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GeoSolve Products for Two Applications are
presented:
GeoSolve Fast-Dry/Clay Tennis Court Conditioner The GeoSolve Division of Venture Enterprises produces the Alg-a-Solve product (see MSDS) as a wetability, surface tension, nutrient sequestering, cell wall leakage agent for fast-dry (clay) tennis courts. A derivative product from the original GeoSolve formulation is a very effective product named Alg-a-Solve that was formerly distributed world-wide by Lee Tennis Products. A Short Description of Alg-a-Solve We have all seen it, black, brown, yellow even
white nasty stuff growing in our bathrooms, on clothing in
our closet, even on the outside of our house and roof. It
even infiltrates areas we cannot see like air ducts, remote
attic or basement spaces, or wall cavities. Where does it
come from and how do we rid ourselves of it? Usually, the overall growth includes a collection of symbiotic organisms that physically link and form common colonies. Under a microscope the structure of the colonies resemble a carpet scrim with interlocking fibers creating a weaved-mat appearance. The biotic forms (organisms) that make up such colonies are described below. The forms listed can all be present in colony forms. In fact, no two colonies are exactly alike, even when located in close proximity to one-another. The Villains - Algae/Fungus/Mildew/Molds/Moss
Fungi are the broad classification of spore producing organisms usually classified as plants that lack chlorophyll. Fungi include molds, mildews, rusts, smuts, mushrooms and yeasts. There are approximately 50,000 known species of fungi in existence. Fungi live in many types of environments. They thrive in moist, tropical climates. Fungi do not contain chlorophyll and, therefore, cannot manufacture their own food. Fungi maintain their existence by absorbing the minerals, sugars and water from the host on which they live. Fungi use spores as a reproductive mechanism. The wind scatters the spores which then establish and develop into new fungi. Mildew is the name for certain organisms and the plant diseases they cause, and the discoloration and disintegration of materials caused by fungi. It does not contain chlorophyll and, therefore, cannot manufacture its own food. Its growth is encouraged by high humidity and limited air circulation. It frequently attacks exterior painted surfaces which provide a food source. Mildew forms as tiny dark spots (usually brown, purple or black) which result in an unattractive, dirty appearance Molds are a member of the fungi family. Molds do not contain chlorophyll and, therefore, cannot produce their own food. Molds can live off of a tremendous variety of food sources as well as reproduce in large quantities. Mold spores travel through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. Mosses and their allies are small green plants that, after lichens have created a foothold, the mosses move in tending to ultimately become a layer of topsoil for higher plants to take root. The mosses also hold loose dirt in place and greatly affecting playing surfaces. Ecologically and structurally, mosses are closer to lichens than they are to other members of the plant kingdom. Both mosses and lichens depend upon external moisture to transport nutrients. Because of this they prefer damp places and have evolved special methods of dealing with long dry periods. Higher plants, on the other hand, have specialized organs for transporting fluid, allowing them to adapt to a wider variety of habitats. All plants reproduce through alternating generations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the mosses. The first generation, the gametophyte, forms the green leafy structure we ordinarily associate with moss. It produces a sperm and an egg (the gametes) which unite, when conditions are right, to grow into the next generation: the sporophyte or spore-bearing structure. The moss sporophyte is typically a capsule growing on the end of a stalk called the seta. The sporophyte contains no clorophyl of its own: it grows parasitically on its gametophyte mother. As the sporophyte dries out, the capsule release spores which will grow into a new generation of gametophytes, if they germinate. Alg-a-Solve to the Rescue Construction experience in subsurface watering
technology of many types with both indoor and outdoor court
installations has been accumulated over many years. Venture
Enterprises has provided design, consultation, and construction
services to many clients. Many technological innovations have
been produced by the company through the years. The liquid
Alg-a-Solve product is a specialty item developed by Geo Solve and is available both as a concentrate
and premixed in an aqueous solution. Recommended court
surface application is by pressurized spray applicator or
water hose spray attachment. Company experience in designing and building tennis courts started in 1975 with American Tennis, New Jersey and New England Recreational Surfaces in New Hampshire. Product relationships exist with many tennis court and product manufacturers. References can be provided upon request. Design services for hardcourts, carpet courts (both permanent and portable) are available. We specialize in siting, drainage, subbase/base specification, playing surfaces, court repair proceedures (freezing, heaving, cracking, resurfacing, etc.). We can technically evaluate the watering system, court surface, and conditions for surface or subsurface watered fast-dry tennis courts of any irrigation system type. We have worked on both indoor and outdoor courts. Our specialty is to eliminate problems, improve playability, and recommend maintenance proceedures and equipment. If Alg-a-Solve is used on the dry spots, do not use calcium chloride. Alg-a-Solve can eliminate the need for calcium chloride applications. Alg-a-Solve has an advantage in that it leaves no residue and intrinsically enhances permeability. It has an affect upon microorganism colonization by affecting the adhesion ability of the organism to grab hold of the granular matrix and has other metabolic and cell wall effects. So it can help control microorganism growth (algae, fungus, mildew, mold, etc.). Alg-a-Solve can retard algae, fungus, mildew, mold growth that is active in the tennis court surface. Note: If microorganism colonies are already established with a "skin" formed, depending upon the exact chemical/biological combination of alge/mildew/fungus/mo;ld/moss might break them down, but we recommend removal of as much of the matted material as possible. Scarify, remove as much matted matetrial as possible, and then apply Alg-a-Solve to the tennis court material. Any time a court is scarified, Alg-a-Solve treatment is recommended before rolling. New courts should be treated as a final step in construction. |
