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The Best Irrigation Controllers For Sonoma County, CA

winglewichsam

Everyone loves a garden, but nobody (unless you're a super-garden fanatic) likes spending all morning watering their plants. Manually cranking open a valve requires you to take your shoes on and off over and over, entering and exiting the house, and can result in frustrating water bills and weeping, waterlogged plants if you forget and leave them on too long. Watering with a hose isn't time or water-efficient either. It's too easy to water too fast, and end up with most of your water running away and not soaking into the clay.


The modern sprinkler system allows you to set watering times based on the needs of your plants, and get on with your life as the system waters the garden on a reliable, predictable schedule. The timer is the brains of the operation. It remembers when to water, how long to water, and sends the valves a little electric current to trigger the valves open in a 1,2,3 sequence whenever it's water time. The best controllers have easy to use functions, durable, weatherproof construction, and advanced features for the changing world in which we live in, like Seasonal Adjustments, Wifi capability, and sensor options.


Before We begin - Let's Touch On Common Features On A Controller


The most common controller I find in existing landscapes is a "Dial" type outdoor controller. Irritrol pioneered the design in the 1980s, and most companies copied it due to its intuitive and easy to read nature. The "Total Control" from Irritrol is probably the best example of a typical user interface. Let's explore each function from the top clockwise.

RUN - This is your "Default" setting. A controller should be set to "RUN" at all times unless you're adjusting something or have the controller turned off. In this setting, the sprinkler controller will automatically water your lawn on the days and the times you set it. If your landscape isn't getting watered, make sure it's turned to "RUN" before you do anything!


TIME & DATE - This function contains your year, month, and date. You can adjust these using your PLUS, MINUS, or NEXT buttons. If your sprinklers run during days you didn't set it to, make sure your year, month, and dates aren't screwed up. Many controllers default to the year they were made if they lose power in an outage.


STATION TIMES - This function lets you adjust how long each station/valve/zone runs. Depending on the plants, irrigation type, or runtimes, you may want to run a station/zone for only a few minutes or an hour or more. You can adjust the times up and down using the plus button for more water, minus button for less water, and next button to move between stations/zones.


START TIMES - This function adjusts the time the system starts running. Almost every timer starts at a set time, and runs in sequential order. There is no need to program different start times for each zone. When Station 1 shuts off, Station 2 will run immediately afterward, then 3, 4, 5 and so on. The reason for this is because virtually no home or well provides enough water flow to run every station at once, so each zone must run individually.


WATER DAYS - Do you want your system to run every day, or just once or twice a week? This function controls which days the sprinkler system turns on. Certain plants need daily water. Others prefer occasional water. Some towns ban watering during weekends or during high water use days.


WATER BUDGET/SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT - This is the most complex, but most helpful functions you'll use. This function adjusts your run times by percentage. For example, if you have a zone running for ten minutes and adjusted the percentage to 70 percent, then the run time would adjust down to seven minutes and all the other zone run times on that program would be effected as well. "100%" is based on how much water your landscape will need during its thirstiest months based on a runtime calculation and the adjustments are made accordingly. Generally, 100% is for summer conditions, 75-80% is best for late spring and early fall, 50-60% is best around the start and end of the season, and 0-20% is your dead-of-winter percentage.


PROGRAM ERASE - This function allows you to quickly delete programs. Generally, this isn't something you'll be messing about with. Oftentimes in this 6-0-clock position there will be a "SENSOR" function or a "PUMP" function, which allows you to monitor or interact with sensors that prevent the system from overwatering in the rainy seasons, or a pump which boosts the pressure for systems equipped with a booster or jet pump. Make totally sure you know what you're doing before touching anything in these functions.


MANUAL - PROGRAM CYCLE - Do you want to run the whole system anytime? This is how! You can turn the dial to this position and run the system at your will. Oftentimes this function will be employed during a freak heat wave or seasonal leak or break checks.


MANUAL - SINGLE ZONE - See above, but just for one zone. You can use the NEXT button to select the zone you want to run, and use the PLUS or MINUS buttons to adjust how long. Oftentimes this function is used to water in new plants or check a zone to see if it's working as it should.


