Irrigation Controllers -- A Smart Way to Water

It's startup time for irrigation systems around the country. Checking heads and emitters, blowing lines clean, and re-programming irrigation controllers to accommodate changing watering restrictions, growth of shade-providing trees, or modification of landscapes such that they no longer require as much, or any, water for sustenance.

If you are in need of a new irrigation controller, read on.

Several things to keep in mind, if you're heading out the door to purchase a new irrigation controller --

-- both mechanical and digital controllers will work equally well; a mechanical controller is hampered only by the fact that its programming flexibility is severely restricted. If you have a small, uncomplicated area to irrigate, however, that kind of controller may suit you to a T; and they're substantially cheaper than a digital model;

-- remember that a battery backup system won't operate your controller; it's only there to retain the programming memory;

-- if you plan to increase your irrigated square footage in the future, get a controller that will accommodate that future addition, either by buying a model that has extra zones, or one that can be expanded with the addition of zone modules.

Rain Bird makes a number of great controllers -- I used them in my business for many years; they're easy to operate and very reliable. This is a great basic model -- the 4 Station Modular Indoor Controller. This Rain Bird controller allows for easy expansion from the basic 4, to 13 stations (or zones), by the addition of modules. It has a lithium-ion battery as a backup for the programming, a connection for a rain sensor, a programming interruption alarm light, and season-adjust ability. Shown at the right.



If you need an outdoor commercial controller, Rain Bird's ESP 16 MC may meet your requirements. 16 zones, LCD display, 4 programs with 8 start times, surge protection, and their Cycle & Soak feature, to split operating times on each zone. Clever. Pictured left.



If you need to be able to operate your irrigation controller remotely, the Orbit Irrigation Timer has 6 stations, the ability to program the program in English, French, Spanish, Italian, or German -- wow -- can be operated from up to 300' away, and has a 6 year warranty. At the right.



Mechanical controllers -- got one right here. The Toro Lawn Genie; features a rotating dial with pins that offers only one program, but has a 30 minute run time, 7 day schedule, and can water your selected areas five times daily, if you need. Pctured at the left.



Irrigation controllers are easy to operate, flexible in programming design and, most importantly, save a limited resource by applying the correct amount of water for the right time. Good stuff.