CURB APPEAL IN WINTER
Consider Installing an Above Ground Sprinkler This Year
One of the best things about owning a garden or a yard is the fact that you get to spend time outdoors whenever you want to, even during the current global situation. The bad part is that grass and plants require constant watering if you want the yard to look in tip-top shape. Manually watering…
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Con: They’re difficult to automate. In-ground units usually come with customizable timers and control panels that can make the entire watering process as easy as pushing a couple of buttons. Since above ground units can’t be customized to that extent, there is something the risk of over or under-watering your garden.
The unit comes with water connectors of two sizes, making it compatible with plenty of different faucet types. It supports multiple connections and comes with a sprinkler head that can rotate at a 360 degrees angle.
Above-ground sprinklers are customizable to some extent and depending on the exact type of sprinkler you’re using. For the most part, this type of sprinkler system will allow you to establish the water throw distance, the direction in which the water is sprayed, and the arc’s length. Exactly how you can make these adjustments will depend on the type of above ground sprinkler chosen.
Top 3 Picks
The three-way control system promises to cover about 4,200 square feet of garden space, which is pretty generous considering how compact and cost-friendly this unit is.
Budget Pick: Gesentur Lawn Sprinkler
Furthermore, this unit promises to deliver 16 clog-resistant nozzles although, let’s face it, it’s almost impossible for a product that’s always sitting on the ground not to get clogged every once in a while.
Cons:
It comes with three nozzles that have adjustable angles (from 45 to 90 degrees), allowing you to customize the spray direction so you can always get the results you want.
With coverage of up to 3,600 square feet, the unit features adjustable range control that’s accessible through the sliding tabs. The clean-out tool is an excellent feature and one of the things that deserves most praise.
What Is an Above Ground Sprinkler?
Cons:
The design of the sprinkler uses a stake that’s driven into the ground, allowing the unit to be more stable the further you push it into the soil. When properly installed, chances of windy weather knocking this thing over are minimal.
The spigot is basically the on/off dial for your sprinkler system. This is where you’re going to connect the water hose that serves as means of water transportation to “fuel” your above ground sprinklers. You’re going to have to check the water pressure for said faucet, to make sure that it has the necessary power to supply your irrigation system.
The ABS plastic offers more durability than standard plastic choices, while the butterfly shape promises to offer more stability. The design also allows you to connect multiple sprinklers in series.
Pros & Cons to Above Ground Sprinklers
Pros:
In-ground systems are more complex units, but still ones that bring a series of advantages when used in the correct setup. One of the major reasons why people choose sprinklers mounted in the ground is because they are concealed whenever they’re not in use.
One of the best things about owning a garden or a yard is the fact that you get to spend time outdoors whenever you want to, even during the current global situation. The bad part is that grass and plants require constant watering if you want the yard to look in tip-top shape.
Pro: They are very affordable. That means that you don’t have to break the bank to purchase an above ground sprinkler, which attracts another advantage: they are less costly to repair. Whenever you have to deal with a broken sprinkler, you can replace it with a new one with minimal financial and physical effort, which is another pro worth taking into consideration as you’re weighing in the reasons why an above ground sprinkler system might be better for you compared to an in-ground unit.
They don’t require digging any holes or messing around with your home’s pipe system. They’re pretty straightforward and have a rather simple design. They have a platform and a nozzle that shoots water out of tiny little holes.
With excellent construction, stability when driven into the soil, and adjustable features and multiple connection possibilities, the Trazon sprinkler truly is one of the best products for its price.
Another above-ground sprinkler system that we really liked comes from Trazon. It is designed to cover an area of up to 3,000 square feet, offering you the possibility to sit back and relax while this little gem does the hard work for you.
How to Install an Above Ground Sprinkler
While this step is optional, a lot of people are now choosing to have timers installed on their above-ground sprinklers.
Spigot
“Great sprinkler! I am amazed at its range! […] I don’t give reviews often. This little jewel deserves one.” (Customer review)
Multiports
To make your own above ground sprinkler system, you are going to need a garden hose and a sprinkler head. Installing the system is easy; just make sure you read our section on “How to Install an Above Ground Sprinkler”.
Cons:
Timer
Cons:
Oscillating models, for instance, are equipped with a knob that grants a 180-degree control over the arc. Fixed sprinklers, on the other hand, allow you to adjust the throw distance.
Sprinkler
Cons:
Adjustments
Impact sprinklers are a bit more complicated to adjust. They use a wire clamp that’s mounted on the base of the sprinkler head. Adjusting them usually requires using a flathead screwdriver (make sure you consult the instructions manual to see the exact steps for adjusting).
The construction itself also deserves some praise, as plastic is ditched in favor of a cast-iron body which provides more stability because of its weight and more durability, since it’s designed as a rust-proof option. It comes with an automatic shut-off system that uses ramp stop to turn off the unit at a specific point in the hose length.
Multiple sprinklers
When you’re on the market looking to save some money, the Gesentur sprinkler is the type of product that delivers more than you bargained for. It is a multipurpose unit that comes with plenty of features that are worth mentioning and which are surprising considering the low price you end up paying for a brand new product.
The manner in which you have to install an above ground sprinkler system will, of course, depend on the system we’re looking at. Different models are equipped with their own instruction manual which is meant to guide you through the installation process.
Best Above Ground Sprinkler
Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
Customer’s Choice: Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 Sprinkler
- Water conservation design.
- Multiple outlet options.
- Rain delay feature.
- Comes with manual watering mode.
- Not very durable in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What is the best above-ground sprinkler?
While we can tell you what the general steps for installing this sprinkler are, it’s always best if you consult with the manual of the product you bought, since instruction may vary depending on the design and construction of the model. Generally speaking, there are the steps to install an above ground sprinkler system:
How do I build an above-ground sprinkler system?
The second thing to keep in mind is that the fine holes that release the water spray are prone to accumulating dust and debris, so you have to make sure that doesn’t happen. If you notice drops in water pressure or less water coming out of the unit, it is a possibility that the holes are filled with dirt and require cleaning.
Can you run sprinklers above-ground?
Pros:
How much does it cost to install a sprinkler system yourself?
Con: They are always exposed. This could be a drawback if you’re the type of person that wants the yard to look perfect. While some models are more aesthetically pleasing than others, all above ground sprinklers are visible (especially on mower lawn), and might feel out of place in certain setups.
Conclusion
Note that you can also choose to purchase the two or three outlet digital timers, in case you want to create more watering zones in your garden.
Let’s focus on this model for now. It comes with a timed watering feature that automatically turns the water on and off at a designated time to prevent over and under-watering.
The base offers a 360-degree rotation for maximum coverage. You can select between two spraying patterns: direct spray (a slow spray that waters the yard like a rainfall) or scattered shot ( spray that covers more ground at a faster rate).
