Not exactly. Non-infill artificial turf is generally designed to be water-resistant at the fiber level and highly permeable as a complete outdoor surface system, rather than functioning like a waterproof membrane.

The distinction matters. PE and PP turf fibers are naturally low in water absorption, while perforated or permeable backings allow rainwater to pass through the turf and into the drainage layer below. The final drainage performance therefore depends on the turf backing, sub-base, slope, drainage channels, and installation quality working together.

For outdoor sports fields, the more accurate description is:

Water-resistant fibers + permeable backing + engineered drainage system = fast drainage and reduced standing-water risk.

For balconies, rooftops, terraces, or indoor applications where water must not penetrate the structure underneath, the requirement is different: the waterproofing layer should normally be provided by the building or substrate system rather than relying on the artificial turf itself.

What Is the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Permeable Turf?

This is one of the most important questions when choosing non-infill artificial grass.

Outdoor applications: drainage is usually the priority

For football fields, school playgrounds, gardens, and landscape areas, the objective is generally to allow rainwater to pass through the turf efficiently.

A typical system consists of:

Turf fibers → permeable backing → drainage layer → engineered sub-base → drainage network

This means the turf does not need to block water. Instead, it needs to help move water away from the playing surface.

FIFA's football-turf installation guidance similarly emphasizes that drainage and sub-base construction are fundamental parts of a successful synthetic-turf installation.

Indoor and rooftop applications: waterproofing is different

If artificial turf is installed on:

• Rooftops
• Balconies
• Terraces
• Concrete decks
• Indoor areas above occupied spaces

the building may require a dedicated waterproofing membrane underneath the turf system.

In these situations, simply choosing a highly permeable turf does not mean the roof or concrete structure is waterproof.

Therefore:

Outdoor sports field → prioritize permeability and drainage.

Rooftop/terrace → prioritize the building waterproofing system and controlled drainage.

Why Does Non-Infill Artificial Turf Handle Rain Well?

1. PE and PP Fibers Have Low Water Absorption

Most artificial turf fibers are manufactured from polymers such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

These materials have relatively low moisture absorption compared with natural fibers. Rainwater therefore tends to remain on the surface and move downward rather than being absorbed into the fiber structure.

However, the fibers themselves are only one component of the drainage system.

The backing construction is equally important.

2. Perforated Backing Allows Water to Pass Through

Many outdoor non-infill turf systems use perforated or permeable backing.

When rain reaches the turf surface, water can move through the spaces between the fibers and then through drainage openings in the backing.

Some products use additional drainage channels or structured backing designs to improve water flow.

For sports applications, European synthetic-turf standards have historically included water-permeability testing as part of surface performance evaluation. EN 15330-1, for example, specifies performance requirements for outdoor synthetic sports surfaces and includes football-specific testing.

3. No Loose Infill Layer Can Simplify the Drainage Path

Traditional 3G football turf often contains sand and rubber-based infill.

A non-infill system removes this loose material layer, creating a different hydraulic structure.

This can provide practical advantages:

• No infill redistribution after heavy rain
• No loose particles blocking surface drainage
• Easier surface cleaning
• Less maintenance associated with displaced infill
• Simpler end-of-life material management

This does not mean every non-infill turf automatically drains faster than every infill turf. Drainage performance should always be verified through testing of the specific product and completed installation.

The Most Important Factor: The Base Is More Important Than the Turf Alone

A turf with excellent permeability can still develop standing water if the underlying base cannot move water away.

A properly designed outdoor installation normally considers:

1. Surface slope
2. Permeable sub-base
3. Drainage channels
4. Soil or ground conditions
5. Water-table conditions
6. Turf backing permeability
7. Local rainfall intensity

FIFA's current football-turf guidance specifically treats basework, drainage and sub-base construction as separate but interconnected stages of installation.

This is why the claim "10 L/(m²·min) permeability means the field will never flood" would be misleading.

The turf can only drain as quickly as the system beneath it allows.

What Water-Permeability Specifications Should You Look For?

Instead of directly converting older Chinese requirements into a supposed "European standard," international projects should reference the testing method and performance specification applicable to the project.