OFF - The timer is off when it's in this position and will not turn the stations/zones/valves on. Upon turning to "OFF" the valves will close and no water will be dispensed. Oftentimes this function will be used when the system is malfunctioning or is being worked on, or the irrigation no longer needs to run during the rainy seasons. Remember, as long as the controller is plugged in, you won't lose your presets. When you turn the controller to "RUN" again, the controller will resume its routine watering schedule.


A/B/C/D slider or "PRG" button - If there's one function I see most underutilized or misunderstood, it's this function. A, B, C, D are all different programs you can use to customize your watering. For example, lets say Station 1 and 2 is a lawn on sprinklers, and Station 3 is drought-tolerant shrubs on a drip system. Lawns need a little water every day, and drought tolerant shrubs need long, yet infrequent waterings. Drip systems squeeze out water slowly, and sprinklers dump many gallons per hour. That said, you would want to place the Station 1 and Station 2 Lawns on a 10 minutes every day schedule on Program A, and Station 3 goes on Program B, and runs for 45minutes every Tuesday and Saturday.


Now Let's Get On To The Fun Stuff!


Best For Little gardens - Rainbird ESP

If you need 1-8 stations and no more, the Rainbird ESP-TM2 is as good as it gets. Rainbird as a company is pretty remarkable. They have been producing sprinkler components since the 1940s, and are still privately owned and operated in our home state of CA!


We like the durable and tightly constructed build, the industry leading warranty of 5yrs, and the user interface. The buttons don't get jammed with dirt. The LCD display can be read in full sun. Nothing about this residential controller feels cheap or "Homeowner-y".


Clients love the colorful simplified interface, and feel empowered when they can make minor adjustments with no help. Adding to the joy of ownership is the ability to plug in the Rainbird LNK wifi module and monitor/adjust irrigation with their smartphone if they decide they want a wi-fi timer down the road. Most timers are either analog or "smart". This controller can play either role. The Rainbird LNK app isn't polished or slick, but it's usable.


Best For Big Gardens - Hunter Pro-C



Running between 6-24 stations, the Pro-C has been in circulation since the early '00s. The Pro-C is compatible with our favorite sensor - the Hunter Solar Sync - making it meet MWELO ordinance codes for landscapes over 5000 square feet. You'll notice a pump option for agricultural and reclaimed water use, a Solar Sync setting for getting this advanced sensor module dialed in, and sensor adjustment switches for peak optimization. This means the Pro-C could be an equally perfect match for a farm, vineyard, apartment complex, or residential home.


So what's not to like? Well, if you want WiFi or Smart capability, too bad. The Pro-C is not, and will not ever be linked to your phone or computer. We received minor gripes post install that the protective cover is stiff and difficult to open for arthritic fingers or false nails, and don't like that the screen can be difficult to read in direct sun. Otherwise, all our clients with Pro-C's are quite pleased with them.


Best For Supergardens - Hunter ACC2


The mammoth ACC2 replaced the Hunter Icore in the 2010s, and sports a massive 75 zone capacity and integration with computer programs for commercial business parks and municipalities to monitor from the office, as well as diagnostic remotes and scanners held by most commercial landscape or irrigation technicians. Available on pedestal mounts or wall mounts, this controller shares a lot of DNA with the Pro-C. A residential technician with lots of Pro-C experience will feel confident dealing with the familiar interface and functions.


There's no real downsides with these, besides the fact they have WAY more hidden functions and abilities for technicians to shoot themselves in the foot with compared to the Pro-C. This controller CAN run many valves at once, toss codes and shut off due to sensor and flowmeter input, and pose a bigger challenge for technicians new to the big, infinitely customizable controller. That's just the way of the commercial controller. An experienced technician will handle these features accordingly.


For Temporary Systems Or Tiny Gardens - Rainbird Hose Bib Timer


If you just need to water a few pots, a small area that won't need irrigation in a few years, or 1-2 sprinklers for temporary use, this may be a great option. Rainbird solved the common fail points of cheap plastic hose bib fittings splitting or leaking by using gasketed brass components, and the big dial is reminiscent of other controller functions on the list. You'll have to make sure the batteries get changed each year, mount it above the ground and away from damp conditions and be careful to not bump the dial our of the AUTO position. But otherwise, this could be a reliable option in a sea of cheap and janky hose bib timers.


