Many homeowners like the convenience of an automatic irrigation system, but older controllers can waste water if they run on the same schedule no matter what the weather or landscape actually needs. The good news is that most existing automatic irrigation systems can be upgraded to a smart system without replacing the entire setup. In many cases, the main change is replacing the standard controller with a smart irrigation that adjusts watering more efficiently.
What Makes an Irrigation System “Smart”?
A traditional irrigation controller usually runs on a fixed schedule. If it is set to water every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, it may continue doing so even after rain, during cooler weather, or when the lawn does not need that much water.
Smart irrigation controllers use more information before watering. Some use local weather data and landscape conditions to adjust the timing and amount of irrigation. Others use soil moisture sensors to monitor moisture levels in the ground and prevent watering when the soil already has enough water.
Can Your Current System Be Upgraded?
In most cases, yes. Just about any automatic irrigation system can be upgraded with a smart controller. These controllers are often designed to replace or work with existing clock-based controllers, which makes them a practical retrofit for many residential systems.
There are a few exceptions. A system that relies on a battery-powered controller may not be a good candidate for a standard Wi-Fi smart controller. A reliable Wi-Fi signal is also important if the homeowner wants app access, weather-based updates, or remote control features. Weather-based controllers can be used on new or existing irrigation systems, including retrofit applications [1].
Before upgrading, it is helpful to evaluate the existing controller, valves, zones, sprinkler heads, and Wi-Fi coverage. If the current system has leaks, damaged heads, poor coverage, or malfunctioning valves, those issues should be addressed so the smart controller can perform as intended.
Why Upgrade to a Smart Controller?
The biggest benefit of a smart irrigation upgrade is better water management. Residential outdoor water use accounts for billions of gallons each day in the United States, and a large portion can be wasted through overwatering. Replacing a standard clock-based controller with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller can save an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water each year [2].
A smart controller can also make lawn care easier. Instead of constantly adjusting the system a season, homeowners can rely on technology that accounts for weather changes, plant seeds, and soil conditions. Some systems can reduce watering during cooler or wetter periods and increase it during hot, dry stretches.
Smart upgrades can also help protect landscaping. Overwatering can contribute to runoff, disease, wasted money, and unhealthy plant conditions. Underwatering can stress turf, plants, and beds. Smart irrigation technology is designed to reduce water use while still supporting healthy landscape quality [3].
What Should Be Checked First?
A smart controller is only as effective as the system it manages. Before upgrading, a professional should check whether each zone is operating properly, whether sprinkler heads are aimed correctly, and whether the system is applying water evenly.
It is also worth considering add-on sensors. Soil moisture sensors, rain sensors, freeze sensors, and wind sensors can improve performance by interrupting watering when conditions do not call for irrigation. Soil moisture sensors can connect to existing irrigation controllers and prevent scheduled watering when soil moisture is already above the set threshold [4].
Upgrade Your Irrigation Without Starting Over
A smart irrigation upgrade is often a simple, worthwhile improvement for homeowners who already have an automatic system. With the right controller, reliable Wi-Fi, and properly maintained sprinkler system, you can water more efficiently without sacrificing the health of your lawn and landscape.
If you are ready to make your irrigation system more convenient and water-conscious, reach out to James River Irrigation today to evaluate your current setup and find the right smart controller upgrade for your property.
Sources:
- https://www.irrigation.org/SWAT/Water-Efficient-Products/Weather-Based-Controllers/SWAT/Water-Efficient-Products/Weather-Based-Controllers.aspx
- https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-labeled-controllers
- https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/smart-irrigation-technology-controllers-and-sensors
- https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AE442