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Best Lawn Sprinklers of 2024
Water your lawn poorly, and you're up a creek without a paddle. So many lawn issues stem from under or over-watered lawns. That's why we're taking a look at some of the best sprinklers of 2024.
Adding the right sprinkler to your lawn care arsenal makes a big difference. Whether you're looking for something simple for a small patch of grass or a heavy-duty model for larger lawns, you need a reliable sprinkler.
To keep your lawn healthy and green all year round, you must develop a sold lawn care routine that involves proper watering. The right sprinkler offers convenience and time-saving benefits. They distribute water well.
They also don't waste water and apply it uniformly and effectively across the lawn. Let's look at the different types of sprinklers before reviewing our picks for the best lawn sprinklers of 2024.
Types of Lawn Sprinklers
There's a sprinkler type for every lawn and use case. Understanding these different types will help you choose the right model for your lawn.
Oscillating Sprinklers
Rotating sprinklers are widely used due to their side-to-side movement pattern. They're equipped with multiple jets along a metal or plastic tube that spread water in a fan-like shape across the area they cover.
These sprinklers are effective for medium to large rectangular lawns — providing even distribution across the grass.
Coverage | Typically 3,000 to 4,500 square feet |
Best For | Rectangular lawns or gardens |
Rotary Sprinklers
Rotary sprinklers cover grass and garden beds well. They are easily recognized for their spinning arms, evenly spreading water in a wide-spread pattern.
In contrast to oscillating sprinklers that move back and forth for watering purposes, rotary sprinklers rotate non-stop to ensure a controlled water flow. This sprinkler type is also very versatile; various models offer customizable spray patterns so you can adjust the watering range to fit sections of your lawn.
Rotary sprinklers work well in systems with low water pressure. Their adaptability and consistent coverage make rotary sprinklers a popular choice for homeowners looking to water lawns of sizes and shapes efficiently.
Coverage | 15 to 70 feet, depending on model |
Best For | Medium Lawns and those with Garden beds |
Pulsating Sprinklers (Impact Sprinklers)
Impact sprinklers, or pulsating sprinklers, are an option for individuals looking to water expansive grassy areas like large yards or fields efficiently.
Their precision and power emit bursts of water through a rotating arm mechanism that covers large areas.
These sprinklers are ideal for agriculture and larger gardening environments. They're quite handy due to their steady spray, which helps minimize loss caused by wind drifts. Additionally, they are known for their durability as many models are made from brass or heavy-duty metal, which guarantees they can withstand use and last through multiple seasons. Homeowners can adjust the spray pattern, allowing them to cover a 360-degree arc or focus on specific sections of the lawn with precision as needed.
Coverage | Up to 6,360 square feet |
Best For | Large or windy lawns |
Traveling Sprinklers
Travel sprinklers provide an automated method for watering extensive lawns without requiring manual tweaks. These devices travel alongside a garden hose path by utilizing the water pressure within the hose itself. They are particularly effective for rectangular or oddly shaped lawns that demand steady watering without frequent readjustments. The sprinkler disperses water in a pattern to guarantee uniform coverage over vast spaces.
Traveling sprinklers offer a benefit in their capacity to irrigate extensive areas efficiently. These sprinklers typically feature spray arms that enable users to regulate watering patterns and velocities to suit the unique requirements of their lawns.
Coverage | Depends on hose length |
Best For | Large lawns with consistent watering needs |
Best Lawn Sprinklers of 2024
Every homeowner has different needs when it comes to watering their lawn. We just reviewed the types of lawn sprinklers and their benefits. Now, let's take a look at some of the best lawn sprinklers of 2024. There's a lot out there, but one of these might be your needs.
Gilmour Spot Sprinkler
Looking for a watering solution for your small lawn? The Gilmour Spot Sprinkler covers a 15 by 30-foot pattern with no issues. It provides precision watering for small grass or flower bed patches without oversaturation or waste issues. It's a handy choice for homeowners looking for targeted watering options.
Owners of this sprinkler have called it tough and great for low water pressure. It's crafted from materials resistant to rust despite being compact. This build ensures it can endure weather conditions without deteriorating over time. Its durability makes it a dependable choice for lasting use.
The Gilmour Spot Sprinkler is perfect for homeowners looking to conserve water and keep their plants healthy and vibrant. It's designed with a flow rate that ensures water is evenly spread across your garden without any puddles or excess runoff that could damage your plants or flower beds. Additionally, it's easy to set up and adjust, making it a convenient choice for watering without hassle.
