If your in-ground sprinkler system still runs on the same timer every day, whether it rained last night or temperatures changed dramatically, there may be a smarter way to water.
A smart irrigation system uses a WiFi-enabled controller, weather information, programmed property data, and compatible sensors to automatically adjust when and how much your sprinkler system waters. Instead of relying only on a fixed schedule, smart irrigation can respond to changing conditions to help reduce unnecessary watering while giving you more control over your system.
How Do Smart Irrigation Systems Work?
A smart irrigation controller replaces or upgrades the traditional timer that tells your sprinkler system when to run. Once the controller is set up for your property, it can use local weather information and other system data to make watering adjustments automatically.
Depending on the controller and connected equipment, a smart irrigation system may:
- Adjust watering based on rainfall, temperature, wind, and seasonal weather changes
- Skip or delay watering when conditions do not require it
- Adjust watering times based on individual irrigation zones
- Allow you to control your sprinkler system from a phone, tablet, or computer
- Track watering history and system activity
- Monitor water flow when compatible sensors are installed
- Alert you to potential leaks or unusual system activity
You can still manually control your sprinkler system when needed, but the controller handles many of the routine adjustments that would otherwise require seasonal reprogramming.
What Are the Benefits of a Smart Irrigation Controller?
Save Water
Traditional sprinkler timers follow the schedule they were given unless someone changes it. That can mean watering shortly after rainfall or running longer than the landscape actually needs.
Smart irrigation controllers can automatically suspend or adjust watering based on weather conditions. More precise scheduling can also reduce evaporation, runoff, and overwatering while helping plants develop healthier root systems.
Save Money
Reducing unnecessary irrigation can also reduce the amount of water you’re paying to use.
Actual savings depend on your property, watering habits, system condition, local climate, and water rates, but a smart controller can help eliminate some of the waste caused by fixed watering schedules. Some local water providers may also offer rebates for qualifying smart irrigation controllers.
Save Time
Once your property and irrigation zones are programmed into the controller, the system can make many seasonal watering adjustments automatically.
Instead of continually changing run times as temperatures and weather conditions change, your controller can respond to those changes for you.
Add Convenience
Most smart WiFi irrigation controllers let you access your sprinkler system remotely through an app.
That can be especially useful if you travel frequently, own a vacation or second home, or simply don’t want to walk out to the garage every time you need to check a zone or change a watering schedule.
What Should You Look for in a Smart Irrigation Controller?
There are many smart irrigation controllers available, and the right choice depends on your existing system and how much control you want.
Important features to consider include:
- Weather-based adjustments: Does the controller automatically respond to rain, temperature, wind, and seasonal conditions?
- Remote access: Can you manage your sprinkler system through a smartphone, tablet, or computer?
- Zone capacity: Does the controller support the number of irrigation zones on your property?
- Rain and freeze delays: Can watering automatically pause when conditions make irrigation unnecessary?
- Flow monitoring: Can compatible equipment detect unusual water use or potential leaks?
- Indoor or outdoor installation: Is the controller designed for the location where your current timer is installed?
- Existing system compatibility: Can it be added to your current sprinkler system, or are additional upgrades needed?
A controller with the longest feature list is not automatically the best option. The goal is to choose one that works well with your irrigation system and provides the level of automation you will actually use.
Smart Irrigation Controllers Pacific Lawn Sprinklers Works With
Pacific Lawn Sprinklers works with several leading irrigation manufacturers and smart controller platforms. Features and model availability can change, but some common options include:
Hunter Hydrawise
Hunter Hydrawise controllers provide remote sprinkler control through a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Depending on the system, homeowners can adjust irrigation settings, manually operate zones, view watering history, receive system alerts, and use weather information to automatically adjust watering.
Compatible flow-monitoring equipment can provide additional insight into system activity and potential water-use issues.
Orbit B-hyve (HRC 400)
B-hyve smart irrigation controllers offer WiFi and app-based system control along with automatic watering adjustments.
Smart watering capabilities can account for factors such as weather, soil type, sun exposure, slope, and other site conditions. Rain-delay settings also allow watering to be suspended when irrigation is not needed.
Rain Bird WiFi Controller
Rain Bird offers WiFi-enabled options that allow compatible irrigation controllers to be managed through a mobile device.
Homeowners can monitor and adjust watering schedules remotely, receive system information and alerts, and make changes without accessing the controller directly.
Rachio
Rachio smart controllers provide app-based irrigation management and weather-responsive scheduling.
The system can automatically adjust watering as weather conditions change while still allowing homeowners to create customized schedules and control individual irrigation zones remotely.
Controller features, compatibility, and available models vary. A Pacific Lawn Sprinklers technician can evaluate your existing irrigation system and help determine which smart controller options are appropriate for your property.
Can You Add Smart Irrigation to an Existing Sprinkler System?
In many cases, yes. An existing sprinkler system can be upgraded with a smart WiFi irrigation controller without replacing the entire irrigation system.
Before recommending an upgrade, a technician should evaluate the existing controller, wiring, irrigation zones, valves, and overall system condition. Older or inefficient components may benefit from additional upgrades such as rain sensors, precision sprinkler heads, drip irrigation, or zone improvements.
If the sprinkler system itself is still in good condition, upgrading the controls can be an effective way to add automation and improve water management without starting over.
Can Smart Irrigation Help Reduce Water Waste?
Yes. Smart irrigation is designed to give your sprinkler system more information before it waters.
Instead of running simply because Tuesday at 4:00 AM is programmed into the timer, a smart controller can consider current conditions and determine whether the scheduled watering should run, be shortened, or be skipped.
Smart irrigation can help reduce water waste by:
- Responding to local weather conditions
- Preventing unnecessary watering after rainfall
- Adjusting watering times as seasons change
- Reducing overwatering
- Monitoring system activity
- Providing alerts when compatible equipment identifies unusual water flow
A smart controller cannot fix a broken sprinkler head, leaking pipe, or poorly designed irrigation zone on its own. The best results come from combining smart controls with a properly designed and maintained sprinkler system.
Is a Smart Irrigation System Worth It?
For many homeowners with an in-ground sprinkler system, a smart irrigation controller is a practical upgrade.
It may be especially worthwhile if you:
- Frequently adjust your irrigation schedule throughout the season
- Travel or spend time away from the property
- Want to control your sprinkler system remotely
- Regularly forget to pause watering after rain
- Want better visibility into when and how your system runs
- Are looking for ways to reduce unnecessary water use
- Have an older controller but an otherwise functional irrigation system
The right controller depends on your existing system, property, and watering needs, so it is worth evaluating the full irrigation system before choosing a specific model.
Ready to Make Your Sprinkler System Smarter?
Pacific Lawn Sprinklers installs and services smart irrigation controllers as part of new sprinkler system installations, system upgrades, and irrigation repairs.
If you’re not sure whether your existing sprinkler system can support a smart WiFi irrigation controller, your local Pacific Lawn Sprinklers team can evaluate the system, explain your options, and recommend an upgrade based on your property’s watering needs.
