Maintaining a healthy and well-watered lawn can be a challenging task for many homeowners, but a proper lawn sprinkler system can make all the difference. With so many options to choose from, knowing the best lawn sprinkler system for watering your lawn can be overwhelming. In this blog, we'll guide you through the decision making process, including, important factors to consider and which sprinkler system is best for your lawn.
Important Factors When Choosing A Lawn Sprinkler System
Lawn Size & Coverage
The size of your lawn is an important factor to consider when choosing a lawn sprinkler system because it determines the coverage area and water flow required for efficient watering. With different types of lawn sprinkler systems designed for different lawn sizes or shapes, let's take a look at the factors worth considering when choosing a lawn sprinkler system of your own.
Larger Lawn:
Coverage Area: The lawn sprinkler system you choose should be able to cover the entire area of your lawn without any dry patches.
Water Pressure: A higher water pressure is needed to effectively water a larger lawn. Make sure the lawn sprinkler system you choose can handle the water pressure from your water source to ensure efficient watering.
Water conservation: Naturally, larger lawns require more water, which ultimately leads to a higher water bill. Look into lawn sprinkler systems with water-saving features such as rain sensors, soil moisture sensors, and adjustable watering patterns to reduce water usage.
Smaller Lawn:
Type of sprinkler: For a small lawn, a simple and cost-effective lawn sprinkler system is likely best. A pop up sprinkler head or a hose end sprinkler can provide efficient watering for smaller lawns without any complex features.
Water conservation: Even for a small lawn, water conservation is important. Choose a sprinkler system with water-saving features such as an adjustable watering pattern or a timer to avoid over-watering and reduce your water bills the potential of harmful water runoff.
Maintenance: A small sprinkler system may require less maintenance than a larger system, but regular upkeep is still necessary. Choose a system that is easy to maintain and clean.
In addition to size, the shape of your lawn plays an important factor into the choice of sprinkler you need. Irregularly shaped lawns may require sprinkler systems with adjustable watering patterns or multiple sprinkler heads to ensure all areas are adequately watered.
Water Source
For many people water source is an important factor to consider when choosing a lawn sprinkler system as it can determine the type of sprinkler system that can be installed and varying functions required for efficient watering. Here are some things to consider:
Water pressure:
Different sprinkler systems require different water pressures to function effectively. Some systems, like rotary sprinklers, require a higher water pressure, while others, like drip irrigation, require a lower water pressure. You should choose a sprinkler system that can handle the water pressure from your water source to ensure efficient watering.
Water source:
While many homes have a water spigot, water source available at your home also influence the type of sprinkler system you need. For example, if you have a well as your water source, you may need to consider a sprinkler system that is designed to work with well water, or if you have hard water, you may need a system that can filter out mineral deposits.
Water quality:
If your water source has high levels of sediment or minerals, it may clog up some types of sprinkler heads, you'll need a system designed to handle this. Water conservation: Regions with water conservation regulations, may be required to use a certain type of sprinkler system or limit your watering schedule. Verify the lawn sprinkler system you choose is compliant with your local regulations and can help you conserve water.
Material & Design
The material of the sprinkler is an important consideration when choosing a sprinkler system for your lawn. Metal sprinklers, while they may be slightly heavier and more expensive, will be more durable and likely to last long. When choosing a lawn sprinkler, it's important to look at the connection points to the hose and the moving parts to ensure they are made of metal for added durability.
Additionally, the way various components of a lawn sprinkler system are designed can have significant impact on the ease of use and functionality of the sprinkler. A few examples include:
Solid connector between the sprinkler and hose.
Larger couplings with knobs or non-slip surface to ensure a better grip, making it easier to connect and disconnect the sprinkler.
Washer and sieve/strainer in the connector to keep debris from clogging the nozzles.
Hose connector that swivels to help the lawn sprinkler lay flat and reduce struggle with the hose.
