How To Choose A Lawn Sprinkler System: Complete Buyer’s Guide

How to choose a lawn sprinkler system? This is a question we often hear from maximum homeowners. Now, why is it necessary to get the right lawn sprinkler for your garden? Well, when you wish to own a lush, green, and beautiful lawn, one of the major steps is to water it regularly. And the best way to get the job done is via a lawn sprinkler system.

These units provide you the convenience of automatically watering your lawn. Moreover, they also ensure that your grass receives the required amount of irrigation on a regular basis. You might be spending a few dollars when you buy one, but it proves beneficial for you in the long run.

If you choose a sprinkler that matches all your needs, it could save you money as well. This is because it will use the exact amount of water as required, thereby, leading to water conservation and reducing your water bills. Hence, you must pick a system that suits your landscape. And our detailed guide shall help you in making an informed decision.

Read more: Turf Vs Grass: Choose the Best One for Your Lawn

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What is a lawn sprinkler system?

A lawn sprinkler is a device that’s used to water lawns and landscapes. They can also control airborne dust and particles. These units apply water on your land in a controlled manner, similar to rainfall.

A network of pumps, valves, pipes, and sprinklers distributes the water. For homes and residences, you get a variety of sprinklers according to size, cost, and complexity. Some of the common types are impact sprinklers, oscillating sprinklers, drip sprinklers, underground sprinklers, and portable sprinklers.

You can also get permanently installed systems that can be operated via timers or automated units. These are usually connected to the plumbing network of the house. Again, small portable sprinklers can be another option if you don’t have the accessories for a permanent system. You can simply connect it to an outdoor water faucet and use it for a short period of time.

Why should you invest in a lawn sprinkler system?

When you use a hose to water your outdoor plants, it results in tremendous wastage of time, money, and effort. Moreover, it does not lend the exact amount of water to your grass; because in most cases, you are not sure if you are targeting the roots correctly. However, with a lawn sprinkler system, this problem does not arise at all.

Since your grass receives regular and correct amounts of water regularly, your lawn won’t dry up. Hence, you shall incur less costs in replacing dead grass. And since sprinklers are automated, you don’t have to devote much attention during the process. Additionally, they enhance the value of your property as well.

What are the different types of lawn sprinkler systems?

How to choose a sprinkler system for your home? Well, to answer this question, the foremost factor you need to consider is the water pressure per square inch (PSI) and size of your area. Once you know the exact specifications, you can pick the right sprinkler for your lawn. Below, let’s describe the four basic types of sprinkler systems.

Take a look at our guide on Sprinkler System Installation Guide for Your Garden

Spray systems

Spray systems are ideal for small or medium-sized loans.  They operate with pressure levels between 20 – 30 PSI. Hence, the maximum distance they can water is up to 15 feet. Therefore, all the heads to the system need to placed at a maximum distance of 15 feet from each other. Else, some spots will remain dry. For full coverage, you might consider overlapping the sprinkler heads.

Spray heads release huge quantities of water at a fast rate. Since they have no moving parts, there are no chances of mechanical malfunction. You can get them in various styles, such as 90, 120, 180, 210, and 360 degrees.

Another important point to note here is that spray systems generate a misty water spray. Therefore, you may not want to buy them if you live in a region prone to a windy climate. This is because the water can be easily blown away, thereby, reducing the efficiency of the entire unit.

Rotary systems

Rotary systems or sprinkler rotors are perfect for medium and large lawns. This irrigation unit has pressure specifications of 30 PSI and more. They can cover distances of 15 to 50 feet. Note that the distance between each rotary head should be less than the PSI specs of each head. For example, consider that you are installing heads at every 30 feet. Then get a head with PSI rating of 31 or more.

As compared to sprays, rotary systems deliver water at a slower speed. Therefore, you can use them if you have slow-draining soils and in slopes. Since they deliver water in the form of a stream rather than a spray, they are not affected by winds. Moreover, they lead to lesser water drainage and wastage.

Bubbler systems

Bubbler systems supply a large quantity of water at a fast rate in small spaces such as tree basins or around shrubs and ground cover. We would not recommend to use them for lawns or in areas where the soil does not allow water to drain quickly. This is because the accumulated water will simply flood the area. Additionally, you cannot use them in sloping landscapes as well. This is because the water will simply run away from the plants.

Bubblers are perfect for spaces which are far away from the reach of sprinkler sprays or for portions that you don’t want to spray — for example, spots near the walls and windows.

Drip systems

Again, if you have a huge lawn, install a drip irrigation system instead of lots of bubblers. They comprise tubes with holes which are embedded under the grass. The holes are placed at certain distances apart from each other. In this case, water is sprinkled or dripped near the plant roots, thereby, targeting the base directly.

Read more: Winterize sprinkler system

What are the points to consider while picking a lawn sprinkler system

1. Consider the capacity specifications of the sprinkler system. When you have a small lawn, you don’t require a complicated unit. However, for a large garden, you would need a complex system.
2. Check the water supply available. Certain systems need more water as compared to others.
3. Consider the labor charges. Some units are more labor-intensive.
4. Check the kind of soil in your lawn. Some systems are designed only for particular soil types.
5. Note your budget and check the price in the market. You can buy only that system which matches your affordability.

Read more: Maintenance of sprinkler systems

Conclusion

In order to have a green and healthy lawn, you need to invest in a good irrigation method. Buying and installing a lawn sprinkler system is the most effective way to achieve this. Hence, go through our guide properly, consider the above factors, and get a sprinkler that best suits your requirements.

Read more: Planting Grass Seed Vs Sod: Which Is The Better Option?

Written by Anisha Dutta. June 5, 2019

A wordsmith and an experienced content developer, Anisha Dutta currently writes for Kukun. She holds keen interest and knowledge about the latest, upcoming trends in the domain of home design and tries to enrich homeowners with inspirational home-improvement tips and tricks -- while breaking down jargons into simple words. An avid reader and a wanderer by habit, she is a writer by passion.