Looking for a good wifi sprinkler recommendation and set up

Jennifer Kleinfeld

4 years ago

Wanting to put in a wifi-enabled sprinkler system.

Rachio 3 came up. Any experience with this? Recommendations?

I want to have it link to weather to reduce water use.

Also what would I need for set up?

Thank you.

Comments (6)

Ron Natalie
4 years ago
We're happy with our Rainbird and it's wifi interface. It replaced our old Hunter system that blowed up one day in a thunderstorm.
mle0782
4 years ago
Last spring, our sprinkler guy (unofficially) told me he installed a Rain machine HD 12 at his house. He said it worked well and was more reasonably priced than the ones the company carried (Toro and Rainbird). I believer it has been discontinued and there is a newer model available. No, I never installed one because we seem to have the worst internet service ever for a metropolitan area and it frequently drops out whenever we get rain. Ugh...
Related Discussions
Sprinkler & Timer types - recommendations?
Q
Comments (5)
Bummer on the timer. You can look at your options on Amazon but I have yet to see a truly "good" watering timer. You will likely just have to find one that suits your needs and hope the company stands behind their product. This one looks like the best, but still it's $30 some dollars. I have used the Melnor one and it worked for me. However, I borrowed it and the person whose it is has had it replaced a time or two (at least they replaced it). Either one should work, though. As for the sprinkler, it depends on your budget. I love this kind (they have several different sizes), because it is extremely adjustable and doesn't have an arc on either end like the typical, less expensive ones do. For my large yard, I use the old style impact sprinklers for the most part. They are relatively cheap and I just replace them WHEN (not "if") they break. I do like Nelson's Contour Master though. Check your Walmart, I think they carry this one cheaper. A lot of it depends on the size of your yard and your budget. Good for you for watering. The sod will go to waste otherwise.
...See More
Setting up a inground sprinklers
Q
Comments (3)
I used a plan that Toro provided after I sent them a sketch of my yard. It worked well. Other sprinkler manufacturers also offer the same service. There are many books available in the public library and I checked out and read most of them before starting my system. Here is a link that might help http://www.diyonline.com/servlet/GIB_BaseT/SoftwareGuide.html?session.highlightedTool=SprinklerDesigner&session.channelID=7&session.ccid=7 Also, DIYonline.com has a design service and I used it. It was very thorough too. Also, they have a free book that can be downloaded that is the most complete book I have ever read but I could not find it again. If I find it, I will post the link to you or can also send it in pdf format. It is somewhere in my computer or files.
...See More
Sprinkler System Info/Recommendation--Fairfax, VA
Q
Comments (0)
Good morning all! So i'm thinking of putting in a sprinkler system at my house in Fairfax, VA. It's a standard size lot if that helps. I was hoping someone might be able to give me a rough idea/estimate on how much they've spent on a sprinkler system. What are good brands/equipment? Any particular type of set-up i should look into? Also recommendations on who to use would be great as well! Thanks in advance for the help!
...See More
please recommend a starter set for up to about $150
Q
Comments (20)
Hi gellchom, Pots,pots galore..... There has been a warehouse sale for Surgical Steel 18/10 cookware, 5 ply but it is here in British Columbia. Quality pieces of the Carl Weill brand at affordable prices but I guess the shipping would cost a bit as the weight is really heavy.... Unless you are just near the BC - US border. I see your price range is for 150.00 but this set Costs 199.00 / set of 12 would be a lifetime of use, lifetime quality. Look up for other choices at the website of www.carlweill.com. In case you like what you browse in the website, I will try to look up for the last newspaper ad (hope I haven't recycled the newspaper yet) they had for particulars of any upcoming sale and contact of their BC store.
...See More
Steve J
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

Have been happy with my Rachio 3. It reduces or doesn't water at all depending how much rain you already had, or will have in the future. It also adjusts water needs by season automatically. The app let's you program in your sprinkler head types and flow rates, along with soil type and slope to do precise watering. It will also split zone watering times to get a better soak and reduce runoff.
mustbnuts zone 9 sunset 9
4 years ago
I have the orbit b hyve. I LOVE it! So easy to use. You can have it on smart water or just EASILY program it yourself. I can control my sprinklers (actually drip) from anywhere in the world via the internet, if it is going to rain, etc. Sprinkler timers never made any sense to me (or I would forget how to set them). This is so easy and I can change it or test the system anytime. Great when you are on water restrictions, as to dates, times, etc., like I am due to drought, etc.
Sonja Thompson
4 years ago
I have a Rain Machine 16 zones. Have not had any real issues other than me at times not knowing how to use--it is me not the controller. The app let's you program in your sprinkler head types and flow rates, along with soil type and slope to do precise watering. It will also split zone watering times to get a better soak and reduce runoff. My favorite feature is that I can take a photo of each zone and the app will show the photo with each zone when I pull up the app. That way if I just want to water part of the planting beds I do not have to remember where all the zones are.
User
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
What Steve said and I also Love my Rachio 3. Very easy to set up watering zones; set up schedule; make ad hoc changes on the fly with the app; test zones; and most importantly, use sprinklers to get damn birds off my grass so they don't leave poop all over. I have found the wind (also skips if it is too windy) and rain "skips" to be right on the money - It tells me how much water I've used and how much I've saved. My husband originally bought it and was very happy with the help he received from the company. He always had lots of questions. i'm now in charge and it was very easy for me to learn how to operate the app.

Related Stories

DESIGN PRACTICE How to Set Up Your Design Studio at Home

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Learn from an architect how to create a workspace that fuels your practice and feeds you inspiration

Full Story

KIDS’ SPACES How to Create a Play Area That Looks Good Too

By Laura Gaskill

Learn 10 ways to give your kids' playspace some style without sacrificing any of the fun

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 10 Ways to Use Artificial Turf Where It Actually Looks Good

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Fake grass is not for everyone, but it can be a problem-solver on balconies, on driveway strips and in urban courtyards

Full Story

FURNITURE How to Keep Your Upholstery Looking Good

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

You wouldn't expect your car to maintain itself. Show your sofa and chairs the same courtesy with this 3-part strategy

Full Story

117

HEALTHY HOME 12 Ways to Set Up Your Kitchen for Healthy Eating

By Becky Harris

Making smart food choices is easier when your kitchen is part of your support team

Full Story

122

KITCHEN DESIGN House Planning: How to Set Up Your Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

Where to Put All Those Pots, Plates, Silverware, Utensils, Casseroles...

Full Story

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Set Up a Kitchen Work Triangle

By Vanessa Brunner

Efficiently designing the path connecting your sink, range and refrigerator can save time and energy in the kitchen

Full Story

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: Craftsman Bathroom Gets Its Good Looks Back

By Becky Harris

A bathroom renovation in a century-old home combines era-appropriate style with updated touches

Full Story

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: How to Set Up an Extra-Special Guest Room

By Lizzie Post

Items beyond the necessities will make holiday guests feel pampered. What extra touches would you include?

Full Story

SHELTERING AT HOME 4 Ways to Set Up Your Home to Reduce Stress Right Now

By Tailorly, Professional Home Organizing

Organize your rooms to support working, exercising and relaxing during the pandemic

Full Story

Looking for a good wifi sprinkler recommendation and set up

Comments (6)

Ron Natalie

mle0782

Related Discussions

Steve J

mustbnuts zone 9 sunset 9

Sonja Thompson

User

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US