Types of Sprinkler Systems
When planning for a sprinkler system, it’s good to check out the diverse types of sprinkler systems available. Professional sprinkler system contractors can suggest the best types to install in your yard or green space due to factors like size of area, shape and amount of irrigation needed.
Spray Sprinkler Systems
Spray systems are a common type of irrigation for lawn projects. Many spray systems have pop-up heads that come out of the ground to irrigate and then retract. Higher-end models have mechanical retraction, but for many with plastic heads, a spring retracts the heads.
Vendors commonly sell pop-up head systems in half-circles, full circles, or quarter circles for specialized pattern irrigation. Radius ranges from 10 to 15 feet. For pop-ups that need to be a little less far-reaching, the range can be adjusted down a few feet.
Experts recommend water pressure of 30 to 40 PSI for optimal use of the pop-up spray sprinkler systems.
Rotor Sprinkler Systems
Rotor head sprinkler systems are mostly used for larger areas. Their radius goes farther, from 30 up to 90 feet. They also run at higher water pressure; experts recommend 40 to 50 PSI.
Rotor heads mechanically rotate to deliver water to a large area. Heads are impact-driven or gear-driven.
Although they provide irrigation at a slower rate, rotor head systems are great for providing irrigation for a wide, flat area, and they can be a more efficient way to go than installing many smaller heads.
Professionals can help with sprinkler system installation for either spray or rotor systems.
Drip and Bubble Sprinkler Systems
For specialized areas like flower beds, tree beds, or other non-lawn areas, other types of sprinkler systems provide non-spray, localized and dense irrigation. Drip systems use hoses to deliver water slowly and without spray. Bubblers drench a specific area and rely on the soil to deliver water to root systems.
Homeowners with large projects use specialized drip or bubble systems for small enclaves that need a different amount of irrigation. Another way to irrigate small areas is with end-strip, center-strip, or side-strip nozzles; these specialized heads target narrower areas.
Temporary Sprinkler Systems
Lots of homeowners use temporary or portable sprinkler systems for seasonal irrigation or special landscaping projects. Plastic sprinkler systems can attach to your garden hose and spray across an area. These sprinkler systems generally do not have timers and require manual power-up and power-down.
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