Hello everyone,
Excluding the house, garage, driveway, and terrace, we will have about 300 sqm (3,230 sq ft) of garden space, mostly lawn, with some perennials and a hedge. From what I understand, a small garden timer that connects directly to the faucet is not sufficient for this; instead, you need an irrigation control system with valve boxes installed underground in the lawn—is that correct?
How do you connect a rainwater cistern with a submersible pressure pump to this system? The hose comes from the cistern, but where does it go from there?
How many power outlets should be planned for this system? Is one outdoor socket enough?
Best regards
Excluding the house, garage, driveway, and terrace, we will have about 300 sqm (3,230 sq ft) of garden space, mostly lawn, with some perennials and a hedge. From what I understand, a small garden timer that connects directly to the faucet is not sufficient for this; instead, you need an irrigation control system with valve boxes installed underground in the lawn—is that correct?
How do you connect a rainwater cistern with a submersible pressure pump to this system? The hose comes from the cistern, but where does it go from there?
How many power outlets should be planned for this system? Is one outdoor socket enough?
Best regards
Also take a look at Hunter and Rainbird. They are usually more affordable and more durable.
Read through the Hunter planning manual. It’s available as a PDF and will teach you the basics.
A possible setup, like mine, is: pump > pressure switch > manual ball valve > Y-strainer > valve box with solenoid valves > sprinkler/drip line/etc.
The valves in the box are controlled by an irrigation controller based on time, weather, and other factors, and the pressure switch starts the pump.
Plan for plenty of power outlets, as they are always too far away. Of course, these should not be controlled by a valve, but supplied with constant power.
Read through the Hunter planning manual. It’s available as a PDF and will teach you the basics.
A possible setup, like mine, is: pump > pressure switch > manual ball valve > Y-strainer > valve box with solenoid valves > sprinkler/drip line/etc.
The valves in the box are controlled by an irrigation controller based on time, weather, and other factors, and the pressure switch starts the pump.
Plan for plenty of power outlets, as they are always too far away. Of course, these should not be controlled by a valve, but supplied with constant power.
@opalau @rick2018
Thank you for your contributions! Hunter was recommended to us before, but at first glance (planning manual), it doesn’t seem to be as user-friendly as, for example, Gardena’s planning software.
Is there something similar available for Hunter? Or is it possible, like with Gardena, to have a plan created for a few dollars? Where is the best place to buy Hunter products?
Basically, our garden will probably be established in autumn 2021 or spring 2022, so at the moment we only need to plan for water taps and outdoor sockets. We have planned two water outlets on the house, each with an outdoor electrical outlet next to it. There is also an underground cable to the cistern for a submersible pressure pump.
Do you think this setup works as a basis for a future irrigation system?
Best regards
Thank you for your contributions! Hunter was recommended to us before, but at first glance (planning manual), it doesn’t seem to be as user-friendly as, for example, Gardena’s planning software.
Is there something similar available for Hunter? Or is it possible, like with Gardena, to have a plan created for a few dollars? Where is the best place to buy Hunter products?
Basically, our garden will probably be established in autumn 2021 or spring 2022, so at the moment we only need to plan for water taps and outdoor sockets. We have planned two water outlets on the house, each with an outdoor electrical outlet next to it. There is also an underground cable to the cistern for a submersible pressure pump.
Do you think this setup works as a basis for a future irrigation system?
Best regards
Your garden is a fairly easy area to irrigate.
No software is required for the planning.
The most important principle: The sprinkler heads must overlap to ensure full coverage.
Please plan for a refill option for the cistern as well as a larger conduit for cables. For controlling the valves, you need one control line per valve box. Outdoor controllers are available, but if planned correctly, indoor controllers are usually more cost-effective and practical.
Use the datasheet from Hunter (rotors) and mark the sprinklers with their maximum radius minus 15%. Always keep the main principle in mind.
Once you have this, create an Excel spreadsheet and design the irrigation zones based on flow rate per hour, location, and type of calculation. The maximum flow rate per hour depends on your pump, the piping, and its length.
No software is required for the planning.
The most important principle: The sprinkler heads must overlap to ensure full coverage.
Please plan for a refill option for the cistern as well as a larger conduit for cables. For controlling the valves, you need one control line per valve box. Outdoor controllers are available, but if planned correctly, indoor controllers are usually more cost-effective and practical.
Use the datasheet from Hunter (rotors) and mark the sprinklers with their maximum radius minus 15%. Always keep the main principle in mind.
Once you have this, create an Excel spreadsheet and design the irrigation zones based on flow rate per hour, location, and type of calculation. The maximum flow rate per hour depends on your pump, the piping, and its length.
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