Glossary

Turf Lighting Glossary for Directors and Venue Managers

A quick guide for decision-makers – and how Rhenac delivers

Managing a modern sports pitch involves more than just mowing and watering — especially in stadiums where light, air, and usage pressures affect how the turf performs. With so many technologies and terms in the market, it can be difficult to know what you’re really buying — or how to compare options.

This glossary is designed to help directors, venue managers, and decision-makers quickly understand the key concepts behind turf lighting and pitch care. Each term is explained along with how Rhenac (and TLS) approaches it — so you can make confident, informed decisions when planning upgrades or evaluating suppliers.

What you’re buying. How it’s different. Why it matters.

1. Grow Lights

Artificial lighting systems used to stimulate grass growth when natural sunlight isn’t sufficient. Common in stadiums, especially in winter or shaded areas.

Rhenac + TLS offer both LED and HPS systems for different needs, with a focus on energy efficiency and turf health.

2. LED vs HPS

LED (Light Emitting Diode) systems are energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and allow custom light “recipes” for targeted turf response.
HPS (High Pressure Sodium) lights are traditional, warmer-spectrum lights that promote rapid vertical growth but use more energy.

Rhenac’s CLS LED systems replicate natural sunlight, while TLS rigs offer both LED and HPS.

3. CLS – Complete Light Spectrum

Rhenac’s patented LED technology reproduces the full spectrum of natural daylight. This promotes healthier, denser grass and supports recovery, root growth, and disease resistance.

Unlike standard LED systems, which are often monochromatic or limited to a few fixed colours, CLS adapts the light output to match the specific objectives set by the grounds team — delivering the right wavelengths.

4. Mobile Lighting Rigs

Portable units that can be moved around the pitch to target specific areas. Ideal for training grounds or stadiums with partial shade or high-wear zones.

TLS pioneered the single-row aluminium mobile rig — compact, light, and easy to operate.

5. Fully Automated Systems

Fixed or track-based lighting systems that operate automatically using sensors and scheduling. Often integrated with other turf care tools like irrigation systems, fans, or data platforms.

Rhenac systems can include automation and live diagnostics, reducing manual work and improving consistency.

6. Turfpal Portal

A digital platform used to plan, track, and manage turf care operations — from lighting to inspections and team coordination.

Included with TLS service packages, Turfpal supports better decision-making and long-term performance.

7. UV-C Treatment

A light-based method for managing turf diseases like fungi and algae without chemicals. A sustainable alternative in high-traffic or humid environments.

Rhenac LED systems offer UV-C mobile modules, attached to tractors, as part of an integrated disease prevention approach.

8. Service & Support

Includes everything from setup and training to spare parts, diagnostics, and long-term maintenance.

TLS and Rhenac offer local engineers, remote support, and tailored service programmes — helping clubs maximise uptime and ROI.

9. SWAP & Buy-Back Options

Flexible service models that allow clubs to upgrade equipment or return rigs at the end of their lifecycle, reducing financial risk.

Unique to TLS service packages, offering budget flexibility and peace of mind.

10. Shade Analysis & Light Planning

A study of your venue’s structure and sun exposure to determine where and when extra light is needed.

Our engineers provide full light maps and deployment plans — tailored to your stadium layout.

11. Light Recipe

A light recipe is a specific combination of light wavelengths (such as red, blue, and far-red) used to guide turf behaviour — like encouraging root development, promoting recovery after wear, or reducing stress in extreme conditions.

Rhenac’s CLS system lets you apply customised light recipes give grounds teams more control over turf health.