In 2023, smart technological updates are making our lives easier across all industries. The irrigation industry is no different, with irrigation and sprinkler technology exponentially improving as each year passes, benefiting homeowners and large operations alike.

The first few generations of sprinkler and irrigation systems operated at specific times of the day on a set schedule. Today, sprinkler system upgrades are a lot smarter and more efficient. Some of the common advances to date include:

• Smart sensors and Wi-Fi controllers
• Smart monitoring via smartphone applications
• Rain and freeze smart-sensors
• Leak and error detection
• High efficiency nozzles

All of these devices are geared towards improving water conservation, reducing runoff, getting the right amount of water to the right place for healthier grass and gardens, and ‒ of course ‒ saving on water bills.

Whether you’re looking for sprinkler system upgrades for your private residential properties or your large scale farming operation, this blog will help you become more familiar with the smart advances in sprinkler system technology and make the choice best suited for your specific circumstances.

Smart Sensors & Wi-Fi Controllers

One of the most significant changes in irrigation and sprinkler system technology is the smart sensors that are now available. This new technology will actually monitor the levels of moisture in your soil as well as upcoming weather conditions to modify your watering schedule accordingly.

This means that instead of needing to adjust your watering schedule manually when there is an upcoming drought or rainfall, your smart sensor sprinkler system will automatically complete this task for you. If you do want to manually adjust the system to your preferences, you’re now able to do this from the comfort of your smartphone ‒ no matter your location.

Smart Monitoring Via Smartphone Applications

Speaking of being able to monitor and control your irrigation or sprinkler systems via an application on your smartphone, you’ll also be able to control your systems with other integrated application technology such as Google, Alexa and other smart-home speakers. This is great for people who prefer a hands-free approach to their irrigation management. 

When using the smart monitoring smartphone application, you’ll have access to real-time information and data about your system, soil, and water usage. By having access to this valuable information, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your approach to reducing costs, saving water, and improving the quality of your lawn, flora or crops.

Rain & Freeze Smart Sensors

When it comes to sprinkler and irrigation systems, knowing about rain and any freezing temperatures is highly important. A frozen sprinkler head can cause hazards or severely damage your system overall, resulting in a costly repair job. Adjusting your settings immediately for upcoming or unexpected rain can prevent overwatering.

Thanks to the rain and freeze smart sensors that are now available, all of this is monitored for you. You can count on the smart system to monitor upcoming weather and current soil conditions and adjust your system schedule accordingly. This will reduce around 35% of water usage, saving you both water and money, and maintain the right amount of moisture for your grass and garden. It will also help you avoid costly accidents.  

Leak & Error Detection

Locating leaks and errors in your sprinkler or irrigation systems in earlier editions of the technology was a lot less efficient. It was usually a case of there already being major damage that had taken place by the time the issue was detected. By the time of discovery, the problem would be much larger than if it was noticed more quickly, resulting in a costly repair job.

The new leak and error detection technology on the market has done a great job at providing peace of mind to sprinkler and irrigation system owners. These sensors are able to determine when you have a blockage, leakage, low or high pressure, valve issues, pump issues, and more. With quick detection and action, you can solve the issue in a timely and cost effective manner.

High-efficiency Nozzles

There are new high-efficiency nozzles on the market for your sprinkler and irrigation systems that can greatly improve your water efficiency, reduce water waste, and ultimately save you money. And the best part is that these nozzles are highly accessible and affordable to obtain!

The way that these nozzles deliver these superior results in comparison to the old nozzles is through the mechanism that allows them to water more slowly over a more precise area delegation.

The water droplets delivered by high-efficiency nozzles are actually even slightly bigger and heavier than those from old nozzles, making them less likely to be blown away by the wind. It allows time for the water to be absorbed into the soil and reach the roots of the plant.

Choosing The Right Solution For You

The sprinkler or irrigation system and features you decide to upgrade to depend on numerous factors such as whether you’re on a private or commercial property, the size of the area you’d like the system to cover, whether you want the system to be underground or aboveground, the primary use and need of the system, and many more factors.

Based on the above information, it’s quite likely that you’re familiar with which features you’ll require for your irrigation and sprinkler system upgrades. However, there are various practical aspects that also need to be considered when it comes to making an informed and final decision.

If you’re interested in learning more about the best irrigation and sprinkler system upgrades for your specific requirements, please reach out to our team at South Austin Irrigation. We serve clients in Austin, Lakeway, Spicewood, Horseshoe Bay, Dripping Springs, and Wimberly. Our team of professionals would be more than happy to help you take your next step forward.