Cost
Like most purchase decisions, cost plays an important role when selecting a lawn sprinkler system. However, for lawn sprinkler systems, the upfront investment and ongoing maintenance expenses can vary significantly between different types of sprinkler systems. Factors such as the complexity of the system, the materials used in its construction, and the requirements for installation all contribute to the overall cost. Additionally, ongoing expenses like water consumption, repairs, and the need for replacement parts should be taken into account.
While some lawn sprinkler systems may have a higher initial cost, often times they provide long-term savings through improved water efficiency and reduced maintenance needs. Carefully evaluate your budget, consider the long-term cost-effectiveness, and assess the specific needs of your lawn to make an informed decision about the most suitable sprinkler system that aligns with your financial means. Balancing the upfront cost with the potential long-term savings and benefits is key in selecting the right lawn sprinkler system for your needs.
Types Of Lawn Sprinkler Systems
Oscillating Sprinkler:
A popular choice for many homeowners because they're easy to use and cover a wide area. These sprinklers feature a long tube with several holes that move back and forth to distribute water evenly over your lawn. They're also adjustable, so you can control the flow of water and the width of the spray.
Cost Breakdown:
Basic oscillating sprinklers - $10 to $30: Typically made of plastic and offer basic adjustable settings for spray distance and width.
Mid-range oscillating sprinklers - $30 to $50: Often have sturdier materials, such as metal components, and may offer additional features like built-in timers or more precise spray pattern adjustments.
Higher-end oscillating sprinklers - $50 to $100: Made of durable materials like metal and offer advanced features like flow control or precision nozzles.
Pros:
Wide coverage: Oscillating sprinklers are known for their ability to provide a wide coverage area. They distribute water in a back-and-forth motion, effectively watering a rectangular or square-shaped lawn.
Adjustable patterns: Most oscillating sprinklers come with adjustable spray patterns, allowing you to customize the watering direction and range according to your lawn's needs. This versatility ensures that you can effectively water different areas of your lawn.
Easy to use: Oscillating sprinklers are generally easy to set up and use. They typically connect easily to a garden hose and require minimal adjustments to start watering your lawn. This makes them a convenient choice for homeowners.
Cons:
Limited reach: While oscillating sprinklers offer a wide coverage area, they may have limitations when it comes to reaching specific corners or irregularly shaped areas. Depending on your lawn's layout, you may need to position multiple sprinklers or use additional watering methods for thorough coverage.
Water waste: Due to their design, oscillating sprinklers can sometimes result in water wastage. Wind or improper adjustment of the spray patterns can lead to overspray onto non-lawn areas such as driveways or sidewalks. It's important to ensure proper placement and adjustment to minimize water waste.
Lack of uniformity: In some cases, oscillating sprinklers may not provide entirely uniform water distribution across the entire coverage area. The water pressure and distribution can vary, resulting in certain areas receiving more or less water than others. Regular monitoring and adjustment may be necessary to ensure consistent watering.
Impact Sprinkler:
A more durable option, that is great for larger lawns. These sprinklers feature a rotating head that sprays water in a circular pattern, covering a large area. They're also adjustable, so you can control the distance and direction of the spray.
Cost Breakdown:
Basic impact sprinklers - $10 to $30: Typically made of plastic and offer a standard spray pattern with limited adjustability.
Mid-range impact sprinklers - $30 to $50: Sturdier materials, such as metal components, and may offer adjustable spray distance, angle, and flow rate.
Higher-end impact sprinklers - $50 to $100: Made of durable materials like brass or stainless steel and offer advanced features like full-circle or part-circle coverage.
Pros:
Wide coverage: Impact sprinklers are known for their ability to provide a wide coverage area. They typically have a radius ranging from 20 to 50 feet, making them suitable for larger lawns or areas with expansive irrigation needs.
Durability: Impact sprinklers are constructed with sturdy materials, often featuring metal components. This makes them durable and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to some other sprinkler types.
Adjustable settings: Most impact sprinklers offer adjustable spray patterns, allowing you to control the distance and trajectory of the water spray. This flexibility enables you to tailor the irrigation to specific areas of your lawn, accommodating various plant types and watering requirements.
