Do You Need an Oscillating Sprinkler? Find Out Here!

Pros:
“The Eden 94125 sprinkler offers four-way adjustment which grants you more control over how the spraying patterns works, and how far and wide it can go.”
There is always the question of what to look for when you’re shopping for a sprinkler. Knowing your garden’s needs is the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s still easy for one to get lost in the multitude of features and be confused over which oscillating sprinkler is the best choice.

How to Choose

Best metal oscillating sprinkler: Melnor 65079-AMZ Metal Oscillating Sprinkler

• The spray range of the sprinkler is really important, and it goes hand-in-hand with the coverage area. You will find that most oscillating sprinklers are equipped with flow rate dials, which means that you can adjust the spray to better suit your needs. The coverage area is also important because sprinklers are relatively limited in that way, and if you have a really large area to water, you might need multiple of them.
• The construction of the sprinkler is another important factor because it will help determine the maintenance frequency as well as the durability of the product. Some oscillating sprinklers are made from cheap plastic which doesn’t have a UV resistant coating, so prolonged sun exposure will cause irreversible damage. Make sure that the oscillating sprinkler you opt for can resist the weather’s elements for a long time and that the metal parts (if any) are resistant to rust and corrosion. Otherwise, you will find yourself in a situation where you have to replace the sprinkler sooner than intended.
• Take a look at the sprinkler’s watering pattern before buying it. There are plenty of options out there which offer custom watering patterns. If you’re purchasing a sprinkler offline, check to see if the crossbar has two adjustable directional tabs. You want this feature for moments when you have to switch from wide spraying patterns to narrower ones.
• Some sprinklers come with timers, which can make the whole gardening watering process a whole lot easier. A timer can be programmed to water the garden while you’re away, will know just how water the garden needs (so there will be no under or overwatering), helps save money because it prevents water waste, and is super easy to install. If these are benefits you’re interested in, look for an oscillating sprinkler sold with a garden water timer.
• The oscillating sprinklers also need to have connectors that are compatible with your garden hose. If you don’t have a good hose for watering your garden, you can check out the Zero-G hose, a product designed to be resistant to leaks and punctures, and that offers an amazing burst rating. But regardless of whether you choose this hose or another one, make sure the connectors are compatible.

Best Oscillating Sprinklers

Melnor 65074-AMZ XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

“Everything about this Melnor oscillating sprinkler is designed to give you the best value for your money.”
Pros:
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Pros:
It comes with a turbo drive motor that’s pretty similar to what we’ve seen on other sprinklers we’ve reviewed today. The lightweight feature is important for those of you that plan to move the sprinkler around a lot, but it might not be the best choice in a windy climate. 

• Quick connect adapter.
• Weighted base.
• Clog-resistant nozzles.
• 4-way adjustment.

It also helps avoid puddles which lead to overwatering or can be really nasty when they form on the driveway.

• A little expensive.

Bottom Line

The flow control dial grants access over micro-adjustments that need to be made if you want to have the optimal spraying pattern for your garden’s needs.
Cons:
The Aqua Joe sprinkler is a great example of how you can stick within a budget and still get a product that delivers just like you’d expect it to.