Irrigation Systems

[cabo35]

We've lived in The Villages for six years. We have the standard Hunter irrigation system that came with the new home. I have been advised that all new homes are now using a 30-40% more efficient system also made by Hunter. It uses a new type water conserving rotor call an MP. I have been told that many older systems are being upgraded because of the savings realized by a more efficient, conservation driven system.

I would be interested if anyone has had experience with the new system or any other system. Any info is appreciated. Thank you.

I got a price quote of $1600 for the upgrade.

[CarGuys]

Did not want to change the Post!

So you think our new home in Tamarind will have this upgraded system?

I'm from UpState NY here the weather is our timed watering system.

I know NOTHING about Florida Lawn Watering except for the people on TOTV who have had outrageous water bills from the system not set properly?

A huge concern as my wife and I will have a new home empty for 6 months.

From January to July. We would appreciate any help on this topic.

[swrinfla]

cabo35:

Massey upgraded all my irrigation almost six-year-old heads about a year ago. Seems like 54 heads in all, most of the smaller variety.

Just shy of $1,100. I thought it a reasonable price.

I haven't yet taken the time to analyze whether I'm using less water - that's been on my To Do list for quite a while, and is moving up on the priorities list!

SWR
:beer3:

[cabo35]

Thanks for the follow-up. I'm going to meet with Massey again tomorrow. There's quite a lot of info on the Hunter MP system on the internet but I would really like more first hand info by Villagers who have it. Once again I was told all new homes have the new system. Unconfirmed at the moment.

[Jim Straz]

Did not want to change the Post!

So you think our new home in Tamarind will have this upgraded system?

I'm from UpState NY here the weather is our timed watering system.

I know NOTHING about Florida Lawn Watering except for the people on TOTV who have had outrageous water bills from the system not set properly?

A huge concern as my wife and I will have a new home empty for 6 months.

From January to July. We would appreciate any help on this topic.
I know I'll be assigned that duty, if not a closer neighbor. Anyway here's some good information on the system. Have a good day!

http://www.hunterindustries.com/resources/pdfs/brochures/domestic/mprotator_brochure.pdf

[ajbrown]

When you say “system”, I did not replace the controller, but did go to MP rotors.

I was not consistently getting head to head coverage in my front yard with the original rotors due to design, wind and inconsistent water pressure. I decided to add a head to the front yard four rotor zone for better coverage. Adding another head of course reduces pressure, so I also switched to the MP rotors which I was told require less dynamic pressure.

I have been very happy with the coverage. My tuna can tests indicate it is a much more even coverage that before. In addition the water goes on at a much slower rate which is always better in irrigation.

I am not sure about the claim it reduces water use as to lay down an inch of water I need to run the system longer than the original rotors.

FWIW, Massey gave us the same spiel when doing our "free" inspection" two years ago. Masse wanted more than $230 to do my front yard which I DIY’d for less that $50. I use Massey for pest and yard, but I would get a second opinion and estimate if doing sprinkler work.

FWIW2, You can replace just the heads for about (I forget) $10/head (new rotor, case and 3/4 to 1/2 pvc threaded adapter), you must replace all heads in the zone. If you are just replacing the PGP rotors with MP rotors it is pretty simple work.

[cabo35]

AJ.....thanks for the input. Just the type of info I was looking for. My system upgrade will be heads only, not the box. Anyone else make conversion to Hunter MP heads?

[champion6]

I don't know if this helps... If you want to discuss this with another provider, maybe contact Tri County Landscape Contractors. They did the irrigation system installation for our home in Tamarind Grove. I just had my orientation with Deana who seemed very knowledgeable. By the way, she did not mention anything about new vs. old heads.

[l2ridehd]

I guess I don't understand. If I want to put 1 inch of water on the lawn how does a different head accomplish anything different? If I want to do it slower, just run more cycles for less time. Instead of one 20 minute zone, run 4 five minutes on that zone. Not sure how any head will save water unless it puts less water. If all I want is less water, can do that today. What am I missing?

[rubicon]

I guess I don't understand. If I want to put 1 inch of water on the lawn how does a different head accomplish anything different? If I want to do it slower, just run more cycles for less time. Instead of one 20 minute zone, run 4 five minutes on that zone. Not sure how any head will save water unless it puts less water. If all I want is less water, can do that today. What am I missing?

I'm told that the old heads do not disperse water evenly whereas the new system designed does and hence efficiency and saving. What I wonder is if contracted how long does it take to get your pay back on this investment. If the process was as simple as replacing a head, I would try it but you probably need to relocate heads, add some ,etc and a simple DIY for a guy like me gets a little complicated. Perhaps I am making too much of it??
I need to talk to my DIY brother

[cabo35]

Rubicon.......In our case, the savings allegedly will be a 100% payback in 3-4 years. We have a fairly large lot and no plans to voluntarily leave TV for the foreseeable future. You are absolutely correct about relocating heads. We currently use 54 heads and will go to 37, several relocated and some capped, hopefully with more efficient coverage. That is where the real cost lies.

Each case is different. One of the factors motivating us toward the upgrade is the current projected cost of replacing several damaged heads.....again. When that is factored into the equation and deducted from the cost of the new installation, it makes the upgrade more palatable. The DIY route is less attractive for two reasons. Number one, generally speaking, if it can't be fixed with a hammer, its above my pay grade. Number two......the guarantee seems to be sound. Having been exposed once to one of those underground leaking scenarios, my confidence and peace of mind is higher with a pro....and the concurrent guarantee. I know one of my neighbors who posts here may disagree.

As always, thanks for the insight....everyone.