Rachio 3 Wifi Smart Lawn Sprinkler Controller User Manual
- Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller Reviews
- Rachio 3 Wifi Smart Lawn Sprinkler Controller User Manual Model
- Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller Installation
- Rachio 3 Wifi Smart Lawn Sprinkler Controller
Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller – Editor's Choice. Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz. Well with the Rachio 3 wifi smart lawn sprinkler controller you can also set the wind speed so if the wind is stronger than what you have set it won’t water, also there is a temperature setting where if it’s too hot or cold it won’t water either.
How many times have you looked out at your lawn or garden, wilting in the mid-afternoon sun, and thought, “Shoot. I forgot to water the plants again!”?
If it’s more than once, that’s one time too many. Watering your plants is important and if you forget, it could be the nail in your lawn’s coffin. While there are plenty of watering controllers on the market that incorporate a sprinkler timer to make sure your plants get watered at the same time every day, none are quite as advantageous as the newest smart irrigation controllers.
The best smart sprinkler controller will allow you to water your lawn from anywhere; all you need is a smartphone. Watering your lawn and garden no longer has to be a thankless chore requiring endless amounts of equipment like garden hose reels and garden hoses. Wireless sprinkler controllers are here to stay, and it’s time that you considered purchasing one of these high-tech smart watering systems.
Trust us- you’ll be glad you did. Here’s everything you need to know in order to purchase one of the best auto sprinklers.
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Orbit 57950 B-hyve Smart
- Dimensions: Motion Sensing
- Warranty: Limited manufacturer’s warranty
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RainMachine Touch HD-12
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Rain Bird SST600IN Irrigation Timer Indoor 6-Station
- Dimensions: 1.25” x 7” x 6”
- Warranty:No warranty information included
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Netro Sprite-6-INT Smart Sprinkler Controller
- Dimensions: 8” x 8” x 1.9”
- Warranty: No warranty information included
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Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller Reviews
- Dimensions: 9.2” x 1.5” x 5.5”
- Warranty: 2 years
This product is a great choice for anyone looking to keep tabs on their lawn or garden’s irrigation through WiFi. You can download the free B-hyve smartphone app on your device to give you control over your entire yard with the click of a button.
Orbit has been in the business of making sprinkler systems for well over 40 years and offers a superior product in the Orbit 57950. Depending on the model you purchase, this device can support either 12 or 6 zones, meaning it will fit any size lawn or garden. You can use the preset watering recommendations that come with the unit, or you can adjust them through the mobile application. It also allows you to override the system for manual watering systems.
What We Liked:
- WiFi connectivity allows you to integrate your watering with voice through Amazon Alexa
- EPA WaterSense certification helps you save water and save money
- Easy to install with the ability to customize schedules for different zones
What We Didn’t Like:
- Poor technical support services if you run into any troubles
This small device is one of the best if you have a spotty or unreliable Internet connection. It has a responsive touchscreen display and stores data internally with multiple integration methods so that you only need an Internet connection if you are interested in downloading weather forecasts.
This is an EPA WaterSense-certified controller, coming in eight, twelve, and sixteen zone models. Installing the device is simple, and while its smartphone app is relatively primitive, not allowing you to create a custom schedule based on the weather, you can input your own program and decide how long and when you want to water every zone. It also allows you to input local watering restrictions and to set delay times between zones.
This device saves data on your water usage, providing you reports for the last day, week, month, or even year. The unit is not weatherproof, but you can purchase a box cover in order to protect it from the elements.
What We Liked:
- Comes with all installation equipment you’ll need and takes only 15 minutes to install
- Can save up to 80% in annual water bills
- Works when WiFi is down by using historical weather data to influence watering patterns
What We Didn’t Like:
Rachio 3 Wifi Smart Lawn Sprinkler Controller User Manual Model
- App is clunky and difficult to use
Available for purchase in four, six, nine, and twelve stations, this smart sprinkler is incredibly easy to program. The most common model is the six-station indoor model, which is designed for installation in the garage, shed, or home. Although it’s not weatherproof, it’s highly effective, allowing you to create zone-by-zone settings for each and every corner of your yard.
This Rain Bird controller comes with a unique Rain Delay feature that can pause watering for up to three days if it’s exceptionally cold or rainy. It offers customization for multiple watering times and allows you to review all settings at a glance. In many cases, you can also use this unit with preexisting or older irrigation systems, too.
