WaterSOLV Restores Sand-Based Greens
Independent ISTRC Study – The Country Club at The Legends
When Green #3 at The Country Club at The Legends in Missouri was evaluated, the findings were severe:
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Extremely high iron and calcium accumulation
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Hardpan development mid-profile
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Poor infiltration and percolation
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Low air porosity
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Blackened anaerobic layers
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Greens considered candidates for rebuild
An independent ISTRC System™ study was conducted to determine whether chemical remediation using HCT’s WaterSOLV technology (pHix) could restore soil function in just 12 days.
The results were remarkable.
The Problem: Hidden Crystalline Contamination
Traditional soil tests showed minimal soluble iron.
Very Strong Acid testing revealed the truth:
Iron levels exceeded 4,400 ppm in the upper profile.
These tightly bound crystalline minerals:
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Increased bulk density
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Restricted oxygen movement
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Reduced infiltration
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Created hardpan conditions
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Contributed to black layer development
This was not compaction.
It was chemical contamination.
The Solution: WaterSOLV (pHix)
WaterSOLV is a dual-action remediation system:
Curative (Buffered HCl)
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Dissolves carbonates and bicarbonates
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Breaks down crystalline mineral structures
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Liberates bound nutrients
BC Component (Hydrogen Peroxide + Acetic Acid)
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Breaks down bacterial biofilms and “slime”
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Reduces anaerobic bacterial activity
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Provides oxygen in the soil profile
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Supports continuous chemical aerification
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Mobilizes iron and manganese
Unlike urea-buffered acid products, WaterSOLV® contains no nitrogen, preventing unwanted growth flush during remediation
Measurable Results in 12 Days
Significant Improvements in Deep Rootzone (8–12”)
After only 12 days:
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Bulk Density reduced (1.72 → 1.54 g/cc)
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Infiltration increased dramatically (3.92 → 17.31 in/hr)
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Air porosity improved
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Water movement improved
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Iron levels decreased significantly
These changes were originally considered unlikely within such a short testing window.
No Turf Stress. No Growth Surge.
At application rates up to 500 ppm:
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Turf showed no yellowing or injury
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No phytotoxic response was observed
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No soft, “puffy” nitrogen-driven growth occurred
The comparison product (urea-buffered HCl) caused a flush of growth due to nitrogen release.
WaterSOLV did not
This allows superintendents to aggressively remediate soils without destabilizing playability.
Why This Matters
This study demonstrates something critical:
Many hardpan and infiltration problems in sand-based greens are chemical, not mechanical.
Crystalline iron, calcium, and carbonate accumulation can:
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Increase bulk density
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Reduce oxygen exchange
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Create anaerobic conditions
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Limit root depth
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Impair drainage
WaterSOLV chemically dissolves these structures — restoring soil function from within.
From Rebuild Candidate to Rehabilitation Potential
Green #3 was being prepared for strip-and-regrass renovation.
After 12 days of treatment, ISTRC concluded:
“Chemical remediation may be an important tool in rehabilitating sand-based golf greens… The changes that occurred within a short time frame were substantial.”
Instead of rebuilding the green, chemical restoration became a viable pathway.
WaterSOLV Benefits at a Glance
✔ Dissolves carbonates and crystalline deposits
✔ Mobilizes excessive iron and metals
✔ Reduces bulk density
✔ Increases infiltration
✔ Improves deep-rootzone porosity
✔ Breaks down biofilms
✔ Supplies oxygen to anaerobic soils
✔ Avoids nitrogen growth flush
✔ Works in sand-based USGA systems
The Bottom Line
WaterSOLV does more than adjust pH.
It restores soil physics by addressing the chemical causes of density and infiltration failure.
In just 12 days, measurable improvements occurred in a severely impacted USGA green — proving that chemical rehabilitation can be faster, safer, and more cost-effective than reconstruction.
Want to See What WaterSOLV® Can Do for Your Greens?
Contact HCT, LLC to schedule a soil and water evaluation and learn how WaterSOLV can restore performance from the profile up.