You night try Pine straw instead of wood mulch. It's less prone to washing.
Be certain that this is something you plan to use for years and years as the ROI on homeowner-specific improvements are not very high. Budget for the concrete work involved is usually around $15-20K alone, not including the poles and painting. If you plan to sell your home in less than 10 years or would need the court for less than 10 years, don't do it. A new upgraded entry way, minor kitchen update, interior room/living space addition or new Hardie Board siding will give you a much better return on investment.
As a builder I could tell you there is no right answer. I built my home on the water and I have switched from eal grass to artificial . My reasoning was to conserve water and time. Now I can also focas my time on other things. I've addded a complet creek that runs down my entite property into the lake and addded palm tees and other floweers and tees. The amazing thing is hoe green my yard always appears from lake and now I have installed over 20 other homes with the same product. For me the switch was completely worth it as well as all the new clients I've gathered from it. It's a personal decision for sure. www.greenbuiltwa.com
John
I would do what Paul said but I would take an additonal step of capping the sprinkler heads where they are easy to get to with a half dozen of 1/2" PVC caps. Then you are increasing the pressure on the leak and you will find it much faster and expend less water.
Philip
HDR Remodeling Berkeley Ca
Check out this Houzz site for ideas http://www.houzz.com/outdoor-basketball-court
Do you have a budget? This would be the first question I would ask which also relates to your potential. You are looking at 15-20k typically.
Then are you looking at concrete or a rubber base?
Hi John, where are you located? It sounds like an expensive endevor to go artificial. How large is the grass area that we are talking about. This could help with the cost estimation.
Hi John,
Turn on your sprinklers for the zone your leak is on and let it run. The area where the leak is will cause the ground around it to be soaked and water logged more so than any other area. There is your leak.
Good luck!