What We Liked:
- One-touch wifi water timer feature allows you to adjust sprinkler settings based on time of year
- Rain Delay feature suspends watering for up to 72 hours during periods of wet weather
- Sealed case protects against insects and dirt
What We Didn’t Like:
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller Installation
- Only rated for indoor use and cannot be installed outside; No app
This smart sprinkler isn’t just easy to install, it’s also incredibly well-built. It’s available for both six or twelve zones and is EPA WaterSense-certified. This device is unique in that it comes with a solar-powered soil-moisture sensor. This sensor records temperature and determines automatically whether your lawn or garden plants need to be watered.
This WiFi irrigation controller works with both Alexa and Google Assistant. It can show you local weather patterns and the forecast, telling you the chance of precipitation as well as when the device plans to turn the sprinklers on next. Unfortunately, it does not send out push notifications and since there are no on-device controls, everything must be done through your smartphone.
What We Liked:
- Automatic controller adjusts settings based on current weather, forecast, and time of day
- Conserves water by monitoring soil moisture content
- Can be operated with Amazon Alexa voice control
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not work well with all routers, which can cause periods of downtime
By far, the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller is the best wireless sprinkler controller you will find. It is convenient and easy to use, allowing you to categorize areas of your yard into different zones. It has weather-sensing technology that adjusts your settings based on the weather and time of day, and it’s also incredibly easy to install.
This smart sprinkler controller has excellent customer support and is EPA WaterSense Certified. It has updated Google Assistant integration as well as compatibility with both Android and Apple devices. It’s available in both eight and sixteen zone configurations, making it ideal for any size yard. Best yet, it comes with an outdoor enclosure so that you can easily install this device outside without having to worry about it being destroyed by the elements.
The Rachio Smart Sprinkler controller allows you to customize your watering schedule based on data you can enter from several areas of your garden, such as information about soil type, plant type, or sun exposure. This device takes all of the guesswork out of watering your garden and even allows you to create favorite pre-set watering schedules.
Still not convinced? This device comes with a two-year warranty, and it’s one of the most extensive warranty programs you’ll find.
What We Liked:
- App allows you to pause, skip, or stop watering in certain areas
- Still works even when the WiFi is down
- Only takes 20 minutes to install
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited technical support services
Things to Consider Before Buying A Smart Sprinkler Controller
While you might’ve picked up on some of the most important features to look for just by reading the reviews, there are some additional features you might not know to intuitively look out for. Here are the most important factors to think about.
If you already have a sprinkler system in place, know that there are some smart irrigation controllers that can work with the equipment you already have, like garden hoses. That being said, most do not; you will need to decide whether overhauling your current system is worth it.
Where do you plan on mounting your smart watering system? If you are mounting it outside, you will want to choose a device that comes with– or can be modified to include– a weatherproof casing. Often, you will need to include a waterproof case in order to protect the unit from the elements, as not all will be waterproof or even water-resistant.
The number of valves you have will equate to the number of zones you can serve. Think about the size and layout of your lawn or garden to decide how many zones you need to service. Most units come with eight zones, but you can find smart watering systems with as few as six and as many as sixteen zones, too.
How often do you need to water? While some smart watering controllers can handle finicky schedules, allowing you to customize your watering needs every day, some will be less flexible and only allow you to modify on a weekly basis.
That being said, there are some smart irrigation systems that even take into consideration local water restrictions for your zip code. Some smart watering systems take into account your local weather and climate, too.
These will allow the system to skip watering when it is raining or to push out a little extra irrigation when it’s dry, allowing you to improve your lawn’s drought tolerance.
Most every smart watering system will alert you when it has finished with its routine for the day, but some will even alert you if there is a malfunction. This can be a handy feature, but, unless it is breaking down a lot, this shouldn’t really be needed.
Using a smart watering system is not only convenient, but it’s more environmentally friendly. You can save time and energy by watering only when your lawn actually needs it, taking the guesswork out of irrigation altogether. Whether you’re a farmer, landscaper, gardener, or just an average homeowner, a wifi sprinkler controller is a worthwhile investment.
A smart sprinkler controller will save you water and money in the long-run. Most of these units are easy to install, allowing you to change up your watering habits in less than an hour. Invest in one of the best smart sprinkler controllers, and your lawn will never miss another watering again.
Rachio 3 Wifi Smart Lawn Sprinkler Controller
Looking to really upgrade the look and feel of your lawn and garden? Check out our reviews for some of the other must-have items, such as the best weed eaters and outdoor solar lights.