HydroChill is a coated sand infill that cools artificial turf through evaporation. Its coating holds moisture from rain, dew, or a hose, and as the sun heats the turf, that moisture evaporates and carries heat away from the surface, much like sweat cools your skin. When it is moist, HydroChill can make a noticeable difference in how hot your lawn feels. When it dries out, the cooling stops until it is wet again.
Artificial Turf Express carries HydroChill at our San Jose yard for homeowners, DIY installers, and contractors. This guide explains what HydroChill is made of, how evaporative cooling works, what to expect in a Bay Area summer, and how much you need for your yard.
What Is HydroChill Infill Made Of?
HydroChill is a silica sand infill coated with moisture-activated cooling technology. The coating allows each grain to absorb and retain water, then gradually release it as the turf warms up. The version we carry also includes Bac-Shield, an antimicrobial treatment, and comes in convenient 50-pound bags.
Like other infill products, HydroChill helps keep turf blades upright, adds weight to keep the turf in place, and protects the backing from sun exposure and foot traffic. You can find additional product details and specifications on our HydroChill product page.
How Does HydroChill Work?
HydroChill works in a simple cycle: it soaks up water, holds it, then gives it back to the air as the sun heats the turf. That process, called evaporative cooling, uses the sun’s energy to turn stored water into vapor, leaving less energy to heat the surface.
- Absorb. Rain, morning dew, irrigation, or a hose rinse wets the infill, and the coating holds the moisture.
- Store. The moisture stays in the infill between the turf blades instead of draining straight away.
- Evaporate. As sunlight warms the turf, the stored water evaporates, pulling heat away from the blades and infill.
- Recharge. Once the infill dries, a fresh rinse or the next morning’s dew restarts the cycle.
This matters because artificial turf heats up mainly from direct sunlight. Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas found that solar radiation, more than air temperature, drove how hot artificial turf became. Evaporation fights that heat at the surface, where people and pets feel it.
How much cooler does HydroChill make turf?
Manufacturers and installers who use HydroChill report surface temperatures 30 to 50 °F lower than standard turf systems in lab and outdoor testing when the infill is hydrated. Results in your yard depend on how wet the infill is, the time of day, sun angle, air temperature, humidity, and the turf on top.
It is worth knowing how those numbers are measured. Some installers point out that tests compare moist HydroChill with dry standard infill, and that wetting any turf cools it for a while. Where HydroChill differs is in how long it holds that moisture and keeps cooling after a rinse.
Does HydroChill need water to work?
Yes. HydroChill cools only while it holds moisture, so a dry infill on a dry afternoon will not cool much. It works best when it has been wetted by dew, sprinklers, rain, or a hose rinse earlier in the day, and its effect is strongest under midday summer sun, when turf is hottest.
Does HydroChill Work in San Jose’s Dry Summers?
Yes, but in a San Jose summer you will usually need to supply the water yourself. The Bay Area’s dry season runs roughly May through October, with little or no rain, so the infill has fewer natural chances to recharge. A short hose rinse in the morning or before afternoon play is the easiest way to keep HydroChill working.
Rinsing alone also cools turf, but only briefly. Research from Penn State’s Center for Sports Surface Research found that irrigation lowers synthetic turf temperatures, but the effect fades once the sun returns. HydroChill is designed to hold that moisture longer, so a rinse goes further.
A few tips for Bay Area yards:
- Rinse before use, not at night. Watering in the morning or just before play does the most cooling during the hottest part of the day.
- Keep rinses short. A light soak is enough to recharge the infill; you do not need to flood the turf.
- Follow local watering rules. Check your water provider’s current outdoor watering guidelines before setting up a routine.
- Add shade where you can. Shade reduces the solar heat that HydroChill has to fight.
How Much HydroChill Do You Need?
The amount of HydroChill you need depends on your turf’s recommended infill rate, typically 1 to 3 pounds per square foot. Taller, denser turf needs more. Check your turf’s spec sheet, multiply by your finished square footage, and divide by 50 to get the number of bags.
| Area | 1 lb per sq ft | 2 lb per sq ft | 3 lb per sq ft |
| 300 sq ft | 6 bags | 12 bags | 18 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 10 bags | 20 bags | 30 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 20 bags | 40 bags | 60 bags |
Our infill quantity estimates are based on standard 50-pound bags. Before planning your project, use our guide to calculate artificial turf, infill, nails, and seam tape to estimate the materials you need for your installation.
