When you think of sprinklers, what comes to your mind? An image of you running through them? Yes, that is one of the main reasons why we love them so much. However, there are many more benefits that sprinklers offer. They are a quick and easy way to water your lawn and can save you plenty of time and hassle.
Picking the right sprinkler can be quite a challenge, though. This is because of the many different options out there. To make it easier for you to choose a sprinkler, we have made a guide on sprinklers. Here are the various types of sprinklers that you can get for your lawn.
Types of Lawn Sprinklers
Fixed Spray sprinklers
Just as the name suggests, a fixed spray sprinkler is designed to stay in one place. This spray can be adjusted to fit your selected area. Fixed spray sprinklers usually have a circular nozzle in the center, which is where the water comes out from in the form of many thin streams of water. However, sometimes, they can come in a rectangular form too. The water that comes out of it usually reaches about 3 to 15 feet.
This kind of sprinkler is also commonly referred to as a stationary sprinkler. Fixed spray sprinklers have different spray heads, which form different kinds of spray patterns. These sprinklers are the best for small lawns, as they can’t reach too far. Another advantage of this kind of sprinkler is that it is not too costly.
Rotating sprinklers
Opposite to the fixed spray sprinklers, the head of the rotating sprinklers can turn over time instead of staying in one fixed spot. This is why they are ideal for larger lawns. Rotating sprinklers can water up to 150 feet in their surrounding area! However, if you’re planning to get it for your house, you may want to keep in mind that this kind of sprinkler can be loud. That’s why it’s considered to be used for commercial sites and opposed to private homes.
Misting Sprinklers
Misting sprinklers or micro-spray sprinklers are different from your typical sprinkler because they have a softer spray pattern. This is especially for those plants that require a delicate spray. The mist provides less water per hour and is, therefore, cost-efficient. These sprinklers work well in a smaller lawn as well.
Traveling sprinklers
You can guess what this one is all about. Traveling sprinklers have wheels that are powered by water pressure. They automatically direct the hose to the areas that need watering. They are ideal for huge lawns that need daily watering. This type of sprinkler is also more high-tech because it only involves you setting it up and then it automatically waters your entire lawn without your help. Keep in mind, it needs higher water pressure to operate.
Oscillating sprinklers
Though the name may sound overwhelming, don’t let that scare you. When you think of a sprinkler, this is the one that you are usually visualizing in your head. Oscillating sprinklers consist of long tubes with many sprinkler holes in them. These tubes are made of metal or plastic. It too works with water pressure; the water sprayed out of the holes comes out depending on the pressure level. The force of the water is what makes the tube move back and forth. These kinds of sprinklers can water up to 4,000 square feet! It works well with high and low levels of water pressure.
Another advantage of this sprinkler is that the kids absolutely love it; they can hop over it and let it spray all over them. You will need to fidget with it a little to get the right placement but after that, it’ll work just fine.
Inground sprinklers
The way that inground sprinklers work is that they have a pipe that transfers water from the water supply of your property to wherever you want to take it. This system gives you control of when, how and how much water to take out. Note that each inground sprinkler system differs from each other and the sprinkler head can be altered to fit the size and shape of your lawn.
Pop-up sprinkler
The pop-up sprinkler is the main sprinkler when it comes to inground irrigation systems. It is placed into the ground and when it’s activated it pops up, which is why it’s called a pop-up sprinkler. This sprinkler is commonly used for commercial purposes as well as residential ones.
One of the major advantages of this kind of sprinkler is that there’s no risk of anyone tripping over it as it is underground. In addition to that, there are fewer chances of the lawnmower damaging it, which is why it lasts much longer as compared to other sprinklers. It is because of these factors that this is the most used sprinkler head.
Rotary sprinklers
A rotor sprinkler system consists of a set of sprinklers. The sprinkler head rotates water in your lawn or garden. You can choose different sprinklers, each with different radii to make sure that your entire lawn is getting watered. You can place them apart from each other, between 18 to 55 feet apart. But keep in mind that the further apart they are, the more water pressure they will need. It is easy to install and covers a wide range of areas watered so if you have a large lawn, then this may be the perfect one for you.
Sprinkler hoses
Sprinkler hoses can be used as sprinklers in certain ways, even though they aren’t technically sprinklers. If you keep the striped side facing upwards, then it can act as a low sprinkler. However, this is just a temporary solution. If you point the hose facing down, then it can work as a soaker hose. For a more permanent solution, you should look at inground irrigation systems or other alternative options.
How to choose a sprinkler
When it comes to choosing a sprinkler, there are many factors that need to be considered. Different lawn sprinklers come with different features, so you want to make sure that you get the right one that suits your needs. Here are some of the factors that you should keep in mind when choosing a sprinkler for your lawn:
Material
The material of the sprinkler tells a lot about it. Usually, sprinklers are made from metal or plastic. Metal sprinklers are of higher quality and last longer, but that being said, you still have to pay attention to the type of metal used because some could develop rust. Some that aren’t prone to rust include zinc, brass, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Plastic sprinklers, on the other hand, don’t last as long because they are made using cheaper materials. When exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, these plastics will become brittle, hence, break more quickly.
The size and shape of your lawn
Another important factor to consider when choosing a sprinkler for your lawn is the size of the lawn itself. Larger lawns require more advanced sprinklers while smaller ones can use practically any. For commercial purposes and larger lawns, you will need to get sprinklers that have a further reach.
For small lawns, pop-up sprinklers are the ideal choice. You can get fixed ones instead of rotating ones because there won’t be many areas that you are trying to cover.
The shape of your lawn needs to be taken into account as well. The majority of the sprinkler heads spray in circular patterns, so if your lawn is rectangular or an irregular shape then you should look at a newer model that will cater to this.
Cost
Cost is a major deciding factor when choosing a sprinkler. The cost of a sprinkler depends on the way in which the body and the nozzle are designed. Lower-priced sprinklers may not include the nozzle and the body as they may be sold separately, so make sure to keep a lookout for that.
Even though some may be cheaper, their maintenance costs could be higher so it may end up costing you more.
Aesthetics
Of course, aesthetics also play a major role when it comes to choosing a sprinkler for your lawn. After all, it will be present on your lawn. You don’t want anything too bulky because that could ruin the appearance of your lawn. Something sleek and refined may be what you’re looking for.
Conclusion on Types of Sprinklers
Each of these different types of lawn sprinklers is unique and has its benefits. Make sure to look at the factors mentioned above when deciding which one to pick for your lawn. Happy sprinkling!
Read: Types of Pruning Shears
