You’ve spent a lot of money on your home and want it to look good without worrying about a bad lawn ruining everything. Sprinklers keep your grass green and can change the look of your home instantly. Choosing the right sprinkler controller can be a fun experience, especially if you’re into the latest technology. The new wifi models can even track weather, connect to Alexa, and have apps on your phone to control your sprinklers from anywhere in the world.
What to look for
When choosing a sprinkler controller first think about the size of your lawn, and how many zones you need to control. Next, decide where the sprinkler controller will be installed. If you’re installing it outdoors, make sure you choose a weatherproof model. Finally, if you’re a tech person you may want to choose a wifi model. You’ll also want a wifi model if the weather changes frequently in your area. If you’re in sunny california, a simple Timer will do. Note that some wifi models require a good internet connection and wifi signal, especially if you’re going to be installing it in the garage or far from your home router. A good wifi repeater or power line adapter will help you get internet out to your garage.
Rain Bird SST600I Simple To Set Indoor Timer, 6-Zone
Add more value, versatility and convenience to your automatic underground Watering system with a Rain Bird SST Series Automatic Sprinkler Timer. Customize watering schedules tailored to your unique landscape needs, while dramatically conserving water and improving lawn and plant health. The Simple-To-Set Sprinkler Timer offers maximum versatility and efficient watering with water-conscious features like Automatic Rain Shut-off to stop operation during rain. It can even be easily linked to existing drip watering systems. Just dial each zone and see every setting clearly displayed. Because you set this timer by zones, you control the irrigation system exactly the way it is laid out. With this advanced timer, watering schedules can be fine-tuned for each lawn area as well as the flow rates of each sprinkler type. Zone-by-zone setting convenience. Because you set each watering zone independently, it’s easy to schedule watering perfectly for each area: grass, shrubs, trees and flower beds.
Features and benefits: All-in-one view. All displayed in plain language as you turn the dial to each zone. Loaded with user-friendly features to manage any residential or light commercial irrigation system. Rain delay command suspends watering manually, resets automatically on next cycle. One-touch seasonal adjustments to increase water in hot, dry months and reduce it in rainy seasons. Built-in troubleshooting of valves and wiring. If a short is detected, the timer suspends watering to that zone and displays a warning message. Superior surge protection guards against damage from nearby lightning strikes and power surges. Sealed from the environment to protect against moisture, insects, dust and grime. No need to reprogram after a power outage. All timer settings are stored indefinitely in memory. No backup battery needed! Simple wiring connections color-coded terminals with separately marked positions for master valves and pump start relays.
View on Amazon, $49.72 on 5-21-2017
Orbit 57896 6-Station Outdoor Swing Panel Sprinkler System Timer
The Orbit swing door timer comes in a weatherproof cabinet with internal transformer for easy indoor or outdoor plug-and-go installation. Easy-Set Logic provides for headache-free programming of up to 6 different zones in your yard.
View on Amazon, $52.45 on 5-21-2017
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller, 8 Zone 2nd Generation, Works with Amazon Alexa
The Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller changes the way you water. It makes running your sprinklers easy and convenient while saving you water and money. Rachio automatically creates a watering schedule that lowers your water bill and ensures the beautiful yard you want, while the mobile app gives you access to your sprinkler system from anywhere. Plus, Rachio is compatible with nearly any sized yard and smart home platform.
View on Amazon, $189.90 on 5-21-2017
Hunter Sprinklers 526200 Pro-C and PCC Controller Front Panel
Hunter is committed to manufacturing top quality products that use only the water and energy needed to get the job done efficiently.
View on Amazon, $49.96 on 5-21-2017
Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI Smart Irrigation Indoor WiFi Sprinkler System Timer/Controller, 8-Zone
Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI Smart Irrigation Indoor WiFi Sprinkler System Timer/Controller, 8-Zone. The Rain Bird Smart Irrigation WIFI Timer places control of your sprinkler system in the palm of your hand while saving time, water, and money. The Rain Bird app allows control of multiple timers located anywhere in the world; install app on multiple devices, or securely share control with family members and landscapers. Compatible with: Apple iOS 8 or greater, and Android 4.4 (KitKat) or later. Connect to timer programming functions via: mobile device through a WIFI network, even away from home; directly from mobile device when in range; or through timer’s front control panel. It’s simple to customize watering schedules which can be automatically adjusted all year. Each watering zone may be set with a different name, picture, frequency, start time, and run time to ensure healthy plants and a lower water bill. Automatic Seasonal Adjust feature will adjust daily watering schedule based on season, local weather, temperature, and humidity. This data automatically downloads for your specific zip code and is calculated every night. Each zone is customizable for Watering Days, Start Times and Run Time: allowing watering on custom days of week, odd or even calendar days, or cyclic (every 1-14 days), 6 Start Times per zone, and Run Times from 0-199 minutes. All timer settings are stored indefinitely in memory; no need to re-program in case of power outage. Enabling Notifications in the Rain Bird app keeps you informed of what’s happening in your yard even when you’re away from home. Know when someone enables a watering delay; Automatic Seasonal Adjust is applied; date or time is incorrect; timer disconnects from WIFI network; valve malfunctions; or of a possible freeze. Watering Delay feature allows you to suspend watering for 1 to 14 days; normal programming resumes automatically once selected delay has ended. Connects to a master valve or pump start relay and supports a wired Rain Sensor to automatically turn timer off when it rains (rain sensor model CPRSDBEX sold separately). Compatible with most 24 VAC irrigation valves. Sealed case protects from moisture, insects and grime; timer designed for use in a weather resistant location like a garage or waterproof shed. Includes transformer with 6’ cord, mounting hardware, and installation guide. Rain Bird “The Intelligent Use of Water”
View on Amazon, $140.00 on 5-21-2017
