Watering the lawn tends to be wasteful when done with a hose in one hand and a beer in the other. But simply turning on a sprinkler can be even more inefficient. Maintaining a thousand square feet of grass requires 620 gallons of water each week. A sprinkler will often use more than that.
The flip side of this extravagance is runoff. Runoff from sprinkler systems contributes to the 850 billion gallons of water we waste each year. Most of that wasted water ends up in sewers.
Choosing the Best Smart Sprinkler Controller
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Ready to upgrade your garden game? Brace yourself for a thrilling journey into the world of smart sprinkler controllers – the unsung heroes of modern lawn care. In this ultimate guide, dive deep into the importance of having the best smart sprinkler controller. Say goodbye to garden guesswork and hello to a lush, perfectly watered paradise at your fingertips!
The Watering Woes of Yesteryear
Picture this: wasted water, over-soaked lawns, and the eternal struggle of finding the Goldilocks watering schedule. We kick things off by highlighting the classic watering woes we’ve all faced – the inspiration behind the quest for smarter solutions.
The evolution saga begins as these smart sprinkler controllers ditch their “gadget-in-the-corner” status and strut into the spotlight as indispensable allies. They’ve become the green guardians, weaving a symphony of watering precision that turns your backyard into a botanical bliss.
We’re not just talking about gadgets; we’re talking about garden revolutionaries. Smart sprinkler controllers are rewriting the script of the age-old watering task, injecting a hefty dose of futuristic flair into your daily garden ritual.
The impact is nothing short of a horticultural miracle. Bid adieu to the days of thirsty shrubs and drowning daisies. These smart sprinkler controllers are the technological wizards wielding a magic wand of personalization, adapting to weather changes, soil conditions, and the unique quirks of each leafy resident in your green paradise.
Let’s talk control – the kind that turns you into the commander-in-chief of your garden orchestra. Imagine adjusting your watering schedules with a flick of your thumb, monitoring moisture levels like a pro, and impressing your plants with a tech-savvy dance of hydration. With these smart sprinkler controllers, you’re not just a gardener; you’re the maestro orchestrating a symphony of green delight.
Do you want to be on the edge of your gardening seat? It is not just upgrading your garden; we’re giving it a tech-charged makeover. Smart sprinkler controllers aren’t just quenching your plants’ thirst; they’re turning your garden into a futuristic utopia that’s not afraid to flaunt its smart side.
In the grand finale, wave goodbye to the days of garden uncertainty and usher in an era where your garden isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving with a dash of tech-savvy pizzazz. Smart sprinkler controllers aren’t just gadgets; they’re the Avengers of your green squad, ensuring your backyard is always ready for its tech-infused close-up. Get ready for the ultimate garden tech revolution – your plants will thank you with a standing ovation!
The Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers
But don’t worry. You can keep your yard green without wasting water. Smart sprinkler controllers connect to the internet and use real-time weather data to adjust the frequency of watering. They don’t overwater your grass when it rains – or water too little on dry, hot days.
Below you’ll find the best smart sprinkler controllers on the market. One critical factor sets them apart from the rest. Each of these smart sprinkler controllers allows you to fine-tune your watering adjustments to minimize waste.
Our First Pick
The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller doesn’t offer much by way of hardware. That’s a good thing. You can choose between an 8-zone and a 16-zone version of the smart sprinkler controller. Both support 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.
Because the hardware is streamlined, setup is a breeze. You won’t need a small screwdriver to install the latest version of this device. Just pop off the cover and use your fingertips to slide the wire leads into the connectors.
Once the leads are connected, just plug them into a socket and pop the lid back on. You complete the rest of the setup through the app.
The Rachio 3 provides simple plug-and-play functionality for a beginner. But you can fine-tune it with enough advanced settings to satisfy a master gardener, too.
Rachio’s Weather Intelligence Plus feature allows hyperlocal forecasting. This makes watering so much more efficient. You can give the device complete control over watering by choosing “Flex Daily” or “Flex Monthly” schedules. These modes will water as needed.
But you can also establish a manual schedule that waters only when you want. You can even determine just how much wind or rain is required for the device to skip watering.
