6 best sprinkler system controls

Sprinkler system controls are essential components used to manage and regulate the watering of lawns, gardens, and landscapes. These controls help ensure efficient water distribution and usage while promoting healthy plant growth. Key features and aspects of sprinkler system controls include:

  1. Timer Settings: Sprinkler system controls often include timers that allow users to schedule watering times. Timers can be set for specific days and times, enabling automated and consistent watering.

  2. Zone Control: Many sprinkler system controls divide the watering area into zones. Each zone can be programmed with unique watering schedules, durations, and frequency based on the specific needs of the plants in that area.

  3. Watering Duration: Users can adjust the duration for which each zone is watered. This flexibility allows for customized watering based on factors such as plant types, soil types, and weather conditions.

  4. Rain Sensors: Modern sprinkler system controls may be equipped with rain sensors that detect natural rainfall.When rain is detected, the system can automatically pause watering to avoid overwatering and conserve water.

  5. Manual Override: Sprinkler system controls often offer a manual override feature, enabling users to start or stop watering outside of the programmed schedule when necessary.

  6. Remote Control and Smart Integration: Some advanced sprinkler system controls can be operated remotely using smartphones or other devices. Smart integration allows for convenient control and monitoring of the system from anywhere with an internet connection.

  7. Flow and Pressure Regulation: These controls can regulate the flow and pressure of water to ensure even distribution and prevent damage to the system.

  8. Seasonal Adjustments: Some controls offer seasonal adjustment features, allowing users to adapt watering schedules and durations as the seasons change to accommodate varying weather conditions and plant needs.

  9. Diagnostic Alerts: Certain sprinkler system controls are designed to provide diagnostic alerts or notifications to indicate system malfunctions or issues, enabling timely maintenance and repairs.

  10. Energy Efficiency: Modern controls often prioritize energy efficiency by optimizing water usage and reducing unnecessary watering, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability.

In summary, sprinkler system controls are critical devices that provide automated and efficient management of watering schedules, durations, and zones for maintaining healthy lawns, gardens, and landscapes. They offer a range of features to optimize water usage, conserve resources, and promote the well-being of plants.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best sprinkler system controls on the market
  

Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, 8 Zone 3rd Generation, Alexa and Apple HomeKit Compatible with Hyperlocal Weather Intelligence Plus and Rain, Freeze and Wind Skip

Rachio

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller raises the smart watering bar with foolproof installation, dual-band Wi-Fi and an expressive light bar. Rachio 3 is the only controller equipped with hyperlocal Weather Intelligence? Plus and Rachio Wireless Flow Meter compatibility. The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller automatically creates watering schedules that lower your water bill and ensure a beautiful yard, while the mobile app lets you manage your sprinkler system from anywhere. Rachio partners with the top smart-home platforms including Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant, Nest, IFTTT ? making it the most connected controller on the market. Easy-press connectors make wiring a snap. Connect with both 14 & 18 gauge wires. Magnetic cover locks right into place. Compatible with master valve, pump relay, or indexing valve. Operating temperature - -4°F to 140°F

  • Save money and water! See up to 30-50% savings on your monthly water bill!
  • Avoid watering in the rain. Exclusive weather intelligence plus automatically skips unnecessary watering with features like rain skip, wind skip, freeze skip, and more.
  • Control from anywhere with the easy-to-use app. Run sprinklers, view upcoming schedules, and observe your estimated outdoor water usage.
  • Experience fast DIY installation. Rachio Smart sprinkler controllers replace 99% of existing sprinkler controllers. Install in 30 minutes or less with no special tools needed. Our in-app installation tutorial helps you get online and watering in no time!
  • Deliver all the water your plants need; no more, No less. Rachio creates tailored Smart schedules based on the specific needs of your lawn, including plant type, soil type, sun exposure, and more.

