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New system gpm/zone?

14 years ago

I am having a new sprinkler system installed. My source is a 1-1/2hp well that puts out at least 35gpm. The well also drives two geothermal units that can use up to 16gpm total when both are running at high speed. I have 3 of the largest WellXTrol tanks on my system, so the pump gets good run time and does not cycle too much.

My question is... the sprinkler contractors I have talked to want to max each zone to keep the pump always running... I have told them that that does not make sense in my case... I want to make sure my geothermal always has 16 gpm available and the domestic use has a few gpm also... so is it correct to want my sprinkler zones to NOT exceed about 10-12 gpm each? Or should I even be shooting for less? I only have about 15,000 sq ft of lawn and 4 beds of about 1000 sq ft total to water... more zones with less gpm on each is fine with me.

I'd appreciate advice...

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Comment (1)

lehua49
14 years ago
Hi js,

WOW! This is one of those puzzles that has more unknowns than equations. How many irrigation zones? What is the flow rates and time for the sprinklers to max out? What is the capacity or size of the 3 tanks? How are the tanks hooked into the system? How much peak flow do you need for your house, if everyone flushed, brushed there teeth, did the laundry and washed the dishes at once? When does your geothermal pumps need to be running? Is the lawn split up into sections like front, back, side to side? What type of plants do you have in the beds? 1" of water for 100 sf of lawn per week is 63 gallons. Times 150 for your 15,000 sf is 9,450 gallons each week plus or minus for seasonal changes. Water your lawn and vegetables at night when you are asleep. Do a 24 hour matrix scheduling the quantities for all your uses and storage. Your pump designer/installer should be able to make sense of it all. Good luck. Aloha
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