One of the key components of a healthy lawn is proper irrigation, which requires the use of an efficient and effective sprinkler system. With the availability of various sprinklers on the market, it is understandably difficult to determine what type works best for your lawn. This article aims to give you an insight into the different types of sprinklers and the best ones available on the market.
Types of Lawn Sprinklers
There are several different types of lawn sprinklers, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The five main types of lawn sprinklers are:
Oscillating Sprinklers
This sprinkler works by releasing a fan-shaped jet of water that moves back and forth, covering a rectangular shaped area. These sprinklers are perfect for small to medium-sized lawns, and they offer great coverage of the lawn.
Impact Sprinklers
This sprinkler works by releasing a single jet of water that rotates around in a circle. These sprinklers are best used for larger lawns since they cover a greater area.
Rotary Sprinklers
This sprinkler releases multiple streams of water that rotate around, providing full coverage of the lawn. Like impact sprinklers, these are best used for larger lawns.
Stationary Sprinklers
These sprinklers release a steady stream of water and are best for small lawns. Stationary sprinklers are great for ensuring that specific areas of your lawn get watered.
Pulsating Sprinklers
These sprinklers release water in a pulsing manner, which effectively delivers water to your lawn. These sprinklers work best for large lawns where a lot of water needs to be delivered.
Top 5 Lawn Sprinklers
This oscillating sprinkler is perfect for medium to large-sized lawns, as it easily covers up to 4,500 square feet. It features adjustable width and length, allowing you to customize the settings according to your lawn’s needs.
Pros:
- Covers up to 4,500 square feet, making it perfect for medium to large-sized lawns.
- Adjustable width and length allow customization to your lawn’s needs.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons:
- May not be the best choice for small lawns.
- The oscillating motion of the sprinkler may cause uneven watering in certain areas.
This sprinkler is perfect if you’re trying to keep animals out of your lawn, as it is motion-activated. It covers up to 1,600 square feet and has a range of up to 35 feet.
Pros:
- Motion-activated feature is perfect for keeping unwanted animals off your lawn.
- Has a range of up to 35 feet, making it ideal for use in larger lawns.
- Covers up to 1,600 square feet.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for lawns with a lot of foot traffic.
- Requires a good amount of water pressure in order to function properly.
This sprinkler offers full coverage of your lawn, featuring adjustable coverage with a range of up to 3,600 square feet. It also has adjustable spray nozzle settings so you can control the water pressure and flow according to your lawn’s needs.
Pros:
- Offers full coverage of your lawn, with adjustable coverage up to 3,600 square feet.
- Adjustable spray nozzle settings allow for customized water pressure and flow.
- Features a durable and long-lasting construction.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for larger lawns.
- Some users have reported issues with the spray nozzle settings not holding their position.
This impact sprinkler is the best choice for larger lawns, as it covers up to 5,200 square feet. It features a heavy-duty brass construction that ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty brass construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
- Covers up to 5,200 square feet, making it ideal for larger lawns.
- Features adjustable deflector flap that allows for customizable spray pattern.
Cons:
- May be more expensive compared to other sprinklers.
- The impact mechanism may cause the sprinkler to move around, making it difficult to aim and focus the water flow.
This rotating sprinkler is perfect for small to medium-sized lawns, covering up to 3,600 square feet. It features adjustable settings that allow you to customize the range, direction and water flow.
Pros:
- Ideal for small to medium-sized lawns, covering up to 3,600 square feet.
- Adjustable settings allow for customization of the range, direction and water flow.
- Features a durable and long-lasting construction.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for larger lawns.
- Users have reported issues with the height of the sprinkler, which may result in uneven water distribution.
Factors to Consider when Selecting the Best Lawn Sprinklers
When selecting lawn sprinklers, there are several key factors to consider, including:
Lawn Size
Consider the size of your lawn when selecting a sprinkler. Larger lawns will require sprinklers that offer greater coverage and are more powerful.
Water Pressure
Consider the water pressure in your area. The amount of water output varies depending on the water pressure, which affects the sprinkler’s performance.
Durability
Look for sprinklers made from durable materials such as brass or stainless steel, which ensures long-lasting performance.
Customization
Consider sprinklers that offer adjustable settings, which allow you to customize the range and direction of the water flow.
Water Conservation
Some sprinklers have features that only release water when it’s needed, which helps to conserve water and reduce your water bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a sprinkler system with well water?
Yes, you can use a sprinkler system with well water. However, you should make sure that the water pressure is sufficient to operate the sprinklers and that the water is filtrated to avoid clogging of the sprinkler heads.
2. Do all sprinkler types work with low water pressure?
Some sprinklers work better with low water pressure, such as pulsating and stationary sprinklers. However, other types such as impact and rotary sprinklers require higher water pressure to function effectively.
3. Should I use a timer with my sprinkler system?
A timer can be a beneficial addition to your sprinkler system, as it allows you to automate watering on a regular schedule and prevent over-watering.
Conclusion
Investing in the right lawn sprinkler is crucial to maintaining a healthy and lush-looking lawn. With the many types of sprinklers available in the market, it can be challenging to select the best one for your lawn. By considering lawn size, water pressure, durability, customization, and water conservation when making your purchase, you’re guaranteed to make the right choice. The five sprinklers mentioned in this article are some of the best available based on their features and performance.