Homeowners are faced with the challenge of choosing the proper sprinkler heads for their lawn. Consider the factors involved with deciding which lawn sprinkler heads are appropriate for the irrigation system you want to install for your home’s landscape.
The type of sprinkler head to use is determined by the area being covered, amount of water pressure available for operation, type of spray desired and a variety of other variables. Choose between rotor and spray irrigation nozzles first, then decide between a pop up or fixed design.
Spray heads will spray water in circular patterns that can be changed and adjusted accordingly. Spacing can vary depending on the nozzle that is installed in the head. These units should be spaced no further than 15 feet apart and supplied with 20 to 30 psi of water.
Rotor heads also disperse water in circular patterns but are used to irrigate larger areas of space. Small rotors tend to cover 15 to 50 feet, while some larger rotors can cover a radius of up to 100 feet. Rotors tend to need more water pressure than spray heads in order to operate efficiently. Rotors are divided into two categories known as impact rotors and gear-driven rotors.
Once you have chosen the type of spray head, you should decide on the sprinkler style desired. The two most popular styles of irrgation spray heads are a pop-up design or a fixed design.
Pop-up is probably the most common sprinkler style chosen by consumers. Installed below the ground, this sprinkler head remains out of sight when not active. The advantage to this style is there are no unsightly sprinkler heads sticking out for visitors to trample over or trip on. Once the sprinkler system is turned on, a little portion of the head emerges above the surface to spray water to the irrigation area.
Fixed sprinkler designs are installed above the ground on a riser and is useful when you need to provide water to higher plants. These are generally cheaper than pop-ups, but not in the middle of the lawn. We encourage installing these in corner areas of the landscape that aren’t frequently walked through.
Keep posted on our blog and website for more news, tips and advice related to irrigation and contact us today for an estimate in the Central Florida area!