The Weathermatic Smartline is the ET sprinkler controller we install. The Weathermatic Smartline controller can also be installed with an On-Site Weather Station converting it to an ET sprinkler controller. The On-Site Weather station in conjunction with the controller produces a custom run time schedule for everyday of the season based on the actual weather. These next generation sprinkler controllers are the future of the industry. The weather station records the high and low temperature of each day and uses the local zip code to estimate latitude and then calculate solar duration. This data is then combined with site data that is input by a certified installer like Aquasense to calculate run times for each zone. Some of the site data for each zone includes sprinkler type, plant type, and soil type and micro-climate. The result is a custom calculation for each zone for every day of the watering season. During a cool year, these controllers will usually save water, but during a dryer then normal year these controllers may use more water then a conventional controller. We have noticed that landscapes with these controllers installed tend to thrive.

One of the biggest wastes of water from conventional sprinkler controllers is from runoff. As run times are increased with warmer weather, heavy clay soils just can’t absorb all the water a system delivers. Spray heads in particular which apply water at a much faster rate then rotor heads often produce runoff. A turf zone with clay soil, watered with spray heads on a steep slope is a prime candidate for runoff. The answer to runoff is a sprinkler controller with a cycle and soak feature. Cycling a zone means instead of running it for 30 minutes once a day, it is run 3 times a day for 10 minutes with an interval to allow the water to soak in. The Weathermatic Smartline controller installed with the On-Site Weather Station will cycle and soak automatically and adjust run times accordingly, increasing or decreasing the number of cycles depending on the actual weather.

According to Weathermatic, the Smartline controllers were compared side by side in a 7 year study with CIMIS the leading weather station network in California. CIMIS stands for California Irrigation Management Information System which is a network of close to 100 computerized weather stations in California that are used to help agricultural growers and landscape managers irrigate more efficiently. The results of the study showed that the Smartline controllers were generally within 5% of the CIMIS weather stations calculations. Not bad considering the average cost of a CIMIS station was in excess of $20,000 dollars.

Rain Sensors Although not required yet, all sprinkler systems that use a controller to run automatically should have a rain sensor. Most water districts agree with this thought and consequently offer a $75.00 rebate for installing one. (Read more under rebates) A rain sensor is a small device that usually clips to your rain gutter in a location where it is exposed to weather. The sensor contains a small synthetic element that absorbs rain water. As the element absorbs rain it expands to the point that it trips a switch and sends a signal to your controller that cuts power to the zone valves. The controller remains disabled until the element has adequately dried. The amount of rainfall it takes to trip the switch is adjustable on the brand we install. Our sensor is superior to sensors that use the weight of water to shut a system off. Weight sensors commonly become fouled with tree debris and malfunction completely. Most sensors will pay for themselves in the 1st year through reduced water costs. They can also save you the embarrassment of watering your yard during a complete downpour and wasting a resource that at times is scarce.

1. Hard Wired Sensors We install all hard wired rain sensors with the wiring enclosed in ½” electrical conduit. We use the conduit not because it is code but because the conduit protects the wiring from damage especially inside garage areas. We use ½” electrical conduit on the outside as well; secured to the house or building with sunlight-resistant gray electrical clamps and exterior-use gray deck screws. The professional looking system can be left as is or painted in the future (don’t paint the sensor). The Hunter Mini Clik hard wired rain sensor usually takes 2 hours to install. All rain sensor installations are guaranteed 2 years parts and labor.
2. Wireless Rain Sensors Your internet access is wireless so why not your rain sensor? The new generation of wireless rain sensors combines hard wired technology with wireless convenience. Installation time is slashed from 2 hours to 30 minutes and the new receiver portion that wires to almost any existing controller has a lighted display. Unlike the old hard wired sensors which did not have a display the new wireless models indicate if the sensor has suspended watering due to adequate rain fall taking the mystery out of its functionality.
3. Rebates Both wireless and hard wired sensors qualify for a $75 rebate from most water districts with a system tune-up. Click the link below to view Irritrol Wireless Rain Sensor.

Below are descriptions of the standard parts we use, why we use them, and why they are the best part available for the money. For additional information use the links to view the actual products on the manufactures websites.

For zone valves on residential systems we like to use the 24 volt Rain Bird 1" 100 DV-F with flow control. This is Rain Bird’s bulletproof 1” sprinkler valve. Web link:

For spray heads or short distance non-rotating sprinkler heads we only use Rain Bird 1800 series heads. Our experience maintaining systems is that spray heads such as Toro, Lawn Genie, Hit, and Orbit are cheaper to buy because they are cheaper. Rain Bird nozzles in almost all sizes have better spray patterns then comparable sizes in other brands. Rain Bird sprinkler bodies are made of a more durable plastic then other spray head brands. Unlike other cheaper spray heads, Rain Bird heads continue to point the same direction every time they pop up. Other brands are notorious for changing spray direction each time they pop up. If we are using spray heads for lawn areas the minimum popup height we use is 4” inches. To view the actual product specifications and adjustment directions click on the link below to go to the Rain Bird web site.

For rotor heads or long distance sprinkler heads we use the Hunter PGP or the Rain Bird 5000 series as our standard rotor heads. The Hunter PGP came out in 1981 and since then has been the #1 selling rotor sprinkler in the world. For those of you who are not familiar with the term rotor it indicates a head that rotates. For spray heads, quality is the most important concern, for rotor heads its quality and ease of adjustment. Yes Hunters have been around for 25 years and have a proven track record, but the best thing about a Hunter head is that it can be instantly checked for adjustment while it is running. This allows yearly maintenance to be completed in considerably less time then it takes for other rotors. Many rotors can’t be checked for proper adjustment while they are running requiring the adjuster to watch one full rotation which may take several minutes per head before making an adjustment. After an adjustment is made another full rotation has to be watched, and if the correct adjustment was not made the process starts over again. Different sized nozzles for both Hunter PGP’s and Rain Bird 5000 series are free from most suppliers and come in .5 gallon a minute up to 12 gallons per minute. Compared to rotary impact heads there is no comparison, the Hunter PGP and Rain Bird 5000 series have enclosed moving parts which never become fouled with debris and both will run at pressures as low as 30 PSI. Both can be adjusted from approximately 30 to 360 degrees on the arc and approximately 15 to 40 feet on the trajectory depending on the pressure. The standard Hunter head we use is the PGP with built in check valve. The check valve holds the water in the pipe after the zone stops which prevents low head drainage and saves water. The standard Rain Bird 5000 we use also has a check valve and a shut off which allows nozzles changes while the zone is running.

Backflow Assemblies For our new systems or replacements we use the Wilkins 950 XLT because it is the least expensive assembly to maintain and by far the easiest to repair. This state approved backflow assembly designed for use with landscape sprinkler systems has an estimated life span of over 30 years.