Melnor MiniMax Turbo Sprinkler
The Melnor MiniMax Turbo Sprinkler is a compact sprinkler that can effectively cover an area in homes with low water pressure conditions. It's small. It's mighty. It can irrigate up to 4,000 feet of land space, making it suitable for small to medium-sized lawns or gardens. The MiniMax is convenient and easy to move around your yard due to its design and adjustable features.
The Melnor MiniMax can be adjusted in four ways — lengthen or shorten the spray distance and width while controlling the flow rate. The precision is its strong suit.
Its dirt-resistant drive even works with well water to extend its life. Melnor backs that up with a lifetime warranty.
Orbit Impact Tripod Sprinkler
The Orbit Impact Tripod Sprinkler is built for performance. It is perfect for homeowners seeking regular watering for their outdoor spaces. What sets this sprinkler apart is its base, which can reach a height of up to 48 inches, enabling it to water tall plants or shrubs effectively and making it versatile for diverse landscapes.
The Orbit Impact Tripod has a durable brass impact sprinkler head that resists rust and wear over time. It comes with a gooseneck hose attachment for positioning ease during connection and adjustment without worrying about hose kinks or leaks.
You change the spray pattern as well. The anti-backsplash arm is a distinctive feature that enhances the accuracy of the sprinkler system by ensuring an even distribution of water without any wastage. These features collectively make the Orbit Impact Tripod ideal for covering open spaces.
Aqua Joe Indestructible Sprinkler
The Aqua Joe Indestructible Sprinkler is a choice for people looking for a cost-effective and sturdy option for maintaining small to medium-sized lawns. But don't sleep on its range. It can handle a larger lawn if needed.
Its metal base and 20 nozzles can cover up to 4,400 square feet. Its standout feature is its ability to customize and target different lawn areas without wasting water. It has a mesh filter built in at the connection spot to stop debris from getting in and causing blockages.
This sprinkler is one of the best lawn sprinklers of 2024 since it's budget-friendly, sturdy, and focused on preventing clogs.
Nelson RainTrain Traveling Sprinkler
The coverage of the Nelson RainTrain Traveling Sprinkler is incredible: it can travel 200 feet and cover 13,500 square feet. The sprinkler moves along the hose route by utilizing the water pressure from your garden hose, guaranteeing uniform and thorough watering across a broad area.
The RainTrain stands out for its three-speed functionality. Whether you opt for a quick pace or a gentler movement, you can get your lawn the water it needs at the right density. The versatility of its spray arms allows for wide coverage.
A built-in mechanism is in place to stop the sprinkler from watering once it reaches the end of the hose route to avoid watering or wastage.
Important Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting a Sprinkler System
When deciding which sprinkler to buy, there are crucial factors to consider carefully before making your choice.
Design of the Yard: Your lawn's dimensions and layout are among the most important factors to consider when searching for lawn sprinklers. For example, oscillating sprinklers are well suited for rectangular lawns, while rotary models are more effective for circular or oddly shaped lawns.
Water Pressure: The water pressure in your house is crucial for choosing the sprinkler to use effectively. If the pressure is low, you might need a smaller rotary model, but higher-pressure systems can accommodate stronger impact or pulsating sprinklers.
Quality of Materials: How your sprinkler is built can impact how long it lasts. Consider how frequently you will use the sprinkler and the type of weather it will face.
Smart Irrigation vs Manual Systems
If you're interested in streamlining your lawn maintenance tasks to save time and effort, smart irrigation systems provide features that simplify scheduling — incorporating weather information and soil sensors into their operation guarantees that your lawn receives a level of hydration, leading to less water usage and decreased household expenses.
Pros and Cons of Both Systems
Manual or portable lawn sprinklers (like the ones we've reviewed here) and in-ground, automatic sprinkler systems have pros and cons. Portable sprinklers are known for their flexibility and cost effectiveness. But their hands-on nature might not be the right fit for some. In-ground systems are pricey, though.
Tips for Maintaining Your Lawn Sprinkler System
Ensuring your sprinkler system functions well is crucial for its performance. Make sure to clean the nozzle and filters regularly to avoid any blockages. During the winter months, winterize your sprinklers by draining and storing them to prevent any damage from freezing temperatures.
Inspect your sprinkler for leaks or misaligned heads to ensure the water is evenly distributed.
Quick Summary
Picking out the right lawn sprinkler for your lawn is important. The right sprinkler can greatly impact your lawn's upkeep to keep it healthy and lively all year round.
We've not only looked at some of the best lawn sprinklers of 2024, but we've discussed the types of sprinklers available to help you choose the right type for your lawn. Whether you have a big yard or a smaller one, there's a sprinkler that is up for the job. Making an informed choice based on these factors will ensure you have a flourishing green lawn year-round.
