For many homeowners, artificial turf is the ultimate solution for a beautiful backyard—until the first Ohio blizzard. While synthetic grass looks pristine in July, it quickly becomes a frozen, unusable obstacle course in January. For "PaverPete" Baloglou, a renowned outdoor living professional, the problem was personal: his puppy needed a safe, clear spot for pet relief, but the Midwest winter threatened to bury that "green oasis" under layers of ice and snow.
Instead of resigning to soggy paws and back-breaking shoveling, Pete integrated a WarmlyYours snow melting system directly into his backyard. Now, the space remains a lush, dry sanctuary year-round, regardless of the forecast.
Project Details
- Location: Avon, Ohio
- Heated Space Type: Backyard / Pet Relief Area
- Flooring / Surface Type: Artificial Turf over New Concrete
- Coverage Type: Targeted Zone (32 sq. ft.)
- System Type: Electric Snow Melting (Radiant)
- Voltage: 120V
- Wattage: 1,500W
- Amps: 13A
- Wattage per Sq. Ft.: ~47 Watts/sq. ft.
- Cable Spacing: 3-inch centers
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Operating Cost: * Per Hour: ~$0.24 (Based on local $0.16/kWh avg)
- Per Storm Event: ~$1.44 (Based on a typical 6-hour run time)
- WarmlyYours Products Used: Snow Melt Cable (WHCA-120-0126)
- Installer: PaverPete Baloglou
Reclaiming the Backyard for Pets and Peace of Mind
Homeowners often accept that their backyard becomes "off-limits" for five months of the year. In the Midwest, snow doesn't just sit on artificial turf; it mats the fibers and creates a frozen crust that is notoriously difficult to clear without damaging the synthetic blades. For a pet owner, this means navigating icy paths and dealing with the mess that a frozen "pet relief" area creates.
The challenge for this Avon, OH backyard was ensuring the new concrete base beneath the turf wouldn't just hold the snow, but actively repel it. Adhering to NEC 426.20 (C), the installation involved embedding the WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cable within a 1.5-inch layer of concrete. By utilizing a precise 3-inch cable spacing, the system provides a consistent heat density of approximately 47 watts per square foot.
This configuration ensures that melt-water flows freely through the turf's drainage system rather than refreezing into a dangerous ice sheet. The result? A puppy that can enjoy the "sun turf" even in the dead of winter, and a homeowner who never has to lift a shovel.
Technical Insight: Optimizing Turf for Peak Performance
Achieving rapid snow melting through synthetic fibers requires specific turf characteristics to ensure efficient heat transfer.
Turf AspectRecommended for Heat TransferFeatures to AvoidPile HeightMedium/Short (1–1.5")Very tall pile (2"+) (Insulates heat)Infill TypeHigh-conductivity Silica SandLow-conductivity Crumb Rubber or CorkBackingPerforated/Permeable for drainageImpermeable or thick insulating layersFiber ColorDarker green (Absorbs winter sun)"Cool" reflective colorsInstallationFlat, tight contact with baseThick foam shock pads above cablesPro Tip: To maximize efficiency, the turf must be installed with 100% surface contact. We recommend activating the system 2–4 hours before a storm to preheat the slab, ensuring snow melts on contact.
Featured Products
Snow Melt Cable (120V) Designed specifically for the rigors of burial in concrete, asphalt, or masonry, this cable provides the heavy-duty thermal output required to melt snow as it falls. It solves the problem of surface ice-bonding, ensuring that snow never has the chance to accumulate into heavy, frozen slush that can damage turf fibers.
