How to Buy the Right Home Lawn Sprinkler

The average homeowner cares about their lawn, and wants to keep it green and attractive.  But what happens if you live in an area that doesn't get much rainfall?  Your options include getting a small lawn sprinkler from a retail store, or having an automated lawn sprinkler system installed by a a landscape architect.  A sprinkler system not only saves your grass, but saves you plenty of time from having to water it yourself.

There are three main types of lawn sprinkler systems:

  • Pulsating

  • Oscillating

  • Stationary

Knowing the differences between each of them will help you decide which basic home sprinkler is right for you.

 

Pulsating (Impulse) Sprinklers   A pulsating sprinkler shoots water in a single stream in bursts.  They're usually designed to water areas covering a full circle.    These sprinkler types come with either a flat base, or a spike to stick into the ground (if you need serious water pressure for larger areas).  Otherwise, a "sled" base is used if you only need to water a small area of your lawn.
	Impulse sprinkler by Claber

A pulsating sprinkler system needs less water pressure than other kinds, yet it can still produce more water for your lawn, and with greater coverage.  This type of lawn watering system is idea if you're trying to cover a circular area of up to 50 feet (with a heavy-duty sprinkler), but may not be ideal for square or rectangular areas unless you have more than one sprinkler.

Pulsating sprinklers are sometimes made from plastic, though you can find a durable non-rusting sprinkler head made from stainless steel, brass, aluminum, or bronze.  A simple brass pulsating sprinkler head on a metal spike will set you back $15, whereas the heavy-duty units on a flat base will cost around $30.

 

Oscillating Sprinklers This type of sprinkler is usually a base with a long metal or plastic tube that waters from side to side.  Depending on the type of oscillating sprinkler you buy, and the water pressure available, you can usually water an area 20-50 feet in distance.  This type of lawn watering system is ideal for square and rectangular areas, though not the best choice for watering a circular area.

Oscillating sprinkler by Kärcher

Because some models pause at the end of a "wave", you're more likely to wind up with puddles than if you had used a pulsating sprinkler.

You can find an inexpensive plastic model of this sprinkler for only $10, better models that allow you to adjust the width of the watering area cost $20-$35.  When shopping around for a sprinkler, you may also want to find out in advance if oscillating one you want is designed to not make puddles.

 

Stationary Sprinklers   A fixed sprinkler sprays water through holes at the top of the sprinkler head, kind of like a salt and pepper shaker at a restaurant.  These are ideal if you have to water a smaller area, such as a home garden.  Most stationary sprinkler systems are inexpensive, and will only cost you about $10 for a basic model.
	stationary sprinkler by Ray Padula sprinklers

So Which Model is Best For You?

When shopping for a basic home sprinkler system, consider the shape and square feet of the area that you need watered.  Once you narrow down your selection to one of three most common sprinkler types, learn what features are available in the system you want, and what your budget is.

About Mullin Landscape Associates

We're a landscape design / build firm that offers a wide range of professional services in New Orleans and surrounding areas.  If you are in the Southeast Louisiana area, and want to learn more about having a professional in-ground lawn sprinkler system installed rather than a simple one, please call us today at (504) 275-6617 or send us an email.