Controllers have now joined the interconnected realm of cloud-based technology.  No longer are they a time clock following the same schedule day after day. Now they can utilize weather data to modify the irrigation schedule. Accessories like sensors to measure rainfall and moisture along with cloud connectivity can be added to increase performance and conserve water. Cloud connectivity allows you to monitor your projects from any location.

A few years ago, these features were only available in high-end commercial controllers that became known as “smart controllers”. This smart controller technology is now available in several products and models for residential and light commercial applications. Have you taken advantage of this technology to offer your customers more efficient irrigation?

Benefits of Installing Smart Control Systems for Customers

1. Homeowners today enjoy checking in on their properties online or on mobile devices for peace of mind. Look at the sales of home security systems, remote garage door openers, or Nest thermostats. Do not underestimate the power of reassurance when it comes to irrigation systems.
    
2. Water shortages are real. Water purveyors and regulators everywhere are trying to limit water use. Your customer knows the cost of their water or the restrictions and penalties of over usage. A smart controller could pay for itself with water savings.
    
3. Accidents happen and even the best installed irrigation system can still leak.  It might be a fitting, a stuck zone valve, a defective sprinkler head, or a damaged pipeline. Undetected, even a small leak, like a cracked riser can waste up to 2,500 gallons each time it runs for 20 minutes. If the zone runs three times per week, that totals 30,000 gallons per month. Imagine the damage it could do by washing out lawns, landscapes, or paved areas.

Benefits of Installing Smart Control Systems for Contractors

1. Remote control of scheduling: some smart controllers can be run from an app. This can allow you to determine the duration and frequency of a cycle. Think of the labor, truck mileage, and time saved by checking system operation by phone.
    
2. Flow sensors provide controllers with the ability to measure water flow. When a site manager operates on each healthy zone (a zone with no leaks, broken, or missing parts), the controller saves this flow for each zone. The controller compares this learned flow to the actual flow for every irrigation cycle. 
    
3. Emergency leak repairs become scheduled service calls. If there is a leak or stuck valve, there is no panicked call from the homeowner about water running down the driveway or a geyser on the front lawn.  The flow sensor alerts the smart controller of a high flow or unscheduled flow occurrence. The smart controller reacts by sending alerts to the water manager’s cell phone, allowing them to act. The leak is stopped, and the manager can schedule a repair visit - emergency over. Some control platforms will even turn off automatically, shutting the system down to avoid landscape damage. 

What is a properly equipped smart control system?  

To take advantage of this new technology and fully benefit from water conservation and leak protection, you have to choose components wisely. There are many controllers in this category, some smarter than others. Compare the controller specifications carefully to make sure you get the features you are looking for.

1. Connectivity - If you want to control the system remotely, ensure the smart controller manufacturer offers an app that will work both from your cell phone and at your location. Many controllers require an accessory module for communications. Be sure to include this in your cost.  Also, ensure your customer has wireless internet access within range of the controller’s location.
    
2. Flow management and control - The real test of how smart the controller is will be shown by how many of the following features are included:
   • Does it have at least one flow input?
   • Can it control a master valve?
   • Can it detect higher than normal flow rates (leak or valve stuck open)?
   • Can it detect lower than normal flow rates (valve stuck closed or dirty filter)?
   • Can it detect unscheduled flow (water flow when no program is running)?
   • Can it display the flow rate in real time (so you can see if the system is running)?
   • Can it store graphs or tables of flow data for water management?
      
3. 3.    Flow sensor - Choosing the flow sensor also involves asking:
   • Is the flow sensor output signal compatible with the controller input?
   • Can the flow sensor measure the smallest and largest zones of the system?
   • Can the flow detect small leaks or drip zones (less than 1 gpm)?
   • Can the flow sensor operate with low-pressure loss (less than 1 psi)?
   • Can the flow sensor be serviced or cleaned easily (in place)?
   • Can the flow sensor be installed in tight places, vertically as well as horizontally?
      
4. Rain sensor - Smart controllers must be equipped with rain sensor input. Review the controller specifications to guarantee it has the control features you want: bypass feature, adjustable delay time, or reset. Make sure you pick a wired or wireless sensor that will be compatible. 
    
5. Master valve - The master valve is not a manual shut-off valve.  It is typically an electrically operated solenoid valve, like a zone valve. It is installed with the flow sensor on the mainline close to the connection point to protect the entire system. If any abnormal flow event occurs, the valve is closed by the smart controller to prevent water loss until the system can be serviced.

An Easy Upsell

Offer your customer the latest control technology in your irrigation system quote.   

A smart controller can utilize weather data to ensure the precise amount of water is applied to the landscape. Packaging this controller with a flow sensor, local rain sensor, and a master valve provides maximum protection and water savings for the contractor and the customer.