User questions & answers

Question: Does this work with rain bird sprinkler system
Answer: You will be replacing the rain bird controller with the Rachio. I swapped out my rain bird and it works fine. Just make sure you are labeling each wire with the zone number it is connected to before disconnecting the rain bird. When you connect the Rachio, match the labels and you'll be fine. If you are installing this outdoors, make sure you buy the outdoor housing (sold separately).
Question: Does this have a setting for a delay between zones? The controller i'm replacing does not have this delay,it switches between zones fast, hammers pipe
Answer: Yes, at least with my gen 3, a feature to reduce water hammer will turn on the next zone 10 seconds early allowing no abrupt stop at the end of a zone run. Excerpt from Rachio help: What is Rachio's "Minimize Water Hammer" setting? With this setting, your Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller will open the 'next' scheduled zone to run in a watering schedule, 10 seconds prior to the end time of the current zone that is running.
Question: Can it be hard wired from the modem/router with cat5 or 6? no wifi where it would be installed. does it have an ethernet data port
Answer: No. The Rachio 3 unit can only be connected via WiFi, though a number of users have asked for direct Ethernet connectivity in future versions.
Question: I have a zone that is under cover and never gets rain. Does the Rachio 3 allow for one zone to run regardless of rain while other zones don't
Answer: Despite the answers above, the answer is YES. You can create a separate schedule just for the zone you desire and make it a fixed schedule. You can turn off all the features and that will make it run even if it’s raining or windy or whatever. Than create schedules for the rest of the zones with all the weather features you like.

Product features

Intuitive Schedules

Build schedules with confidence. Guided setup walks you through every detail, customizing the timing and frequency of watering to your specific landscape.

Customized Zones

Set up customized zones with confidence. Let Rachio recommend soil type based on your zip code, then add a few simple details like plant type, sun exposure and more to optimize watering for your specific yard.

Remote Control

Start, Stop, Pause or Skip individual zones - even create a Custom Run schedule - all from our exclusive Remote. Only Rachio offers smartphone control this precise.

Exclusive Weather Intelligence Plus

Hyperlocal Weather Intelligence Plus pinpoints the forecast in your exact location, then adjusts watering accordingly. Using comprehensive satellite, radar and weather station data from your that a quarter million sources, Rachio makes sure you’re never caught watering in the rain, wind or snow.

Premium Weather Intelligence Plus

Weather Intelligence Plus is an exciting feature available only for Rachio 3 that provides hyper local accuracy into the current and projected weather that’s not only in your area, but right outside your door. No other smart sprinkler controller offers weather monitoring this precise or reliable.

Combining data from national weather stations, more than 270,000 personal weather stations, satellite data, and radar data, Rachio makes sure you’re never caught watering in the rain, wind or snow.

  • Rain Skip
  • Wind Skip
  • Freeze Skip
  • Saturation Skip
  • Seasonal Shift

Replace your old controller

Test your sprinkler system and remove the old controller, then mount your new Rachio (our handy mounting template can help save time!)

Plug existing wires into Rachio

Easy-press terminals help you quickly snap into place – no screwdriver needed! Match the wires from your old setup for ready-made wiring.

Complete setup in the Rachio app

The streamlined Rachio app helps connect your controller to Wi-Fi and then customize your zones and watering schedules.

Orbit 57946 B-hyve Smart Indoor/Outdoor 6-Station WiFi Sprinkler System Controller

Orbit

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Adding to their legacy of top-of-line sprinkler timers, Orbit is pleased to announce the addition of their most intuitive, feature-rich timer to date. The Orbit B-hyve Smart WiFi Sprinkler Controller is made in the USA with global materials. The perfect timer for new installations or for replacement, it is available in both 6 and 12 station models with indoor/outdoor-rated locking cabinet. Control it with an Android or iOS device, computer, or at the timer with the super-intuitive interface millions of customers know and love. WaterSense and SWAT labeling provide assurance that B-hyve uses advanced weather data to deliver just the right amount of water to plants and turf, and postpones watering whenever rain is in the forecast. The Orbit B-hyve Smart WiFi Sprinkler Controller makes saving water, time and money easier than ever.

