Pump It Up: Improving Efficiency, One Barrel at a Time

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Buying in bulk helps save space and money, but sometimes bulk products are hard to use and maneuver. This was the case with a new wetting agent we purchased. It comes in a 55 gallon barrel and is an extremely dense liquid (think of hot glue out of a glue gun). It took 45 minutes to get 12 gallons pumped out of the barrel by hand.

By engineering a pressurized dispensing system, the Grounds Team significantly reduced fill times, minimized labor strain, and improved day-to-day workflow—allowing staff to spend less time on product handling and more time on course maintenance. The solution also maximized the cost savings associated with buying in bulk by making the product practical to use.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

We engineered a special dispensing system and modified the barrel by adding a Schrader valve for pressurization, building a PVC intake system, and repurposing an unused pump nozzle to safely dispense the product using compressed air. This setup allows the wetting agent to be transferred quickly and efficiently into sprayers, reducing labor time and physical effort with each use.

While members may not directly see the change, the improved process supports healthier turf through consistent application of the wetting agent and reduced water usage. The result is maintained—or improved—playing conditions achieved with less time, less labor, and greater operational efficiency.