Choosing artificial grass isn’t just about appearance. The materials and technology used in the yarn, fibres and backing can influence how the turf performs in different conditions.
Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology combines several features within the artificial grass system, including heat-reducing yarn, antibacterial and anti-moss technology, pool-friendly performance and premium turf engineering.
In this guide, we’ll look more closely at how the technology works, including the yarn, fibre construction, backing and drainage, and what each component contributes to the performance of the artificial grass.
What Is Cool Turf Technology?
Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology is Unreal Lawns’ premium artificial grass system combining five technologies within the turf:
- Heat-reducing yarn technology
- Antibacterial protection
- Anti-moss technology
- Pool-friendly performance
- Premium turf engineering
Rather than treating these as separate add-ons, the technologies are incorporated into the artificial grass system to influence how the turf performs in different conditions.
Heat-Reducing Yarn Technology
Artificial grass heats up when its synthetic fibres absorb energy from direct sunlight. Part of that solar energy is infrared radiation, which contributes to the heating of exposed surfaces.
Cool Turf uses heat-reducing yarn designed to reflect more infrared energy rather than absorbing it into the turf fibres. By reducing the amount of solar energy absorbed by the yarn, the technology is designed to reduce surface heat compared with conventional artificial grass under the same conditions.
This does not mean the turf remains completely cool. Surface temperature will still be affected by the intensity and duration of sunlight, air temperature, wind, shade and the surrounding environment.
The important distinction is that the technology is designed to reduce heat absorption, rather than prevent artificial grass from heating altogether.
Premium Fibre Construction
The performance of artificial grass is influenced by the materials and construction of its synthetic fibres.
Cool Turf uses premium yarn engineered to provide a combination of:
- Fibre resilience to help the turf recover after foot traffic
- Softness and comfort underfoot
- Colour stability under UV exposure
- A natural-looking appearance
- Durability for regular outdoor use
These characteristics are separate from the heat-reducing technology. The heat-reducing properties relate to how the yarn interacts with solar energy, while the fibre construction contributes to the turf’s appearance, resilience and durability.
Built-In Antibacterial Protection
Cool Turf incorporates antibacterial technology within the turf fibres. It is designed to help reduce the growth of certain bacteria on the artificial grass surface.
This does not replace normal cleaning and maintenance. Instead, the antibacterial treatment provides an additional feature within the turf itself, supporting surface hygiene alongside regular care and effective drainage.
Anti-Moss Technology
Cool Turf also incorporates anti-moss technology designed to help reduce moss growth on the turf fibres, particularly where conditions are damp or shaded.
Like the antibacterial treatment, this technology does not eliminate the need for maintenance. Keeping organic debris such as leaves and soil off the surface remains important, especially in shaded areas where moisture can remain for longer.
Pool-Friendly Turf Technology
Artificial grass used around swimming pools needs to cope with regular exposure to water as well as the chemicals used to maintain the pool.
Cool Turf is manufactured using materials designed for use around chlorinated and saltwater swimming pools. The turf fibres and backing are selected to provide durability in these environments, while the permeable backing allows water to drain through the artificial grass.
This pool-friendly performance is separate from the heat-reducing yarn technology. It is another part of the 5-in-1 system designed to help the turf perform in different outdoor conditions.
Cool Turf Backing Options
The backing forms the structural layer underneath the artificial grass fibres, but Cool Turf is available with different backing systems depending on the turf product and intended application.
Unreal Lawns uses two main backing technologies:
PU Backing
A polyurethane backing designed to provide dimensional stability, strength and long-term durability while supporting drainage through the turf.
FlowTech Open Mesh Backing
An open-mesh backing designed to provide significantly greater open area for water to pass through the turf, making drainage a central part of the backing construction.
The backing system performs a different role from the heat-reducing yarn. Heat reduction comes from the yarn technology, while the backing primarily influences structural performance, durability and drainage.
How Drainage Works Through Cool Turf
Drainage performance depends partly on the backing system used with the artificial grass.
With PU-backed Cool Turf, water drains through drainage openings in the backing and into the prepared base underneath.
With FlowTech Open Mesh Backing, a much larger proportion of the backing is open, allowing water and other liquids to pass directly through the turf across a greater area.
The backing is only one part of the drainage system. Once water passes through the artificial grass, the base construction and site drainage must allow that water to continue moving away from the surface.
This is why the appropriate backing and base preparation should be selected for the conditions and intended use of each site.
Why Installation Still Matters
The technology built into artificial grass is only one part of how the finished lawn performs.
Correct installation provides the supporting system underneath and around the turf. This includes appropriate excavation, base construction, drainage, edging, joining and finishing for the conditions at each site.
For example, a highly permeable backing such as FlowTech Open Mesh Backing can allow water to pass rapidly through the turf, but the prepared base underneath must also be capable of receiving and dispersing that water.
Similarly, correct installation helps keep the turf stable, securely fixed and properly finished throughout its service life.
Cool Turf technology and professional installation therefore perform different but complementary roles: the turf provides the product technology, while the installation provides the supporting structure and site-specific drainage system.
Learn More About Cool Turf
For more information about artificial grass heat, practical cooling options and choosing between turf systems, these guides cover each topic in more detail.
Helpful resources:
- Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology – Explore the complete Cool Turf system and its five technologies.
- Why Does Artificial Grass Get Hot? – Understand why artificial grass heats up in direct sunlight and what affects surface temperature.
- How to Keep Artificial Grass Cool in Summer – Learn practical ways to improve surface comfort during hot New Zealand weather.
- Cool Turf vs Standard Artificial Grass – Compare Cool Turf with conventional artificial grass and understand the differences between the two options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cool Turf technology work?
Cool Turf combines several technologies within the artificial grass system, including heat-reducing yarn, antibacterial and anti-moss technology, pool-friendly performance and premium turf engineering. Each component performs a different role within the turf system.
How does the heat-reducing yarn work?
The heat-reducing yarn is designed to reflect more infrared energy rather than absorbing it into the turf fibres. This helps reduce heat absorption compared with conventional artificial grass under the same conditions, although the surface can still become warm in strong direct sunlight.
What is the difference between PU and FlowTech backing?
PU backing provides structural stability, strength and durability while allowing drainage through openings in the backing. FlowTech uses an open-mesh construction that provides a much greater open area for water and other liquids to pass through the artificial grass.
Does the backing make artificial grass cooler?
No. The heat-reducing properties of Cool Turf come from the yarn technology rather than the backing. The backing primarily contributes to structural performance, durability and drainage.
Why does the base matter if the turf already drains?
Water still needs somewhere to go after it passes through the artificial grass. The prepared base and site drainage must be capable of receiving and dispersing that water, which is why the backing and installation system need to work together.
About the Author: Paul Gardner
Founder & NZ Turf Specialist at Unreal Lawns
Paul Gardner has spent years developing his knowledge of synthetic turf technology, including travelling internationally to study manufacturing, yarn engineering and playground safety systems. His experience helps shape the artificial grass and playground surfacing systems Unreal Lawns provides for New Zealand conditions.
Want to Know Which Turf Technology Suits Your Site?
Different artificial grass products use different yarn, fibre and backing technologies. Our team can explain how those differences affect heat absorption, drainage, durability and performance for the conditions at your property.
We’ll help you understand the available options and choose an artificial grass system suited to your site and how the area will be used.
