The popularity of smart irrigation systems is growing. The smart home industry has pushed forward new technologies that have made living in our homes more efficient and easier to take care of. With the popularity of doorbell cameras, smart speakers, smart thermostats, and more, we can control almost every appliance in our homes from our phones.
With all of this innovation in smart technology, smart irrigation systems have emerged as an increasingly relevant option for homes and commercial properties looking to automate their irrigation. In 2020, the smart irrigation market was valued at $1.44 billion. By 2030, that same market is expected to be valued at $5.57 billion. We are only just beginning to see the potential of smart irrigation systems.
Not only are people starting to think about their smart homes, but they are also starting to think about turning their workplaces into smart businesses. With the emergence of smart irrigation, businesses are realizing that they can save time, money, water, and achieve the ESG goals that their businesses have set by purchasing and using a smart irrigation system.
With that said, not all smart irrigation systems are the same. In fact, each system has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s important for you to consider what you need, especially if you are a business owner or if you manage a commercial property. What this article will do is explain the different types of smart irrigation systems and try to help you decide which one would be best for you.
Smart Irrigation System Zones/Stations/Areas
First, we need to understand zones. Some people call them zones, stations, or areas. All of these phrases mean the same thing. They are irrigation areas that you set up in order to tell your smart controller where to water. Each zone is separated by certain characteristics within that zone, such as: size of area, soil type, temperature, and types of plants that need to be watered.
By creating distinct areas within a single irrigation system, you can customize the watering needs for each zone. For example, one area may require more or less water than another depending on the types of plants, soil, and climate.
The reason we need to understand zones is because not all smart irrigation systems have the same zone/station capacity. If you get a system that is too small for your property, you won’t get full coverage on your landscape. If you get a system that is too big, you will be paying for more irrigation system than your landscape needs. Be sure you understand your landscaping needs before you buy.
Low Zone Properties
Lower zone capability irrigation systems are ideal for properties with simpler layouts such as single-family homes or small apartments. These will typically have nine zones or less. These systems offer the convenience of programmable watering schedules without requiring the additional resources that would be needed to manage and maintain larger-scale solutions.
These kinds of systems will be offered by your well-known household sprinkler brands. Companies like Rain Bird, Hunter Industries, Rachio, and more. All these companies target the residential market and focus on small residential sprinkler systems. But for a larger property, these sprinkler brands won’t cut it.
Mid-Sized Properties
Mid-sized irrigation systems are typically found at properties like small retail stores, convenience stores, banks, and restaurants. These small commercial properties typically have between 12-16 zones. Smart irrigation systems are designed to automatically adjust the amount of water used according to weather conditions, soil moisture and plant requirements.
This helps ensure that plants receive enough water during dry periods, while avoiding overwatering during wet times. Additionally, automated irrigation systems can significantly reduce water waste due to evaporation or runoff. This can help lower operational costs and improve the overall sustainability of a small commercial property.
From Smart Rain, the SmartController™ Lite is perfect for these small commercial properties. This smart irrigation controller can be used on up to 16 zones, making it versatile enough to handle all of your property's needs without wasting energy or resources. It also has a variety of features that make it incredibly easy to use, including its intuitive user interface and built-in weather sensor that monitors the local climate and adjusts your watering schedule accordingly.
With this system in place, you can be sure that your property is getting the right amount of water at just the right time. This system will help to keep your landscaping looking great while saving you money on your water bill. By using the Smart Rain SmartController™ Lite, you'll be able to make sure that your commercial landscape looks its best while using less water and saving money in the long run.
Large Commercial Properties
Larger properties need much more power for their landscaping than their smart irrigation systems. Systems for larger properties typically need the capabilities to run more than 16 zones from their irrigation controller. It certainly isn’t an easy task. These systems need to be more robust and jam-packed with features in order to have full coverage of the properties they service.
Business owners and property managers work hard to ensure that their property looks good for customers, clients, and tenants. These smart irrigation systems are an essential tool for them to manage such a large property.
The Smart Rain SmartController™ Original Gen 4 is the perfect solution for large commercial properties. It allows users to easily manage an irrigation system with its simple yet effective design. With a user-friendly interface, customizable programming, and advanced features like remote monitoring, it makes the task of managing large scale outdoor water usage more efficient and cost-effective than ever before.
The Smart Rain SmartController™ Original Gen 4 offers a variety of features designed to ensure that water is used efficiently and responsibly. It can detect soil moisture levels, allowing users to adjust their watering schedule based on the current weather conditions. It also helps save water by only applying enough moisture to meet plants' needs. By utilizing these advanced features, Smart Rain provides an effective solution for large commercial properties looking for an efficient way to manage their irrigation system.
Conclusion
When it comes to purchasing a smart irrigation system, make sure to do your research and select one that will meet your specific needs. Your irrigation system is an indispensable part of keeping your property’s lawn healthy and lush, so investing in a quality model now can save you money and headaches down the road. Now that you know the basics of selecting a smart irrigation system, it's time to decide which one is right for you. With the right setup, you'll be able to keep your property in tip-top shape with minimal effort! Good luck!
