contact a qualified engineer. Document the fault, time of failure, and any observed symptoms in the asset record.

Inspection due during a busy fixture period

Where a scheduled inspection falls during a congested fixture period, assessments should be limited to visual checks that do not require the system to be taken offline or heads to be disturbed. Operational tests that could affect pitch condition should be deferred to the next available window and rescheduled in Toolminder rather than skipped entirely.

Water Use & Drought Compliance

Professional sports venues are not automatically exempt from temporary use restrictions (hosepipe bans) issued by water companies during drought periods. Exemptions are available on health and safety grounds where the playing surface needs to be maintained to protect players, but should be applied for and confirmed in advance.

Venues should maintain a Water Use record within Toolminder containing copies of any water company exemptions or drought derogations granted for the site. This provides immediate evidence of the right to irrigate if challenged by the water company or members of the public during a restriction period.

Note on remedial pipework. The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 requires any replacement or new irrigation pipework installed outside a building to be laid at a depth of between 750mm and 1350mm below ground level. Organisations should ensure contractors are aware of this requirement.

Configuring Irrigation Inspections in Toolminder

Toolminder supports multiple inspection schedules running simultaneously against the same asset or system. Weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual inspections can each be configured with their own task lists, assigned operators, and notification recipients. Contractor-led inspections, such as annual RPZ valve certification, pump servicing, or Legionella water quality testing, can be recorded against the asset by your Toolminder administrator once completed, with certificates and test records uploaded directly to the asset history. A Water Use record can also be maintained within Toolminder to store water company exemptions and drought derogations. Contact your Toolminder representative to discuss configuration for your venue.

Important Notice

This document is intended as general guidance only and does not constitute legal, safety, or compliance advice. It does not replace any statutory obligations, manufacturer instructions, or the requirements of relevant legislation including PUWER, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, or the HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 (Legionella) where applicable. Organisations are responsible for determining appropriate inspection intervals and procedures for their own systems and circumstances. Earlsmere Limited accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this document.

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