Smart Irrigation Pros and Cons

What is a smart irrigation system?
A popular part of most home automation systems is a smart irrigation controller. Smart irrigation controllers import weather data into the controller and adjust its settings, much like a thermostat adjusts an air conditioning system. Instead of having a basic, timer-based program which will operate regardless of what the weather is doing, smart systems will adjust the time and days they water according to the demand or need for irrigation based on the weather. Many components make up an irrigation system, and recently there has also been a push on high-efficiency solenoids and nozzles. Combined these make up a smart irrigation system or a high-efficiency irrigation system.

How do smart irrigation systems differ from older style units?
Difficult to use and reliant on physical input, traditional ‘dumb’ controller manufacturers tried to make antiquated functionality fit modern needs. Many manufacturers developed cutting-edge technology for a smarter watering solution. They saw an immediate demand, especially with smartphone users and backyard enthusiasts. The technology has advanced, and the costs of production have come down allowing manufacturers to offer an affordable range of residential smart controllers. Smart irrigation has come a long way in recent years with the capability of systems improving considerably.

What Are You Trying To Achieve With Smart Irrigation?
If zoned irrigation or rain sensors aren’t important to you, the cost of a smart sprinkler system may not be worth it in the long run. Most of the time, homeowners base this need on the size of their lawn or garden. A small garden won’t need the same level of maintenance as a larger one, so the smart controller won’t be as effective. However, if the functionality and control of a smart sprinkler can help you save money and time in your daily life, the transition will be both cost-effective and useful.

Are there on going costs or subscription fees?
In order to save operating costs on your smart sprinkler system, it’s important to avoid models with additonal service fees. Some may require fees for climate and weather information packages. Others may have communication charges. Look for systems that don’t require these additional fees. This will make the investment into the smart system worthwhile and avoid excessive costs.

Are smart irrigation systems easy to use?
No matter how smart a system is, if it's difficult to use you simply won’t use it. Evaluating the systems will give you an idea of whether it would be a challenge to set up or keep running. It’s always important to understand that a smart sprinkler controller is technology that uses advanced software. But as with any technology, software can exist at a different level of user-friendliness than other similar products. Look at ones that will be easy for you to use and encourages you to interact with it as necessary.

How is smart irrigation operated?
A smart controller synchronises with your smart phone for access while you’re away from home. You can set it to provide alerts and also interrupt the watering schedule remotely. Most smart irrigation systems come with their own app for you phone. At House-mate we get your phone operating with everything else via Apple HomeKit or Google Home.

How accurate is the weather reporting?
One of the primary benefits with smart sprinkler controllers is the weather data is accurate and helps the smart controller irrigate your lawn based on watering needs. Especially in areas concerned by drought, your smart controller understanding the weather and rain patterns and irrigating accordingly will be the most important benefit of the system.
Almost 75% of Australians claim they know how long they should water their lawn, but research also shows that Australians drastically underestimate how much water they use when watering. Most believe they use anywhere between 50 litres to 500 litres of water per 1000 square metres.

Demographics and popularity
Very few Australians own a smart sprinkler system, despite concerns about wasting water; many claim they don’t see a need for a smart sprinkler. Before technology came into play, users would err on the side of overwatering to make sure their lawns were sufficiently moist.
As the cost of water continues to climb people have become more aware of water usage. The desire to use an appropriate amount of water is what has really has driven demand.