Your Guide to the Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers of 2024

Your Guide to the Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers of 2024Americans use nearly 8 billion gallons of water for outdoor irrigation daily, with experts estimating half of it as overwatering waste. Smart sprinkler systems — sometimes called smart irrigation timers or smart sprinkler timers — effectively manage to water the lawn for homeowners.

They regulate water usage and ensure your lawn flourishes. The best sprinkler systems allow you to control how much water you use and which parts of your lawn you target better — and you can do it all from your phone.
Key Takeaways:

What Are Smart Sprinkler Systems?

Everything is smart these days. Smart doorbells, smart thermostats, smart cars, and irrigation systems are no different.

Smart sprinkler systems use weather data and real-time information from sensors to automatically and intelligently manage your lawn's irrigation. Unlike manual settings, which you might program when you buy a traditional irrigation system, smart irrigation systems automatically water based on need and not on a predetermined schedule.

These controllers can be embedded with your current irrigation system. Since your lawn likely has water needs in different places, a smart system can adapt watering frequency and duration based on individual zones of your lawn. Most smart irrigation systems have controllers, sensors, and sometimes weather-based devices, ensuring your lawn is watered at the right time.

Key Features of Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation systems provide a new level of sophistication to help homeowners keep their yards properly watered and healthy (we recently asked homeowners how often they water to learn more about their habits; some may benefit from a smart irrigation system). Here are a few of the common features of smart water sprinklers.

 Automated Scheduling 

Automated scheduling is one of the best features of smart irrigation systems. They create and modify your watering schedule according to, among other things, forecasted weather, soil moisture, and plant type to ensure that your lawn gets the water it needs when it needs it.

 Weather-Based Adjustments 

Many smart irrigation systems have built-in weather sensors that adjust the watering schedule on the fly or that can read and adapt their outputs based on local weather reports. If rain is in the forecast, it can be delayed or cut back so you don't double-water the lawn. This intelligence can reduce your water bill and save your grass from the problems of overwatering.

 Soil Moisture Sensors 

Soil-moisture sensors (SMS) are among the most important parts of these systems, measuring the water content of the soil and sending data to the controller, which then turns on the sprinklers when the soil reaches a certain dryness level. This way, your lawn will be watered only when needed, avoiding the problem of underwatering or overwatering.

 Remote Access and Control 

Modern irrigation controllers have software that allows access from a mobile app or a web browser, making the system completely remote-controlled. You can run and see what is going on with your irrigation system from wherever you are. You can turn the system on and off, set schedules, or receive notifications about system performance through your mobile phone or computer. This feature can be helpful for people who don't have much time to be at home.

Understanding the controllers behind smart irrigation systems

The technology responsible for smart irrigation systems largely centers around the controller. The two to know are Evapotranspiration (ET) Controllers and soil moisture sensors (as previously discussed).

Also known as climatologically based controllers, ET controllers gauge and respond to the transpiration by plants combined with evaporation that occurs from plant and soil surfaces.

There are three types of ET controllers:

1. Historical ET controllers use configurations and sensors to maximize water use based on known water usage and current temperatures.

2. Meteorological data from publicly available sources or local weather stations drive the logic of signal-based ET controllers.

3. On-site Weather Measurement ET controllers rely on on-premise conditions to adjust the irrigation times.

Increasingly, smart irrigation systems are made to work with other smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, with the ability to control them through voice and help you build a smart home ecosystem. You can ask Alexa to water your lawn while cooking dinner. Who would’ve thought?

Smart Sprinkler Systems Conserve Water and Make Life Easier

Smart sprinkler systems only water when necessary and adjust their schedule based on the weather. Lower water use means lower water bills. Smart irrigation systems might have a high up-front cost, but the savings on your water bill add up over time.

You'll also lower your risk of overwatering or watering at the wrong time, increasing the likelihood that your lawn will fall victim to lawn diseases. Healthier lawns result from the precise and consistent watering schedule that smart irrigation systems deliver. Over-watering can cause root rot and fungal diseases; under-watering can stress the lawn, making it more susceptible to pests. Providing the correct amount of water at the correct time ensures that the grass is adequately hydrated and your lawn will stay thick, green, and resilient.