  • ULTIMATE WIFI AND TIMER CONTROL - The B-hyve app is fully functional for Android, iOS or web devices and gives you control wherever you need it. Program your timer on the app, at the timer, or let the weather-based software create a program for you.
  • SMART WATERING - Weather Sense technology provides watering based on site conditions such as slope, soil type, sun/shade, historical ET and live weather feeds. It automatically adjusts your controller to deliver the right amount of water to your plants.
  • EASY TO INSTALL AND USE - Utilize the swing panel for easy access to the angled wiring terminals, which makes wiring simple and convenient and the plug-and-go line cord that can also be cut for hardwired applications.
  • CERTIFIED TO SAVE WATER AND MONEY - B-hyve is EPA WaterSense approved and certified, ensuring it will save you water and energy. This can also make your B-hyve timer eligible for local rebates, which can save up to 100% of the cost on your timer.
  • DURABILITY AND SECURITY - The Orbit B-hyve Wi-Fi sprinkler timer comes in a weather-resistant case, allowing you to mount your timer indoors or outdoors without risk of weather damage and a locking cabinet that keeps your timer safe from harm.
  • WATER SAVINGS - Integrate your B-hyve timer with use of Catch Cups (Orbit 26250) to save up to 50% more water than with traditional controllers. Optimize the way you water, so you can keep everything lush and green without breaking the bank.
  • VOICE CONTROL - Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately). Visit help.orbitbhyve.com/alexa-commands/ for a quick guide on how you can use your B-hyve with Alexa to control your watering with a simple phrase.
  • USE WITH 110V ONLY - Compatible and compliant only with North American electrical outlets. International versions are available for markets outside North America.

User questions & answers

Question: Can you connect a rain sensor to this device
Answer: SG, in an effort to avoid sales-y language coming from one of the two brands in question, we'll stick to the overall differences between the two controllers (and leave it to other customers to talk about their own experiences with the B-hyve):- B-hyve can be installed in indoor or outdoor settings, as opposed to Rachio being indoor-only- B-hyve comes in 6- and 12-station models, while Rachio comes in 8- and 16-station models - B-hyve is fully programmable from both the app and at the timer with buttons/screen to make any manual adjustments needed, while Rachio is programmed solely from the app with no controls/screen at the actual timer- Orbit’s B-hyve models typically retail at $100 and $120, while Rachio’s models typically retail at $200 and $250
Question: How does the smart watering featuring obtain the weather conditions? What service does it use
Answer: Looked on the Orbit web site, discussion board - lots posted there about this subject: seems there is lots of frustration about Orbit not providing an ETA for google home/assistant compatibility. AND, again, according to Orbit's posts - they are not sure if google home compatibility will be a software upgrade or if WE WILL HAVE TO BUY A NEW 2ND GENERATION UNIT.
Question: How does this compare to Rachio
Answer: This is a definite yes. You can can control one or several plugs with several devices with smart phones using the Meross app or echo devices with “Alexa commands” or google home control with “ok google commands.” The Meross app allows you to name or rename each device you control. It’s all pretty flexible.
Question: To the manufacturer (unless someone has inside info): If and when will it be google assistant compatable? If coming soon, I would buy today
Answer: yes. The device has its own time NTP synchronization cycle, (different devices may be different) generally does not exceed 24 hours. Otherwise it can be powered off - power on immediately

Product features

Automatic Rain, Wind & Freeze Delays

Smart watering sets automatic delays for rain, wind and freezing temperatures, even when running a traditional program, saving water and money.

EPA Certified to Save Water

B-hyve is certified for the rigorous WaterSense and SWAT testing protocols (EPA, PMG-1380, 2019), ensuring it will save you water and energy.

WeatherSense Technology

Your B-hyve looks ahead at the weather forecast, shuts off water during rain, then recalculates your watering schedule.

Custom Schedules for Your Landscape

The only smart sprinkler controller that integrates catch cup technology to product professional scheduling results.

Control From Anywhere

Take control of your watering from anywhere in the world with your Android or iOS smart device, or from your computer. All your controller needs is a wifi connection.

Rain & Freeze Sensor

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in areas where it's not unusual to have rainfall results far different than forecasted. Give yourself a backup plan and get a Rain Sensor, just in case.

Sprinkler Valve Manifold

The whole point of the B-hyve controller is to make things easier on you. The Preassembled Manifold makes both setup and valve replacement as easy as possible. Don't leave without one.

