!#71# Create Your Own Sprinkler System Design to Save Money

!±8± Create Your Own Sprinkler System Design to Save Money

If you drive through any suburban neighborhood, lawns are a necessity. A lush green well-manicured sprawling lawn adds not just beauty but also value to a house. A home without a lawn seems dull and lifeless. Thus, having and maintaining a lawn is a must. But even if maintenance means as simple as regular watering, keeping a lawn can sometimes be costly. So to save money, why don't you make your own sprinkler system design?

How does creating your own sprinkler system design save you money, and what is the best design to choose? To choose the best sprinkler system design, it is important to understand three factors: water supply, climate, and land size and composition.

1. Water Supply

Water is the most indispensable requirement in maintaining a lush and healthy lawn. But the idea of creating your own sprinkler system design is to maximize water usage and save money, so you need to start with your water supply. First, check the following: water pressure, water meter size, and water flow. If your supply comes from conventional sources such as from a well or a pump, determine the pump's capacity.

There are two ways to determine water pressure. First, with a pressure gauge; and next, by calling your water company. To determine water flow, get a timer and measure the time it takes for a gallon of bucket (or 10 gallons if you want) to be filled with water. Get the GPM or gallons per minute. Experts agree that 20 GPM per acre is enough water flow to maintain green and healthy lawn.

2. Climate and Weather Patterns

Certain climates have certain tubing requirements. For areas with freezing temperatures like Chicago, a polyethylene sprinkler tubing works best. For areas with a warmer climate, PVC is a better option.

Take note of the weather patterns in your area as this is crucial in setting the timers of your sprinkler system. As a rule of thumb, you can set your timers so your system can run in the morning. This will be in preparation for midday evaporation and also to avoid resulting plant diseases when you water in the evening.

3. Land Size and Composition

Last, you want to measure the area of coverage of your sprinkler system design. You also need to consider the presence of other plants and structure within the area. Some of them like tall trees may get in the way of your sprinkler system. Keep in mind that you need to keep your house's foundation dry, so keep water away from it.