Why You Should Use the Smart Hose Timer

Watering your garden or grass in the right amount can be tricky. If the weather is hot, you may water too little or water at the wrong time of the day and burn the foliage. Too much watering is also harmful and can cause the roots of some plants to rot. In addition, there is a water bill to think about. But there is a gadget that can solve this problem: a smart hose timer automatically waters your grass or garden as programmed, and can help you save time, money and frustration.

What is a smart hose timer?

The Smart Hose Timer is more than just a circuit breaker. Imagine if you could water your plants from your mobile phone, or if your hose received a weather report and automatically adjusted your watering schedule. You can control your watering schedule without manually turning the nozzle on and off. The smart hose timer can take care of the nozzle for you and not only save you the hassle of watering, but also save some water.

Types of Smart Hose Timers

It is important to know that not all smart hose timers are the same. Timers such as the Melnor 1-Zone Bluetooth water timer or the Rainpoint, Bluetooth sprinkler timer can only be programmed when you are within range of the Bluetooth timer with your mobile phone. Other types, such as the Orbit B-Hyve Smart Single Outlet Digital Hose End Timer with Drip Adapter, or the Rachio Smart Hose Sprinkler Timer , can only control one zone. This means that if you have plants that require different amounts of water, or beds in different parts of your yard, you will need to find a multi-zone timer to be able to program everything to water with a smart system.

Brands like Rachio and Orbit offer plenty of Wi-Fi options as well as multiple zones, while simpler setups like Melnor are more economical but only fit a one or two hose system.

Check out the apps and features before you buy

Because smart hose timers use apps to automate your irrigation system, you should check out the app before deciding which one to buy. If the control app isn’t compatible with your phone or doesn’t suit your needs, your smart system won’t be that smart. Also, be sure to look out for certain features that are important to you, such as having a pause or bypass switch that allows you to use the hose between scheduled waterings, or automatic access to weather information so the timer can adjust the watering schedule.

And make sure you look for a system with Wi-Fi capabilities if you want to be able to control your irrigation from anywhere, as opposed to a Bluetooth-only system that requires proximity to program.

Save water and money with a smart hose timer

If you’re interested in saving water (and money), you should look for a smart hose timer with the WaterSense label, according to the EPA . A sprinkler system with a smart hose timer that uses weather information as well as soil moisture sensors or other technologies to adequately water plants without overwatering can save up to 7,600 gallons of water per year. A smart hose timer costs between $40 and $120 if you’re trying to cut down on your water bill. If you live in an area with watering restrictions, you can also use a smart device to control how much water you use so you don’t exceed your allotted amount.