What makes the smart irrigation system so convenient? The answer is that automated scheduling, remote access, and the ability to link your system with other smart-home devices all make lawn care easier – saving you time and effort. Its user-friendly interface allows even the most technophobic homeowner to set up and manage the system.

The Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers of 2024

 Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller 

The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is a great upgrade for homeowners who want to improve their irrigation system. Its advanced weather intelligence continuously adjusts to local weather conditions, and the Rachio app gives you full control and visibility to create custom watering schedules, track water usage, and receive performance alerts.

 Orbit B-hyve Smart Irrigation Controller 

The Orbit B-hyve is another popular option that combines weather-based scheduling with optional soil moisture sensors. The B-hyve app lets you control the system remotely and provides detailed water use reports. Smart watering uses moisture sensors and watering data to determine the optimal watering schedule for your garden and reduce water usage. You can also control it using Amazon Alexa and other voice assistants. 

 RainMachine Touch HD-12 

The RainMachine Touch HD-12 is stylish, and it has a user-friendly interface. The smart meter and rain sensor provide real-time climate information for customized weather-based watering schedules.

The touchscreen controller and the mobile app offer easy access to settings and schedules. The controller connects to smart home systems and location-based weather forecasts via MetNo, Wunderground, Netatmo, and NOAA.

 Netro Spark Smart Sprinkler Controller 

This Netro Spark Smart Sprinkler Controller is a comprehensive device that doesn't skimp on features: it uses weather forecasts and historical data to produce optimal watering programs. Its app lets you monitor your system remotely and create custom schedules and water usage reports. Netro also focuses on sustainability and includes premium features such as valve diagnostics.

DIY Installation of Smart Sprinkler System

If you're tech-savvy and enjoy projects, installing a smart sprinkler system might be a project you can tackle (although we're not suggesting you should or shouldn't do it yourself or providing explicit instructions). Always seek outside help and information before taking on any project yourself, and follow all of the manufacturer's guidelines.

Generally speaking, these are the main steps you can expect when performing a DIY installation of a smart sprinkler system:

• Plan Your System: Draw your irrigation zones and pick the right smart controller.

• Install the Controller: Mount the smart controller near your existing irrigation system's valves.

• Connect to Power: Ensure the controller is connected to a power source.

• Sync with Valves: Connect the controller to your irrigation valves.

• Set Up Wi-Fi: Connect the controller to your home Wi-Fi network.

• Setup the App: Download the app and follow the onboarding process, which often includes setting schedules and other options.

Keep in mind that taking on a DIY project comes with risks and frustrations. Common roadblocks include ensuring the controller is in an area with sufficient Wi-Fi signal strength and that the smart system syncs with your valves. Most smart irrigation systems have setup instructions and customer support to help you troubleshoot.

If DIY is not the route for you, professional installations are available at additional costs.

Smart Irrigation System Maintenance

To keep your smart irrigation system in good shape, you need to maintain it regularly. Keep your system's firmware and app up to date to make sure it has the latest features and security enhancements.

Regularly check soil moisture and weather sensors for damage or dirt accumulation. It's also important to monitor water use and system performance from the app and adjust schedules accordingly.

Winterize your system in cold climates by draining water in pipes and insulating the controller from freezing temperatures. Clean nozzles and sprinkler heads to prevent clogging and allow water to flow evenly.

These maintenance tips will help keep your smart sprinkler system in good condition.

Quick Summary

Smart irrigation systems have benefits such as water conservation, cost savings, turf health, and convenience. Smart sprinkler systems offer precise and efficient watering with advanced technology not available with traditional irrigation systems.

We looked at some of the best smart sprinkler system controllers in 2024 and discussed DIY and professional installation options. Smart irrigation systems help homeowners enjoy a superior and smarter way to water their lawns.