Sprinkler Controller Wire

Even the best controller is useless if it's not hooked up to your sprinkler valves. Don't forget to grab some sprinkler wire! You'll need 7-strand wire to manage 6 zones (6 zones + 1 common).

Rachio WiFi Smart Lawn Sprinkler Controller, 8-Zone 2nd Generation, Alexa and Apple HomeKit Compatible with Rain, Freeze and Wind Skip (8ZULW-B)

Rachio

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Take the guesswork out of watering with a Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. The easy-to-use mobile app lets you manage your sprinklers without running back and forth to the controller, while automatic weather adjustments mean no more watering in the rain. Get peace of mind - Rachio knows just how much water your yard needs. Control your sprinklers using a smartphone or with category-leading smart home integrations, including Amazon Alexa and more. Master Valve-Compatible with master valve, pump relay, or indexing valve. Wi-Fi Connection - Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) required. Supports dedicated 2.4GHz and dual-band networks. Cannot operate on 5 GHz only networks. Sensors Rain Sensor - Wired & Wireless Normally Closed (NC) sensors, Soil Sensor - Wired & Wireless Normally Closed (NC) sensors, Wired Flow Sensors

  • 5-STAR RATINGS. Amazon’s most- and highest-rated Wi-Fi sprinkler controller.
  • Avoid watering in the rain. Exclusive weather intelligence automatically skips unnecessary watering with features like rain skip, wind skip, freeze skip, and more.
  • Control from anywhere with the easy-to-use app. Run sprinklers, view upcoming schedules, and observe your estimated outdoor water usage.
  • Experience fast DIY installation. Rachio Smart sprinkler controllers replace 99% of existing sprinkler controllers. Install in 30 minutes or less with no special tools needed. Our in-app installation tutorial helps you get online and watering in no time!
  • Deliver all the water your plants need; no more, No less. Rachio creates tailored Smart schedules based on the specific needs of your lawn, including plant type, soil type, sun exposure, and more.
  • Power source type: Corded Electric. No Hub Required for Voice Control

User questions & answers

Question: Can you manually turn on zones from the unit itself without the use of a phone
Answer: If you remove the front cover, there are buttons for selecting a zone and running it manually. There are LEDs in a circle around the Rachio logo, numbered to match the sprinkler zones as you select your target zone. Once the zone you wish to water is highlighted, simply press the manual run button. Good in an emergency, but this unit's primary use case is using the app or website.
Question: Does this work if wifi is down? What watering schedule does it revert to in this case? Will the app alert me
Answer: The Iro utilizes EEPROM, persistent memory, so the last saved schedule(s) are stored on the device itself. So Please rest assured knowing that if the Iro loses connectivity with your WiFi, it will always continue to water using the last saved. Any updates/changes to these watering schedules will upload to the Iro the next time it reconnects with the cloud. You will receive an e-mail notifying you that it is off line.
Question: Can you manually start/stop zones via the app? When working on the system I would love to not walk back to the garage for this
Answer: Yes. You can manually start/stop each zone individually from the app, as well as adjust how many minutes each zone is on.
Question: What's are the differences between gen 1 and gen
Answer: The sync up is totally different in that just approaching the devise with you smart devise it will ask for the serial number and then you are linked with the unit. There are several manual cycles when you do not have wifi available during initial installation. There is the function of the using flow sensors in the future. There is much more space for the valve wires. There is the visual of what valve is operating during the irrigation cycle on the controller to name a few.

Product features

Remote Control

Start, Stop, Pause or Skip individual zones - even create a Custom Run schedule - all from our exclusive Remote. Only Rachio offers smartphone control this precise.

Intuitive Schedules

Build schedules with confidence. Guided setup walks you through every detail, customizing the timing and frequency of watering to your specific landscape.

Exclusive Weather Intelligence

With advanced Rain, Freeze and Wind Skips, Weather Intelligence automatically adjusts watering schedules for predicted weather based on the latest local forecasts.

Customized Zones

Set up customized zones with confidence. Let Rachio recommend soil type based on your zip code, then add a few simple details like plant type, sun exposure and more to optimize watering for your specific yard.

Most 5-Star Ratings

Amazon’s most- and highest-rated WiFi sprinkler controller is the Rachio Generation 2 Smart Sprinkler Controller.