Cons:
Higher water consumption: Impact sprinklers tend to use more water compared to other types of sprinklers due to their higher flow rate and larger coverage area. This increased water consumption may lead to higher water bills and can be a concern in areas with water scarcity or conservation measures.
Limited customization: While impact sprinklers have adjustable settings, they are generally less versatile in terms of pattern customization compared to oscillating or rotating sprinklers. The spray pattern is typically circular or semi-circular, which may not be ideal for irregularly shaped lawns or specific watering needs.
Noise and potential for damage: Impact sprinklers can produce noticeable noise during operation, which may be a consideration for those seeking a quieter watering solution. Additionally, the rotating arm mechanism of impact sprinklers can occasionally cause damage to surrounding plants or obstacles if not properly positioned or adjusted.
Rotary Sprinkler:
A good choice for irregularly shaped lawns because they can be adjusted to cover specific areas. These sprinklers feature several arms with nozzles that rotate to distribute water in a circular pattern. They're also adjustable, so you can control the distance and direction of the spray.
Cost Breakdown:
Basic rotary sprinklers - $10 to $30: Typically made of plastic and offer a fixed spray pattern with limited adjustability.
Mid-range rotary sprinklers - $30 to $50: Sturdier materials, such as metal components, and may offer adjustable spray distance, angle, and pattern options.
Higher-end rotary sprinkler - $50 to $100: Made of durable materials like metal and offer advanced features like customizable spray patterns, flow control, or precise nozzle adjustments.
Pros:
Wide coverage: Rotary sprinklers are designed to provide a wide coverage area, making them suitable for medium to large-sized lawns. They can cover a radius of up to 50 feet or more, ensuring efficient irrigation across a significant area.
Uniform water distribution: Rotary sprinklers deliver water in a consistent, rotating pattern. This helps to achieve uniform water distribution, preventing overwatering in some areas and under-watering in others. It promotes healthier and more even growth throughout the lawn.
Customizable settings: Many rotary sprinklers offer adjustable settings, allowing you to control the spray distance, angle, and pattern. This adaptability enables you to customize the watering to match your lawn's specific shape and size, as well as the water requirements of different plantings.
Cons:
Higher water consumption: Rotary sprinklers typically use a higher volume of water compared to other types of sprinklers due to their larger coverage area and flow rate. This can result in increased water consumption and potentially higher water bills, especially in areas where water conservation is a concern.
Limited flexibility: Rotary sprinklers are often designed to cover a fixed pattern, typically in a circular or semi-circular shape. This may not be ideal for irregularly shaped lawns or specific watering needs, requiring additional manual adjustments or the use of supplemental sprinklers for full coverage.
Wind sensitivity: Rotary sprinklers are more prone to being affected by wind compared to some other sprinkler types. Strong winds can cause the water spray to drift off target, resulting in uneven coverage and potential water waste. Proper placement and adjustment are necessary to minimize this issue.
In Ground Sprinkler:
A more permanent option that requires professional installation. These systems feature a network of pipes and sprinkler heads that are installed beneath your lawn. They're controlled by a timer, so you can set them to water your lawn automatically. In-ground sprinklers are a great choice for larger lawns and can increase your home's value.
Cost Breakdown:
Basic in-ground sprinkler systems - $1,500 to $2,500: These systems include standard components such as PVC pipes, basic sprinkler heads, a basic controller, and standard features.
Mid-range in-ground sprinkler systems - $2,500 to $4,000: These systems often feature higher-quality materials such as brass or corrosion-resistant components, more advanced sprinkler heads with adjustable settings, a more sophisticated controller with additional programming options, and potential features like rain sensors for water conservation.
Higher-end in-ground sprinkler systems - $4,000 to $10,000+: These systems offer top-of-the-line components, such as high-grade brass or stainless steel sprinkler heads and pipes, advanced controllers with smart technology integration, precise zoning options, weather-based scheduling, and additional features like soil moisture sensors for optimal water management.