Meanwhile, Rachio’s Wireless Flow Meter detects water leaks in your irrigation system. The app shuts down the water supply to any affected zones when it detects a leak.
The Rachio 3 works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, among others. But we like that Rachio allows you the option of using the device’s onboard controls, too. The manual-run buttons are discreetly built into the Rachio emblem on the smart sprinkler controller.
The Runner-Up
The Orbit B-hyve XR Smart 8-Zone Sprinkler Controller doesn’t look as sleek as the Rachio 3. The XR looks resolutely industrial in comparison. The device is large and heavy at nearly four pounds and is encased in sombre grey plastic.
Remove the front panel and you’ll find a row of connectors that support eight valves. The valve leads attach via simple wire clips. Some reviewers have noted that you need to insert the leads with some force to ensure they hold.
The device includes no external power brick. The transformer is built into the main housing, instead. That in part explains the size and weight of the Orbit smart sprinkler controller.
Once powered, you’ll notice the built-in LCD screens. The micro-displays give you some basic information about your system.
These include the current weather and the time and date of your next scheduled run time. You can use the app to connect the system to Wi-Fi.
Orbit’s XR smart sprinkler controller offers many of the same features as the Rachio 3. The XR boasts smart scheduling, a nice app, and an innovative design. It’s also WaterSense-certified and has basic controls on the device itself.
Like the Rachio 3, the XR works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. But it does lack some alerts and its app isn’t as good as that of the Rachio.
Taken on its own, the XR is certainly a contender in a market full of less-worthy rivals. It works with the most popular smart home systems and will schedule your smart sprinkler controller based on the weather.
Our final verdict? The Orbit B-Hyve XR smart sprinkler controller is worth your consideration as a capable but not-quite-as-good alternative to the Rachio. The device commands good value for its price – but not an excellent one.
Honorable Mention
The RainMachine Touch HD 12 is the only smart sprinkler controller on this list that comes with a paper template for drilling. The template tells you where to drill holes to attach the smart sprinkler controller to the wall.
Setting up the RainMachine might take you about an hour. To install the device, you can simply remove the old wires from your previous sprinkler and plug them straight into the device.
From there the setup is a simple matter of turning the smart sprinkler controller on. The system boots up and takes you through a setup wizard to get you connected to your WiFi network.
Both the smartphone and web apps for the RainMachine are well-made. They are easy to use yet also offer tech-savvy users in-depth monitoring, tweaking, and customization.
In many ways, the RainMachine app is comparable to those of Rachio and Orbit B-hyve. That said, learning how to use the app might require a few rounds of trial and error.
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with it, though, setting up a basic program becomes a quick process. Touch the Settings icon, select Programs, then Add New Program. You can then set the frequency of watering, the start time, and the base watering duration.
The device automatically adjusts the watering time based on current weather conditions and seasons. The controls give you the option to select which of the 12 zones you want the program to apply.
You can also set two pre-programmed features. “Cycle and Soak” divides the watering duration into multiple cycles. This allows time for the water to soak, thus preventing run-off.
The “Delay Between Zones” option lets you set the time between watering zones. This feature is useful if your water system needs a few moments for pressure to build up again.
While we did like the app, it’s less intuitive than those of RainMachine’s less pricey rivals. We were moreover disappointed to learn that the device doesn’t automatically create schedules. This – along with its rather steep price tag – might make it a less appealing option for most consumers.
Also Good
If you’ve ever used a hose timer, you know how frustrating they are to program. Most don’t have a display for visual feedback.
They also rely on crude buttons or dials to set the days and times you want the spigot to open. None of them have any intelligence onboard that tells them to skip a watering cycle if it’s raining.
That’s where Orbit B-hyve’s Smart Hose Watering Timer can make all the difference. Powered by two AA batteries, you program the timer with your smartphone.
You can also buy a kit that includes a Wi-Fi bridge that connects to your 2.4GHz home network. The bridge plugs into an AC outlet and can control multiple timers. It monitors their batteries and warns you when they’re low.
Programming the system with the smartphone app is simple. You can specify that watering should occur on weekdays, even or odd days, or on an interval. You can even create more than one program for each timer.
