What is a smart irrigation controller?
Smart irrigation controllers automatically tailor watering schedules and run times on sprinklers or drip systems to meet specific landscape needs. These systems use weather information and/or site conditions to determine how much water to apply and when to run. Once the smart controller is installed and programmed, little additional monitoring is required.
Can I install it myself or do I need a landscape professional?
Smart irrigation controllers vary in their complexity. Installation requires some basic electrical knowledge and can be accomplished by most homeowners in approximately three hours. If you choose to hire someone to install the controller, please check to make sure they are licensed, insured, and bonded.
Are there online training videos for the controllers that were offered at the Expo?
The Rachio and Hunter websites contain various installation guidance and training videos for the controllers that were available at the expo.
Why were these smart irrigation controller models selected for the best water-saving controllers?
The Pro-HC smart irrigation controller with Hydrawise® cloud management software from Hunter Industries maximizes water savings, protects outdoor living spaces, and ensures healthy plants in any environment. The controller has been tested by the Irrigation Association’s Smart Water Application Technologies (SWAT) team.
Hydrawise automatically adjusts watering schedules based on local, real-time weather data while giving users 24/7 irrigation system access from anywhere in the world via smartphone, tablet, or the web. The software is also compatible with Amazon Alexa™ for convenient voice-activated control. Learn more about the most complete Wi-Fi irrigation solution at hydrawise.com.
Rachio’s Smart Sprinkler Controller is also SWAT-tested by the Irrigation Association. The companion mobile app leverages historical and real-time weather data allowing for easy configuration and control from anywhere in the world.
The Smart Sprinkler Controller leverages a nationwide network of personal and federal weather stations for its Weather Intelligence feature set. Weather Intelligence includes seasonal adjustments, rain skips, and more.
Additionally, the Hunter and Rachio controllers have earned the WaterSense label from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense partnership program. The label certifies that the controllers have passed the EPA’s rigorous testing requirements, confirming the controller’s water efficiency and performance in landscape settings.
How many stations can the Hunter smart irrigation controller model support?
4 to 54 indoor or outdoor controllers.
How many stations can the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller model support?
8 to 16 indoor controllers that can be outdoor adapted by using an enclosure box.
Are there advanced suggestions to help set up the Hunter controller?
Here are the suggested advanced initial settings for the Hunter Pro-HC Hydrawise controller. These settings are a suggested starting point and may need to be modified for your landscape.
Whom can I talk to if I have any additional questions about the smart irrigation controller?
For technical and/or programming questions, please contact either:
- Hunter at (855) 742-5975
- Rachio at (602) 737-1440
Where can I recycle my old irrigation controller?
You can bring your old irrigation controller to any Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply location to be recycled. Ewing has partnered with Hunter Industries and Rachio to prevent these controllers from entering landfills. Ewing and Hunter or Rachio will send your donated controller to Blue Star Recyclers, a Colorado-based non-profit that responsibly recycles electronics while creating jobs for people with autism and other disabilities.