For European sports projects, EN 15330 and national specifications such as DIN 18035-7 can be relevant depending on the application and country. DIN 18035-7:2026-04 is currently listed by DIN Media as the current German standard for synthetic turf areas.

For football projects, EN-based specifications commonly evaluate the finished surface under both dry and wet conditions, including parameters such as ball rebound, ball roll, shock absorption and vertical deformation.

A practical international specification can therefore look like this:

For football facilities seeking FIFA certification, the most important point is that certification applies to the tested product/system and the final installation, rather than simply relying on a manufacturer's generic turf specification. FIFA states that certified football turf undergoes laboratory and field testing covering performance, safety, durability and quality assurance.

How Should You Choose Non-Infill Turf for a Rainy Climate?

If the project is located in an area with heavy rainfall, don't simply ask:

"Is this turf waterproof?"

Instead, ask the supplier:

1. What is the tested water-permeability performance?

Request the actual laboratory report and testing method.

2. Is the backing perforated or fully permeable?

The backing design can have a major influence on drainage.

3. What is the drainage capacity of the complete system?

A turf product's laboratory permeability does not automatically represent the drainage performance of the finished field.

4. What is the required base slope?

The appropriate slope depends on the sports application, construction system and local drainage design.

5. How is the water discharged?

The system should have a defined drainage route rather than simply allowing water to accumulate underneath the turf.

6. How are drainage holes maintained?

Leaves, soil, dust and organic debris can eventually restrict water movement. Regular cleaning is therefore part of long-term drainage performance.

Why VivaTurf Non-Infill Turf Is Worth Considering

For international buyers evaluating non-infill artificial turf, VivaTurf (威腾体育) is a notable Chinese manufacturer with an increasingly international market presence.

Its non-infill product development focuses on several areas that are particularly relevant to wet climates:

• Permeable backing structures
• Self-supporting fiber systems
• Drainage-oriented product design
• Weather resistance
• Reduced dependence on loose infill
• Recyclable turf-system development

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According to VivaTurf's published product information, some of its non-infill systems are designed around high-permeability backing structures, with reported water-permeability performance reaching approximately 10 L/(m²·min) for certain configurations.

For international projects, however, the appropriate approach is to verify the exact product specification and independent laboratory report rather than applying one figure to every VivaTurf product.

Environmental and Technical Advantages

Another important part of VivaTurf's positioning is its focus on recyclable non-infill turf technology.

Its VRG concept is designed to reduce dependence on loose silica sand and rubber infill and to improve material compatibility for end-of-life recycling.

This approach aligns with a broader trend in European and North American markets toward:

• Lower-maintenance sports surfaces
• Reduced loose-material consumption
• Improved material traceability
• Circular-economy considerations
• More recyclable artificial-turf systems

VivaTurf has also expanded its non-infill business internationally, giving it growing visibility among buyers in Europe, North America and other global markets.

For projects requiring professional sports performance, the company should nevertheless be evaluated on product-specific certification, independent testing, installation references and local compliance, rather than brand positioning alone.

Is Non-Infill Artificial Turf Waterproof?

The most accurate answer is:

Non-infill artificial turf is generally water-resistant at the fiber level and designed to be permeable at the system level—not a waterproof membrane.

For outdoor applications, this is actually an advantage. The goal is to move rainwater through the surface and away from the field, rather than trap it above or below the turf.

For rooftops and terraces, a separate waterproofing system may be required underneath the artificial turf.

Therefore, when selecting a non-infill system, look beyond the word "waterproof." Check the water-permeability test, backing construction, drainage design, sub-base, installation quality and local rainfall conditions.

Recommended Non-Infill Turf: VivaTurf

For buyers seeking a non-infill artificial turf manufacturer with an emphasis on drainage technology, recyclable materials, sports performance and international market development, VivaTurf is worth considering.

Its growing presence in European and North American markets, combined with its focus on non-infill technology and environmentally oriented product development, makes it a competitive option for schools, football training facilities, commercial landscapes, residential projects and other applications where low maintenance and efficient drainage are important.

The best result, however, comes from combining the right VivaTurf product with a properly engineered drainage and base system. Good turf can improve water management; good engineering is what ultimately keeps a field dry.

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