A smart sprinkler controller is like a smart thermostat for your garden or yard—it controls your water so you don’t have to lift a finger. It optimizes your in-ground irrigation system by auto-adjusting to weather and soil conditions, making it easier to maintain a healthy landscape while cutting water use. After three seasons of testing more than a dozen models, we think the Rachio 3 is the best smart sprinkler controller for most people. It adjusts to real-time weather conditions and integrates with many smart devices, yet it remains simple to use.
What Is A Smart Sprinkler System?
Smart irrigation innovation is the appropriate response. Dissimilar to conventional irrigation regulators that work on a preset customized timetable and clocks, smart irrigation regulators screen climate, soil conditions, vanishing, and plant water use to naturally alter the watering timetable to genuine states of the site.
1. Orbit B-hyve 12-Zone Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Controller
If you want to mount a controller unit indoors, consider the Orbit Indoor/Outdoor Smart Sprinkler Controller since it doesn’t need to be mounted right by the watering system. Instead, you can mount it inside a garage or inside a back or side door where you can view the screen and program the unit without going outdoors. The Orbit offers all the same perks as other smart controllers, including the ability to regulate watering cycles based on current weather data in your area. It is also WeatherSense certified for conserving as much water as possible.
2. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
The Weather Intelligence Plus feature on the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller comes with local weather integration to make watering your yard more efficient. An intuitive downloadable app makes setup a snap, and it will control up to eight watering zones. From your smart device, you’ll be able to see your estimated outdoor water usage and configure watering schedules. You can also fine tune the schedules by entering the type of grass being grown, soil type, and even how much sun exposure a specific zone receives.
3. RainMachine Touch HD-12, Cloud Independent Smart Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller
For an easy-to-use controller with a responsive touchscreen display, check out the RainMachine Touch HD-16 Smart Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller that comes with a large, color touchscreen display that allows you to view water usage and set a schedule right from the unit, as well as from your smart device. Just flip open the RainMachine controller’s cover to see the upcoming watering schedule based on your area’s weather forecast. The 16-zone RainMachine is WeatherSense certified, so you can rest assured you’re conserving as much water as possible while your lawn still gets enough to stay lush and green.
4. Orbit B-hyve 4-Zone Smart Indoor Sprinkler Controller
This is another product from Orbit brand fully-functional with most operating
systems, as well as with multiple web devices. The WeatherSense technology
provides smart irrigation in accordance with the soil type, as well as the weather
information. Whats more to be mentioned, the indoor timer can operate four
watering programs with up to four start times each. As well as, the gadget is
EPA WaterSense-approved, and SWAT-certified, thus it has water-saving
abilities There’s a built-in manual supersede that lets you start or stop watering
without having to use the App
5. Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller
Bearing the EPA WaterSense label, the Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller ensures compliance with local watering ordinances while using local weather information and statistics to conserve up to 50 percent more water. It comes with lifetime cloud service, and you can access the data via your smart device or even from a web browser. Depending on your lawn’s actual water needs, the Netro controller will adjust watering schedules to ensure a lush, healthy yard. This smart sprinkler controller will handle up to six separate watering zones.
Best Smart Sprinkler Systems Buying Guide
Now that you have a complete idea about our top products, let’s take some time to discuss a few points that must be kept in mind when purchasing a smart sprinkler controller. Read on to know all about them.
Device Controls
Before you invest in a particular product, it is wise to decide if you want a controller with onboard controls or one that can be remotely accessed through the app. Think about this carefully, and choose the one that you’re most comfortable with. If you travel frequently, you know what to choose.
Indoor/Outdoor Setup
Would you like to mount the unit indoors or outdoor? If you want to set it up outside, you will need to have a weatherproof box for the device. Some sellers even sell these enclosures as an add-on. If you are more comfortable setting it outside and the device doesn’t have a casing, consider getting one.
Scheduling Timings
How often do you like watering the plants? Once every day or every alternate day? Not every smart controller can handle multiple schedules. So, before you select any, consider this. Some systems even import the local municipal water rules to abide by the local laws. Depending on the needs of your yard, select the perfect one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not easy to make a smart buy when it comes to wifi sprinkler controllers. The choices are limitless and all great. However, you have to make sure it fits your gardening or watering needs.
Therefore, if you are looking to buy a wifi sprinkler controller, this review is right by your alley. You can rely on it to make the right pick for your irrigation needs.
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