What a Smart Sprinkler System Actually Does For Your Yard

If you have a yard, you've probably watered it a few different ways over the years. Maybe you dragged a hose or sprinkler around to target the areas that looked dry, or you set a basic timer and hoped it worked well enough while you went back inside.

Those methods can work just fine. The problem is that they rely on a lot of guessing, so you end up watering the yard because it feels like the right time, not because it actually needs it. This can lead to high water bills and confusion about why all your efforts aren't producing positive results.

How does a smart sprinkler system play into this? Using smart software and connected devices, a smart system changes how watering decisions are made. You don't have to guess when the yard needs water, and you have new ways to monitor and control usage. Investing in a smart sprinkler system could even save you some money over time.

What Is a Smart Sprinkler System and How Is It Different From a Regular Sprinkler Timer?

A basic timer runs on the same days and at the same times every week unless you change it manually. Effectively, the system keeps watering the yard even when it doesn't make sense to (like during a rainstorm).

Smart sprinkler systems can use better hardware and connect to the internet to make smart watering adjustments based on relevant information. They can examine weather and soil conditions, and then update the watering schedule automatically based on those details.

This information allows the system to take action automatically, so you don't have to be as involved in your yard's health. You still have control over whether the system should run, and can override anything you want. The main difference is that you're no longer doing all the thinking yourself.

Why Traditional Sprinkler Schedules Waste Water

Several kinds of watering methods exist. Depending on the type, it might be far less intelligent and capable than other options, which can quickly create problems.

For example, you've probably seen a sprinkler system that doesn't factor in real-time weather conditions—these are the ones that compete with a rainstorm to water the yard. Or they might deliver the same amount of water whether it's a cool spring day or a blistering hot summer day.

This can easily result in wasted water and higher bills. Plus, the lawn probably won't look so great because water intake isn't optimized.

How a Smart Sprinkler System Decides When and How Much to Water

A smart sprinkler system uses real data to determine what it should do. One way this works is by pulling in local weather information to plan the watering schedule automatically.

If it's supposed to rain soon, for example, the watering schedule can be delayed. The smart sprinkler system can also compensate for a heat wave.

Some systems are also linked to soil moisture sensors to fine-tune exactly how much water is necessary for different parts of the yard.

What Data a Smart Watering System Uses to Avoid Overwatering

Smarter sprinkler systems rely on inputs like these to make better decisions:

• Local weather forecasts
• Recent rainfall
• Temperature and humidity
• Seasonal daylight changes

The Benefits of Using a Smart Sprinkler System

Most people switch to a smart sprinkler system because they're tired of wasting water. These systems reduce unnecessary watering without sacrificing the health of grass, trees, and gardens.

Not only does this usually show up as a lower water bill, but it's also revealed in better-looking grass and plants, since overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering.

After the initial setup, there's very little to manage day-to-day when you're using a smart sprinkler system. If you'd rather not just let it do its thing, you can check in from your phone and make any changes you want through the app or, in some cases, a smart assistant like Alexa.

Who a Smart Sprinkler System Makes the Most Sense For

You might want a smart sprinkler system if you want better results for your lawn or garden with little effort. It's especially useful in areas with water restrictions or high water costs.

If you feel like your water bill is too high, or you're not a fan of monitoring the weather and constantly making schedule adjustments, then a smart sprinkler system might be the solution you're looking for.