Choose The Right Irrigation Timer For Your Lawn

Sprinkler timers are also called controllers, smart controllers, or clocks and are used to turn on and off automatic sprinkler systems. These “timers” range from basic to feature-rich units. This video will provide you with the information you need to select a controller that will best meet your needs.

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Sprinkler controllers are most often called Timers, and they come in a wide range of makes and models. It’s essential to choose a controller based on the size of the sprinkler system and any specific landscape requirements that you may have. Because of the many different needs and applications that exist in landscaping most of us are faced with the question, “Which timer is best for me?” 

Which Sprinkler Timer Is Best For My Irrigation System?

There are actually only five significant factors that really affect your selection. And those are first whether or not you want your timer to be smart or conventional. The operating location. The number of zones it needs to control. The number of programs the unit needs to run. And finally any other additional features you want your controller to have.  

Some questions to think about as you’re shopping for a timer are– How complicated is it to program the clock and calendar functions? How detailed do you want the controller’s schedule to be? Does the unit allow for seasonal adjustments? Does the model you are considering have functions for daily, weekly, and monthly scheduling?  

There Are Two Main Categories Of Controllers—Conventional And Smart 

A good conventional controller has all the necessary features that are typically needed for most of your watering needs. Conventional timers are usually hung on a wall in the garage. And that’s where you have to stand and enter all the watering program information using only the units’ dials and buttons.

One of the most significant drawbacks is that when performing maintenance, or making programming changes you have to walk back and forth from the timer out to your yard to turn it on and off or advance it to the next zone. Then head back outside to view your results. A very time-consuming and tedious activity. Since you have to repeat this process for each zone.

A Smart Controller, on the other hand, has Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity allowing you to use your computer or mobile device to program and operate the unit from any location, even if you are away from your home. No more tedious walking back and forth between the timer and the yard. Just use your phone, tablet, or computer to activate the smart controller. Some smart models can even notify you when there’s a problem like a broken sprinkler head or a valve that isn’t working correctly.