The “perk rate” — the rate at which water moves through a soil — is relatively slow and varies greatly between different makeups of soil. The rate can range from a few inches per hour for sandier soils to only a few hundredths of an inch per hour for higher clay content soils, like those found on a skinned infield.

One of the most effective ways to ensure that your infield will be playable after a heavy rain is to maintain a proper grade on the field to allow for positive surface drainage. Directing water across skinned areas as opposed to letting it percolate down through them will significantly improve how your field handles water.

Ideally, over 90% of all precipitation should be able to escape the infield areas with proper drainage. If puddles form despite your best efforts, a simple tool like the Puddle Sponge is your best bet. Unlike brooms or squeegees, using a Puddle Sponge will soak up water without displacing infield soil, making them a very effective and efficient way to remove puddles while not making your puddling situation worse after the next rain event.