Committed to Sustainability

We make it easy to nurture a healthy, beautiful yard while embracing sustainable water use.

Easy Installation

Install it yourself - no special tools or expertise required!

EPA WaterSense Certified

Certification date: Dec 2014.

Rain-Bird Lnk Link WiFi Module Mobile Wireless Irrigation Controller Upgrade for Indoor Outdoor ESP-TM2 and ESP-Me Series Controller Sprinkler Systems

Rain-Bird

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The New Rain Bird LNK WiFi Module allows easy access and control of a Rain Bird irrigation system from anywhere in the world. With the LNK WiFi Module and Rain Bird’s FREE mobile app, users get access to off-site management, real-time alerts and advanced water management tools via their smart phone or tablet.

Specs:

Supported Mobile Devices

Apple devices running iOS 8.0 or greater;

Android devices running OS 4.4 (KitKat) or later

Wireless Frequency Bands Supported

2.4 GHz only

Wireless Networks Supported

802.11 b/g/n only

WiFi Security Modes Supported

None, Open, WEP, WPA-TKIP, WPA-AES, WPA2-TKIP, WPA2-AES, WPA2-AES-TKIP

Communication Modes Supported

Communication with module via module Access Point (hotspot); Communication with module via local area network; Communication with module via Rain Bird relay server

Operating Specifications

Operating Temperature: 14° F (-10° C) to 149°F (65°C)

Storage Temperature: -40°F (-40°C) to 150°F (66°C)

Operating Humidity: 95% max @ 50°F to 120°F (10°C to 49°C) non-condensing environment

Electrical Specifications

24VA

  • Operates like a wireless remote control for your irrigation system while onsite or an internet-based monitoring and control system when offsite
  • LNK WiFi is compatible with Rain Bird ESP-TM2 controllers and ESP-Me controllers manufactured after November 2, 2016.
  • Built-in mobile notifications provide troubleshooting access, simplify service calls, and warn of freezing conditions when expected
  • Automatic weather adjustments provide daily run time changes, saving up to 50% in water
  • Superior programming capabilities that are designed to meet the most stringent water restrictions

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work with my fire hd 10 tablet
Answer: See if you can download the Rain Bird app you should be good
Question: This work with model esp-rzx
Answer: Sorry, I don't know. I know I wouldn't consider another. Returned the initial purchase since the delivered item was not what I ordered. Product didn't function as described by the manufacturer. Router has to be within 10' of the device & not applicable with 5 gHZ . Literature does not inform you of this till you troubleshoot it online... ... Terrible design......
Question: What is the SKU# of this product
Answer: LNKWIFI
Question: What is the warranty on this product
Answer: Rainbird has a 3 year warranty on their landscape products.

RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer WiFi Hose Timer, Smart Water Timer Programmable, Wireless Remote Control Automatic Irrigation System with Water Flow Meter, for Outdoor Yard, Garden, Lawn

Based on 25 reviews Check latest price
  • 📱 [Easy Programming via APP]: When the sprinkler timer is connected to WiFi (2.4Ghz), you can simply program it and manage your watering schedule via RainPoint App (Android, iOS) from anytime and anywhere. No need to worry about watering plants when you go out.
  • 🌦 [Smart Watering & Rain Delay]: This watering timer has weather sense and it can be connected to Rainpoint Wifi soil sensor (not included). It will check local weather forecasts and soil moisture, then adjust the watering schedule or start rain delay automatically as you set.
  • 📅 [3 Individual Watering Programs]: Rainpoint Wifi Irrigation timer has 3 separate watering programs, which means it has 3 different start times per day with customized watering frequency and duration. So you can decide to water at fixed times in the morning, noon and evening.
  • 💦 [2 Watering Modes, Track & Save Water]: This Wifi hose faucet timer built-in water flow meter and has 2 watering mode: Irrigation & Mist, which records the water flow during use and provides more scientific watering settings to save water.
  • 🏡 [Co-management with family]: Rainpoint Wifi water timer allows you to add family members and share home irrigation management. Enjoy the time to manage the yard with your family. No more worrying about repeating watering.