Pros:
Aesthetics: In-ground sprinkler systems are hidden underground, providing a clean and uncluttered appearance for your lawn. The sprinklers only emerge when in use, maintaining the overall visual appeal of your landscaping.
Customization: In-ground sprinkler systems offer a high level of customization. They can be designed to accommodate various lawn shapes and sizes, ensuring optimal coverage and water distribution. Zones can be created to target specific areas with different watering needs, allowing for efficient irrigation.
Convenience: Once installed, in-ground sprinkler systems operate automatically based on programmed schedules. This eliminates the need for manual watering, saving you time and effort. Some systems also come with smart features that allow remote control and scheduling via smartphone apps, enhancing convenience further.
Cons:
Installation and cost: Installing an in-ground sprinkler system typically requires professional assistance, as it involves digging trenches and laying underground pipes. This can be a costly investment compared to other types of sprinkler systems. Additionally, any repairs or modifications to the system may require professional help.
Maintenance and repairs: In-ground sprinkler systems require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes checking for leaks, adjusting spray patterns, and maintaining the irrigation schedule. If any part of the system gets damaged, such as a broken sprinkler head or pipe, repairs can be more complex and costly than with above-ground systems.
Limited flexibility: Once an in-ground sprinkler system is installed, making changes to the layout or coverage area can be challenging. Landscaping modifications or additions may require adjustments to the system, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Drip Irrigation System:
A great option for garden beds and areas with plants that require targeted watering. These systems feature a network of tubing and emitters that release water slowly and directly to the base of plants. They're efficient and use less water than other types of sprinklers.
Cost Breakdown:
Basic drip irrigation systems - $200 to $500: These systems include essential components such as drip tubing, emitters, connectors, and a basic timer or pressure regulator. They are suitable for smaller gardens or specific plant beds with simple irrigation needs.
Mid-range drip irrigation systems - $500 to $1,000: These systems often feature higher-quality components, more precise and adjustable emitters, additional accessories like filters and pressure regulators, and a more advanced timer or controller with programming options and expanded zones.
Higher-end drip irrigation systems - $1,000 to $1,500+: These systems offer premium-quality components, such as durable and clog-resistant emitters, professional-grade filters and pressure regulators, advanced controllers with advanced programming capabilities, and additional features like flow meters or remote control functionality.
Pros:
Water efficiency: Drip irrigation systems are highly efficient when it comes to water usage. They deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. This targeted approach ensures that water is used efficiently, reducing water waste and promoting healthier plant growth.
Precise control: Drip irrigation allows for precise control over the amount of water delivered to each plant. By adjusting the flow rate and timing, you can tailor the irrigation to meet the specific needs of different plants in your garden. This level of control helps prevent overwatering and underwatering, promoting optimal plant health.
Weed and disease control: Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the plant roots, avoiding wetting the entire soil surface. This helps inhibit weed growth by depriving weed seeds of the moisture they need to germinate. Additionally, the targeted watering reduces the moisture on plant foliage, minimizing the risk of certain foliar diseases.
Cons:
Initial setup complexity: Installing a drip irrigation system can be more complex compared to other sprinkler systems. It involves laying out a network of tubes, emitters, and connectors throughout the garden. Proper planning and knowledge of irrigation design are necessary to ensure adequate coverage and efficient water distribution.
Clogging potential: Drip emitters and tubing can be prone to clogging if not properly maintained. Sediment, minerals, or organic matter in the water can accumulate over time and obstruct the flow of water. Regular inspection and cleaning of emitters and filters are necessary to prevent clogging issues.
Limited coverage area: Drip irrigation systems are best suited for individual plants, small garden beds, or areas with closely spaced plants. They may not be as effective for large open areas or lawns that require broad coverage. In such cases, alternative irrigation methods may be more suitable.
Summary
Choosing the best lawn sprinkler system for your depends on a variety of factors, including the size and shape of your lawn, the types of plants you have, and your budget. Each of these lawn sprinkler systems has its own unique advantages, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that best meets your needs. No matter which lawn sprinkler system you choose, make sure to use it wisely and avoid overwatering, to avoid harming your lawn and wasting water.