Should you be using rotary sprinklers?
I live in Arizona which has a dry and arid climate. Water resources are scarce, especially for gardening purposes. For a long time, I was using the good old garden hose for watering the lawn unaware of the fact that most of the water was getting wasted owing to evaporation and seepage. During one of my holidays, a friend of mine suggested that I use an irrigation system for my lawn. I was slightly skeptical at first taking into account cost constraints. But he convinced me that many irrigation methods like sprinklers are extremely cost effective and are wonderful investments that really last for a long time. So I started to look up for information on the same and very soon, I had a rotary sprinkler system in my lawn. I was saving a lot of water and time and effort that I otherwise spent on watering the lawn.
How they work
Rotary lawn sprinklers rotate and spray water around a large area. These are ideal for watering small to medium sized lawns and gardens. The sprinkler has two or three spray arms which spin as the sprinkler waters the lawn. The tips for these spray arms may me fixed or movable. Some advanced units have features like adjustable spray patterns. The nozzle can be adjusted to increase or decrease the diameter of the spray curtain. You can also use a locking collar and convert it into a stationary sprinkler. Depending on the amount that you are willing to spend on the sprinkler system, you can choose from a normal or a dynamic sprinkler. Dynamic rotary sprinklers have a high rotational speed as compared to normal ones.
Winterizing your sprinkler
If you live in a country where the frost level extends below the level of the installed piping, then you might have to winterize lawn sprinklers. Even if there is a small amount of water left in the pipe, then it can expand and crack the PVC piping. There are several methods of draining the pipe system. This includes manual draining, automatic draining and the most popular blow out method. It involves using an air compressor to blow out the remaining water. Many people also use Polyethylene pipes, which expands under pressure.
If you have a round garden then a rotary or revolving sprinkler will be ideal for it. It might not be the best option for a rectangular garden though.
Related Links:
Gilmour Circle Pattern Rotary Sprinkler on Sled Base, #881D, Teal
Gilmour Square Pattern Rotary Sprinkler on Sled Base, #884D, Teal