User questions & answers

Question: How does the WiFi hub connects to the hose faucet timer
Answer: The wifi sprinkler timer itself can receive signals from the WiFi hub, and it can also send signals. You need to download the RainPoint App first, then pair the WiFi hub, and then pair the timer. When pairing for the first time, the mobile phone, WiFi hub and timer need to be under the same WiFi control. After the pairing is successful, the mobile phone can use other networks to remotely control the timer.
Question: Can this be turned on and off remotely at will
Answer: Yes, it be manually turned on/off as well as through the mobile app on your smartphone.
Question: It's works in latinoamerica
Answer: Si
Question: Can I set the sprinkler timer to turn on at certain times of the day and then go on vacation and have it still run when I'm gone
Answer: YES! You can program the timer to water on schedule. Even if you leave home, you can remotely control the timer and adjust the watering plan at any time. By the way, the timer can get the local weather information. If you set the trigger condition for the rain to delay watering, once it rains, the rain delay will be turned on automatically.

Product features

WiFi Remote Control

When the timer is connected to the hub and 2.4GHz WiFi, you can remote control your watering schedule via APP from anywhere with internet access. The maximum signal range is 160 ft in the open area without interference.

Weather Awareness

It will grab the latest local weather forecast from the APP and soil moisture from the soil sensor (not included), and automatically adjust watering schedule according to the trigger conditions you set.

Save Water, Save Money

Rainpoint Wifi sprinkler timer built-in a water flow meter. It will track and record the water flow and usage to help you make decisions to adjust the water consumption when necessary, avoiding water wastage.

Real Time Notifications & Alarms

If the battery is low or the Wifi hub goes offline, you will be alerted. And whenever a watering cycle stops or is skipped due to weather conditions, you will receive notifications on your phone.

Paring with Rainpoint Wifi Soil Sensor

Rainpoint Wifi sprinkler timer can be paired with the Rainpoint Wifi Soil Sensor (sold separately), to obtain real-time soil temperature and moisture information, achieve more accurate automatic watering.

High Quality, Outdoor Use

It has a built-in high-quality solenoid valve that can withstand high pressure and ensures no water leaking. In addition, the timer adopts UV-safe exterior and waterproof design to protect it from harsh weather conditions.

Orbit Sprinkler System 30-Inch Steel Sprinkler Control Valve Key 53033 , Grey

Orbit

Based on 133 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Heavy-duty cold rolled steel construction. Use to open & close sprinkler control valves. 30" Length.

From the Manufacturer

The Sprinkler Valve Key opens and closes sprinkler control valves. It is made of heavy-duty steel and is 30 In. in length.

  • Open and close sprinkler control valves
  • 30 in. Long
  • Steel construction
  • For outdoor use Only

User questions & answers

Question: What are the dimensions of just the fork part of the unit
Answer: 1-1/8” Inside 1-1/2” Outside
Question: Can i use this to turn on outside faucet
Answer: Hi, this is Janice from Orbit! It has been tested for opening and closing sprinkler valves, not hose-end faucets. but I imagine its possible.
Question: whats the country of origin please
Answer: Hi, this is Janice from Orbit! We have different products from many different countries which are all listed on our website. I do not have information on the exact origin.
Question: How wide is it between the inside of the forked opening
Answer: At the top it is about 3 1/2 inches at the top handle and 1 1/8 at bottom of fork.
Question: Is this connected to an electrical outlet
Answer: No, it's connected by low-voltage wire that runs to your irrigation clock.
Question: when testing the new valve thru the controller in manual option, do i have to turn the solenoid counterclockwise to open the valve
Answer: The controller should open the valve automatically from the off position. You can turn the valve on manually by turning the solenoid about ¼ turn counterclockwise and then off by turning it back in the clockwise direction. This “manual on/off” feature is independent of the controller.
Question: How does one control the flow of the water
Answer: The Flow Control adjustment screw is under the dust cover 180 degrees from the Manual Bleed Screw. Turning it clockwise (closed) until seated, then backing it out CCW (open) about two turns. Adjust as necessary.
Question: can someone tell me if the top of this valve reads EZF-29-03? Thanks
Answer: Yes it does.

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