Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Need new irrigation controller
View Single Post
 
Old 12-28-2017, 02:17 PM
Toymeister's Avatar
Toymeister Toymeister is offline
Platinum member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,766
Thanks: 364
Thanked 2,449 Times in 779 Posts
Default

Here is a non-common suggestion which will appeal to those who understand total costs. Replace your dumb (Hunter) controller with a Wi-Fi smart controller, such as Rachio Amazon.com : Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller, WiFi, 8 Zone 2nd Generation, Works with Amazon Alexa : Garden & Outdoor GASP it costs 189.00 but it will pay for itself in savings in less than a year.

Rachio connects to your Wi-Fi and in turn connects to the local weather station. That means the water tower in the Villages such as the one in Brownwood across from Eisenhower. Yes that is the Wildwood weather station! Using the actual rainfall, the projected rainfall and temps Rachio can cut back your water consumption. You input the type of sprinklers that you have in each zone along with soil and vegetation type and slope of the ground and Rachio does its magic. It also adjusts your water times monthly based upon the season. It provides a real time estimate of water consumption. You control this technology from your phone, no need to make adjustments in your garage. If you are seasonal and there is a cutback on watering times you can make the adjustments from your other home.

To top it off Rachio IS NOT known for breakdowns as the Hunter controller is! It is an American company with a product built by Americans.