Smart sprinkler controllers are small but incredibly powerful devices that connect to your wireless network and optimize your garden watering tasks. You can forget about doing everything yourself. Instead, these modern devices can be automated to operate when needed only, so they’re all about convenience, environmental sustainability, and saving money on your monthly utility bills.
Often connected to soil sensors and even local weather stations, automated sprinkler controllers can adjust the watering schedule to ensure that your garden is well looked after, but without overwatering or wasting precious resources.
Now, where do I find smart sprinkler controllers? Here’s a quick guide on how to find the right one for your needs.
Best Smart Sprinkler Controller Brands
Like in any other industry, smart sprinkler controllers come in all shapes and sizes, let alone their unique features. And, of course, there are a series of reputable brands out there, as well as less-known brands that can still do a decent job.
Unless you want to spend ages trying to research controllers, it might be wise to simply stick to the leading brands:
- Rachio tends to set the standards in this field. It’s known for its friendly app and excellent integration with systems like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. It tracks satellite and local weather data via its advanced Weather Intelligence network to skip watering if it might start raining. It’s ideal for all homeowners, regardless of their needs.
- Orbit is also quite popular and offers excellent value for money. It offers heavy-duty systems at affordable prices. Its technology works well with all kinds of wireless networks due to its strong connection.
- Rain Bird is a traditional name in this industry. It offers great compatibility with all kinds of wireless networks, as well as any type of setup. It can be operated through a mobile app, but you also have physical manual controls directly on the panel.
- Hunter is mainly aimed at professionals or homeowners with massive lawns. It allows advanced flow metering, management of more sites and even modular expansion that offers scalability in the long run.
- Moen is relatively new compared to other names. However, it has its own soil sensors and provides accurate data on soil moisture.
Now, where do I find smart sprinkler controllers?
Where Do I Find Smart Sprinkler Controllers?
Like other smart technologies and gadgets, smart sprinkler controllers are widely available in different places.
Most brands tend to operate online as well, so you’re likely to find a wide selection of brands on online marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay. A simple search for smart sprinkler controllers will give you plenty of results, including both famous and lesser-known brands.
Of course, if you’re set on one brand or system, you can also visit the official website and place an order there to take advantage of direct manufacturer warranties.
Your options are just as varied if you prefer to shop in person.
Try looking at specialty irrigation retailers. They specialize in such things, so you’ll find all sorts of brands there. Besides, someone with experience can also make a few recommendations based on your needs.
And, of course, DIY shops like Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as major supermarkets tend to carry tools and devices for anything, including irrigation and gardening.
What Features to Look for
Pretty much every smart sprinkler controller comes with its own features and extras, yet some brands offer more than others. There are things that you should always have, as well as features that are nice to have.
In terms of must-have features, go for weather-based adjustments. Classic static timers won’t do in this day and age. It should adjust itself based on the weather, so it can skip watering during rainfall.
Zone customization is another necessity. Different parts of your garden may have different needs, so you should be able to input customization for each zone separately.
When it comes to saving money, smart sprinkler controllers are similar to other devices, so they should be able to save on water. Different certifications mean that sprinklers have been checked to save water. It’s just a useful extra that makes the system pay for itself in the long run.
Being able to track the water usage is important too. A dashboard in the mobile app should show everything, including your savings.
While the mobile app is convenient, you may need physical manual controls too, just in case there’s something wrong with your Internet connection. You want to have full control over your sprinklers to avoid water waste during a network outage.
Last, but not least, you clearly need a simple and straightforward mobile app. You should be able to manage zones effortlessly, even when you’re not home.
Smart house integration could also be a handy feature. For instance, you could find a system that’s compatible with voice control, so you can manage it with a few vocal commands only. It feels great to tell your voice assistant to water the lawn while you are working out in the yard.
Bottom line, where do I find smart sprinkler controllers? While there are quite a few options out there, it pays off to understand how they work, what kind of features to pay attention to, and what the most reputable brands on the market are, so you can make an investment that keeps your lawn green.
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