The 5 Best Smart Sprinkler Systems to Conserve Water and Cash
Posted by EMMA ROTH
You have a smartphone, a smart TV, and a smart assistant, so why not upgrade your sprinkler system as well? Not only do smart sprinkler systems make it easier to water your lawn, but they also help you conserve money and water.
Most smart sprinkler systems automatically shut off when it’s raining, so you won’t have to worry about going outside just to turn the water off. If that alone doesn’t convince you to get an upgrade, here are some of the best smart sprinkler systems that will.
1. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller Buy Now On Amazon $226.99Rachio is a smart sprinklers industry leader, and the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is its latest device. The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler can save you up to 50 percent on your water bill. So, while you prevent your lawn from getting over-watered, you can cut down on your expenses at the same time.
You can connect the device to your smartphone, allowing you to have full control of your sprinkler system via the Rachio app. From the app, you can set a watering schedule, turn your system on or off, and check out your projected water usage. When you create your schedule, adding data like your soil type, sun exposure, and plant breeds will help the Rachio 3 determine the most efficient way to water your landscape.
The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler uses a built-in weather system to predict the forecast for your area. If it senses rain, wind, or snow, the Rachio 3 will shut itself off. The device is also compatible with Alexa, and Google Assistant, which lets you control your sprinklers with only your voice.
If you’re worried about the work involved when installing the actual device, just know that it only takes 30 minutes to install. Better yet, you don’t need any specific tools to do so.
2. Aeon Matrix Yardian
Aeon Matrix Yardian Aeon Matrix Yardian Buy Now On Amazon $179.99The Aeon Matrix Yardian comes in both an eight and 12-zone model, depending on the needs of your yard. You can easily set up zones as well as determine a schedule by using the Yardian app. Once you input your Seasonal Adjustment settings, the Yardian system will automatically tweak its watering schedule as time goes by.
The Yardian is designed to help you save up to 50 percent on the amount of water you use per year. Its Smart Program can optimize your watering schedule by taking a look at your property’s data and local forecast. You can program this device to skip watering your yard when rain or freezing weather is in the forecast. Like the Rachio 3, you can also use the Yardian alongside smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
What makes the Yardian different from other smart sprinklers is that it comes equipped with a security camera. From the Yardian app, you can check on the HD live stream video of your yard, and even receive notifications if motion has been detected. It’s also able to deter animals from your yard by activating its sprinklers when it senses motion in a specific zone.
3. Orbit 57950 B-hyve
Orbit 57950 B-hyve Orbit 57950 B-hyve Buy Now On Amazon $98.96Like the other smart sprinklers on this list, the Orbit B-hyve is WaterSense certified, guaranteeing that it will help you conserve water. You can adjust this sprinkler system from your Android or iOS smartphone, as well as from your computer.
Not confident in creating your own watering schedule? Let the Orbit B-Hyve do it for you. The built-in weather sensor adjusts itself based on soil type, sun, shade, and the current forecast.
You can install the device inside or outside, as its lockable, weather-resistant case can survive any condition. It comes with a swing panel that makes it easy to service, along with a simple-to-install wiring scheme.
4. Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller
Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller Buy Now On Amazon $129.99When your yard has specific needs, the Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller is a great choice. It comes with a database of over 1,000 species of plants, which ensures that it waters your landscape correctly. In addition, the Netro Smart Sprinkler is programmed to skip watering overnight, or when it’s too cold.
The Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller can water six or 12 zones, depending on the model you choose. Either way, they’re both made to reduce your water consumption by up to 50 percent. It also helps you stay compliant with any water conservation restrictions in your area.
You can pair the Netro Smart Sprinkler with your Android or iOS device, along with any Google Home devices. The app lets you control the watering schedule, keep track of water usage, and monitor your garden’s conditions.
This device gets even better when you add on the Netro Whisperer (only available directly from the manufacturer). This is a solar-powered device that you can stake right in your lawn. It checks the sunlight, temperature, and moisture levels in your yard to optimize the sprinkler’s water usage.
5. RainMachine Pro-8 Smart Sprinkler
RainMachine Pro-8 Smart Sprinkler RainMachine Pro-8 Smart Sprinkler Buy Now On Amazon $179.00Don’t let your yard become a victim of over-watering, and use the RainMachine Smart Sprinkler instead. You can install this innovative sprinkler system in just under 15 minutes. As soon as you install it, you can expect to see your water bill decrease by up to 80 percent.
Instead of garnering forecast information just from one source, the RainMachine uses data from multiple weather stations. Real-time forecasts from NOAA.gov, Met.no, Wunderground Personal Weather Station, and Forecast.io help the RainMachine optimize its watering schedule. If the Rainmachine can’t access the internet, it will use historical weather statistics to determine the best way to water your plants.
You can access the RainMachine from your desktop or mobile device. From there, you can add images of your yard, toggle the sprinklers on and off, and manage your zones. The RainMachine’s sleek touchscreen is easy to use, not to mention completely waterproof.
The Best Smart Sprinkler System for Your Home
Purchasing a smart sprinkler system is a win-win situation. You can save a ton of money on your water bill while ensuring that your lawn is receiving the best care it can get. Stop suffering from soggy lawns and overpriced bills, and invest in a smart sprinkler.
Before you decide on a smart sprinkler system, you need to make sure that your landscape looks its best. Plan your landscape and garden with these free online landscape and garden design tools.
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