HydroChill vs. Other Infill Options
Choose HydroChill when cooling is your top priority. Other infills focus on odor control, drainage, or cost.
| Infill | Main benefit | Cooling | Best for |
| HydroChill | Evaporative cooling when moist; Bac-shield antimicrobial | Yes, while hydrated | Sunny lawns and play areas where comfort comes first |
| Antimicrobial coated sand | Resists bacteria, drains fast, gentle on fibers | No added cooling | Pet areas and family lawns focused on freshness |
| Plain silica sand | Low cost, adds weight | No | Budget, low-traffic areas |
| Crumb rubber | Cushioning | Tends to hold heat | Generally avoided in home lawns |
If odor control matters more than cooling, for example in a dedicated dog run, Wonderfill 12/20 Green is a strong alternative. Its acrylic coating includes a Zinc Omadine antimicrobial, and its rounded grains drain quickly.
Can you mix HydroChill with other infill?
HydroChill is designed to be used on its own rather than blended with other infills, so the cooling coating covers the full infill layer. If you want both cooling and maximum odor control, consider using HydroChill in the main lawn and a pet-focused infill in the dog’s potty area.
Pair HydroChill With Heat-Reducing Turf
HydroChill and heat-reducing turf fibers cool in different ways, so they work well together. Heat reduction technology in the blades reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat, while HydroChill removes heat through evaporation in the infill below.
Coronado Platinum is a good example. Its fibers include heat-reduction technology, and its 2-inch pile calls for 2 to 3 pounds of infill per square foot, giving HydroChill plenty of room to hold moisture between the blades.
How to Install and Maintain HydroChill
HydroChill goes in the same way as other infill, after the turf is laid, seamed, and secured.
- Brush the turf so the blades stand up before you add infill.
- Spread HydroChill in light, even passes with a drop spreader, aiming for the rate on your turf’s spec sheet.
- Brush it in between passes with a stiff broom or power broom so it settles down to the backing.
- Wet the turf to activate the coating once all the infill is in.
For upkeep, brush the turf every few weeks to keep blades upright, top up infill in high-traffic spots, and give the lawn a short rinse on hot days. HydroChill is designed not to impede drainage, so normal rinsing passes through the turf as usual.
FAQ
What is HydroChill infill?
HydroChill is a silica sand infill with a moisture-activated coating that cools artificial turf through evaporation. The version Artificial Turf Express carries also includes Bac-shield antimicrobial protection.
How long does HydroChill stay cool after watering?
It depends on heat, sun, humidity, and how much water the infill absorbed. HydroChill is designed to hold moisture longer than a plain rinse on standard infill, but in a hot, dry San Jose summer, plan on rewetting it before peak use.
Does HydroChill work without water?
No. HydroChill needs moisture from dew, rain, irrigation, or a hose to cool. Once it dries out, the cooling effect stops until it is wet again.
Is HydroChill safe for pets and kids?
Artificial Turf Express lists HydroChill as non-toxic and safe for pets and children. As with any turf in summer, use shade and a pre-play rinse to keep the surface comfortable.
Can HydroChill be mixed with other infill?
HydroChill is designed to be used on its own rather than mixed with other infills, so the cooling coating covers the whole infill layer.
How many bags of HydroChill do I need?
Multiply your turf area by its recommended infill rate (pounds per square foot), then divide by 50. A 500-square-foot lawn at 2 pounds per square foot needs 20 bags.
Does HydroChill affect drainage?
HydroChill is designed not to impede drainage, so water still passes through the turf backing normally.
Get HydroChill in San Jose
HydroChill cools artificial turf by turning stored moisture into vapor, and it works best when you keep it lightly hydrated during the dry season. For the coolest results, pair it with a heat-reducing turf and a little shade. Artificial Turf Express keeps HydroChill, turf, and installation supplies in stock and ready for pickup in San Jose. Contact Artificial Turf Express by calling (408) 413-3179 or visiting us at 370 Umbarger Rd, San Jose, CA 95111.