WiFi or "Smart" controllers - Hunter Pro-HC

Available in 6, 12, and 24 zone configurations, the Hunter Pro-HC is, hands down, the finest of its kind. The brilliance of the Pro-HC lies in its ability to be tended to just as easily on the Hunter Hydrawise app as it is on the touchscreen display.


Controllers like the Rainbird ESP often are quite intuitive to program with the display but the app can be frustrating. Conversely, some controllers like the Rachio don't even present the option to use the display. You get a big grey box that's totally useless without the app. Hunter deviated from the either/or of the typical smart controller and said "Let's just do both easily? Why can't that happen?"


Besides the versatility, there's a lot to love here with the weatherproof, stout housing box and the guts of the controller being on par with the Pro-C and ACC2. The Pro-HC is far more expensive than its peers, but it offers a lot more for your money, and you'll only buy it once.



We hope this was a helpful tool in choosing and understanding your controller. If you need timing help, tutorials, diagnostics, or replacement, never hesitate to call 707-755-0612 or reach out at winglewichsam@gmail.com. We have over a decade of experience with timers of all shapes and sizes!



DISHONORABLE MENTIONS: MY LEAST FAVORITE CONTROLLERS


I don't like to be negative. But in my 10+ years of dealing with controllers, there's a few stinkers I'll always push for people to replace immediately or caution against. Here's my list of the worst controllers in my professional opinion, and why I hold this opinion.


A disclaimer: Irrigation technicians are not a monoculture. While we agree on many things, we will always have different experiences, backgrounds, and trainings, and therefore will never agree on everything. These are my opinions and experiences.


Rainmaster Eagle Series


Bad stuff: Poor usability, inadequate waterproofing


I think the most frustrating controller experience I ever faced was programming this controller. It took hours, and I almost gave up.


Besides the buttons being the least tactile of any controller, having a tiny LCD and just a panel of lights, and a completely wild array of buttons instead of a dial, this one's harboring some really frustrating hidden features. A manual is key to programming these - and if you don't have the manual, good luck bub!


I'm also not wild about controllers in a metal case. They tend to let in rainwater and dew, and can cause a frustrating short if something isn't grounded right.


Hunter X-Core


Bad stuff: iffy build quality, sensor issues


Oh Hunter. You're so much better than this.


First of all, these have a habit of straight up dropping the little plastic cowl that shields you from all the exposed wire connections. If you take it on and off too many times they get sloppy and don't like to stay on. I find many missing their protective cowl.


For some bizarre reason, these do NOT vibe with sensors. I've never had so many problems with a controller interracting with Rain-Cliks - Mini-Clicks, or any of the other rain sensors that are "supposed" to go with them. Besides the sensor woes, I've replaced a few that have lost their "Next" button function.


Hunter killed the Xcore around 2020 and rolled out the x2, a modernized version that copied Rainbird's homework with the plug-in WiFi module. It looks like a fantastic little unit. I hope they fixed the sensor issues and the cover.


Toro Evolution


Bad stuff: Un-intuitive interface


Toro's isn't known for its controllers. The Evolution is trying too hard to be different and it's irritating. An adventure in watering awaits you as you try to name each zone, deal with the shortcuts, and wonder if you're really pressing on the buttons hard enough or if there's simply a lag. It's easier by far than the Rainmaster and more difficult than almost everything else. Do yourself a favor and get a dial-type.


I think they're reasonably well made, but they're a pain to deal with and my clients who own them agree. I usually do my best and tell them to hang onto them until they break, but I wouldn't blame them for demanding a more intuitive replacement.



Toro ECX and "GOLF"


Weaknesses: Sketchy build quality, fading support

Oh, man. These were bad from the beginning. Toro has a connotation in the landscape sphere with very nice mowers and equipment, but for some reason they keep producing stinkers in the irrigation sector.


A host of problems follow the ECX. Buttons failing and the LCD going goofy being the chief concerns. I don't recall seeing a Toro timer that worked, actually.


Fortunately, the model was discontinued. It appears Toro decided to borrow more from its parent company, Irritrol, and now the Toro controllers look more like Irritrols in red and grey castings. Irritrol makes sturdy controllers, so it's a smart move in my opinion.


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