The app’s “smart watering” feature gathers a wealth of details about your landscaping. These include soil type, the plants you’re watering, and whether the garden is primarily in the sun or in the shade. The app will also account for the slope of the area where you’ve deployed your sprinklers.
Because the system is connected to the internet, it monitors local weather data based on your address. You can enable a “smart watering” feature that will prevent the valve from opening when it’s raining. Paired with Alexa, you can use voice commands to start or stop watering.
The Orbit B-hyve smart watering timer does not come cheap. The valve and Wi-Fi bridge set will cost you around $80. Each additional timer will cost you $40. But then it shouldn’t take long for you to recover that expense in water savings!
Do you use a smart watering system for your lawn and garden? Do you think it’s a worthwhile investment?
The Wrap Up: The Lawn’s Secret to Green Glory!
Congratulations! You’ve just embarked on a journey into the future of lawn care by considering the best smart sprinkler for your green haven. As we sprinkle our way through the advantages, it’s time for the grand finale – the irresistible conclusion that seals the deal and transforms your garden into a paradise of lush, vibrant perfection.
Picture this: a watering system that doesn’t just quench your lawn’s thirst but does so with the finesse of a seasoned gardener, adapting to the unique needs of every corner of your outdoor sanctuary. That’s the magic of the best smart sprinklers – a symphony of technology and nature, orchestrated to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood.
Water efficiency, the unsung hero of these high-tech marvels, takes centre stage in our grand finale. No more cringing at the sight of wasted water or drowning your garden in a watery apocalypse. The best smart sprinklers are like the Goldilocks of lawn care – delivering just the right amount of hydration, ensuring your grass and plants are living their best, green lives without draining your water bill.
There’s more! Let’s talk about the sheer convenience these gadgets bring to the table. Gone are the days of wrestling with hoses, desperately trying to untangle the mess they’ve become. With app-based controls, you wield the power of the sprinkler kingdom right from your smartphone. It’s like having a remote control for your lawn – and who wouldn’t want to feel like the captain of their green ship?
Precision, the unsung hero’s partner in crime, emerges as the showstopper. Your lawn is not a one-size-fits-all scenario, and the best smart sprinklers know this. They adapt to the varying needs of different zones, ensuring that the sun-soaked flower bed and the shady nook get the attention they deserve. It’s like having a personal stylist for your garden, catering to each area’s unique flair.
Let’s talk green – not just in terms of your lawn but in terms of the planet. Smart sprinklers are the superheroes of eco-friendliness. By optimizing water usage, they contribute to the global mission of water conservation. It’s not just about making your garden thrive; it’s about doing so responsibly, with an eco-conscious nod to Mother Nature.
As we delve deeper into the grand finale, let’s not forget the predictive prowess of these smart sprinkler controllers. They don’t just water your lawn; they forecast the future. Imagine a sprinkler system that checks the weather forecast and adjusts its watering schedule accordingly. It’s like having a crystal ball for your lawn care routine, staying ahead of the game and keeping your garden in tip-top shape.
Maintenance, often the bane of traditional sprinkler systems, becomes a breeze with the best smart sprinklers. No more deciphering cryptic irrigation manuals or wrestling with labyrinthine setups. These devices are designed for simplicity, ensuring that even the tech-challenged can bask in the glory of a well-maintained garden without breaking a sweat.
Let’s talk money – the ultimate deal-sealer. While the upfront cost may give you a moment’s pause, think of it as an investment in the long-term health and beauty of your outdoor haven. The savings on water bills and potential lawn restoration costs make it a smart financial move. It’s not just about a well-watered lawn; it’s about a flourishing investment that pays off in dividends of green beauty.
In the grand conclusion of our smart sprinkler controller spectacular, it’s crystal clear – choosing the best smart sprinkler is not just about watering your lawn; it’s about orchestrating a symphony of efficiency, convenience, precision, and eco-friendliness that transforms your outdoor space into a mesmerizing masterpiece.
So, dear green-thumbed trailblazer, as you stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, the choice is clear – embrace the future of lawn care with the best smart sprinkler controller. Your garden deserves nothing less than the cutting-edge technology that will turn it into a thriving, sustainable utopia. Sprinkle the smart way, and let your lawn bask in the glory of green perfection!
