A beautiful green lawn that stays lush with minimal effort: who wouldn't dream of that? Do you often find yourself dragging around a garden hose or sprinklers and wonder: couldn't this be easier? An automatic irrigation system with pop-up sprinklers is the perfect solution. These sprinklers neatly disappear into the ground when not in use and pop up as soon as water flows through the system.
Does this sound like an ideal solution? Read on to find out more.
In this beginner's guide, we explore step by step how pop-up sprinklers work, what preparations are needed, and how to install and adjust them. We provide you with short, clear explanations. You'll learn everything involved, from checking water pressure in your pipes and digging to precisely setting the sprinkler heads.
Pop-up sprinklers are known as a convenient way to provide greenery with enough water. However, the practical side of installation can sometimes pose a significant hurdle: "do I have the right tools?", "do I need to dig deep?", "can pipes leak?" and "will the system survive the winter?" No worries. We will address all these questions, and you'll see that installing pop-up sprinklers can be easy. Let's start from the beginning.
1. What Is a Pop-up Sprinkler?
A pop-up sprinkler is a sprinkler head that hides in the ground when not in use, often just below the lawn. As soon as the water pressure increases, the sprinkler head 'pops' up and starts spraying water.
The design ensures that you hardly notice the sprinkler system when it's not active. This has two advantages:
- You don't have to drag hoses or sprinklers around when irrigating. These remain in place underground after installation.
- Your garden maintains a neat appearance, and you barely notice the sprinkler system. This way, you won't trip over sprinklers.
How does it work in practice?
Basically, you have a piping system running underground. These pipes receive water from a tap or an irrigation pump. When the pressure in the pipe increases, the water pushes the sprinkler head up. After watering, the pressure decreases, and the head retracts below the lawn's edge. This way, you can irrigate your lawn easily without complicated components.
Pop-up sprinklers are available in various brands and versions. Think of models with a fixed spray angle or sprinklers that rotate. One variant can cover a larger area than another. Always pay attention to the spray pattern: some are ideal for small urban gardens, others for larger lawns. Choose a variant that fits the shape and size of your garden. Whether you want to water a narrow strip next to the patio or a sprawling backyard, there is a solution for every situation.
Pop-up sprinklers from BluGarda in action
2. Why a Pop-up Sprinkler System?
Are you tired of getting up early every morning to water? And fed up with endlessly dragging garden hoses? Then an automatic sprinkler system is a solution. Pop-up sprinklers are often praised for their discreet design. You don't see them, except when they are spraying. This is not only a matter of aesthetics but also safety. Mowing the lawn or playing with kids in the garden? With pop-up sprinklers, you don't have to watch out for protruding parts.
Additionally, you save water. That may sound strange: because you're laying a whole sprinkler network, right? But precisely because you can set the spray times, and the water distribution is often even, you prevent unnecessary waste. A well-adjusted system ensures a much better distribution than when you randomly wave the garden hose. And if you also choose rain or moisture sensors, the system stops during rainy weather. This way, you give the plants what they need without excessive water use.
There's another advantage: time savings. Imagine needing a quarter of an hour every day for manual watering. That adds up over a growing season. With a pop-up system, you can spend all those precious minutes differently. Maybe you'll have time for a cup of coffee in the morning sun or a game with the kids. Sounds delightful, doesn't it?
3. Supplies and Preparation
Water Pressure from Tap or Irrigation Pump
One of the first things to consider is the water pressure. If you want to install a pop-up sprinkler system, it's important to have the right water pressure. Consider which source you want to use: tap water from an outdoor tap or an irrigation pump. Don't have a suitable outdoor tap or insufficient pressure on it? Then it might be interesting to have a groundwater well drilled with an irrigation pump.
Check the pop-up sprinkler system you want to install and verify the working pressure. The BluNature Pop-Up sprinklers from BluGarda work best under a pressure of 2 bar. However, the required pressure may be more/less depending on how many pop-up sprinklers you install and the number of branches you make.
Tip from BluGarda:
You can measure the pressure on your outdoor tap with a pressure gauge. If you don't have one, you can use the 'bucket test'. Time with a stopwatch how long it takes to fill a 10-liter bucket. This doesn't directly measure the pressure, but it does measure the 'flow rate'. This is a good indicator of the capacity coming from your pipes and whether it's sufficient.
Required Materials for Installing a Pop-Up Sprinkler System
Below is a list of materials needed for installing a pop-up sprinkler system:
- Pop-up sprinklers with the right spray angle (e.g., 90°, 180°, or 360°)
- Polyethylene pipes, also known as PE pipes. For underground use. Ensure the pipes can handle the pressure and are flexible enough to bend
- Fittings (T-pieces, bends, end pieces) that match your pipe type/diameter
- Tap or pump connection depending on your water source
- Optionally, a filter if you draw water directly from a ditch or well
- Teflon tape or sealing rings for waterproof connections
- Digging tools (shovel or spade)
- Measuring tape and marking tape for neat layout
Some DIY enthusiasts advise a special trench digger, but a simple spade often suffices. Be careful not to damage other pipes in the garden. Unsure if there are pipes in your garden? Consult architectural drawings. It's unpleasant if you accidentally cut through the electrical cable for your garden lighting halfway through the project.
Make a Garden Plan
It's helpful to sketch your garden. Indicate where your lawn is, where the paving is, and where any trees or shrubs are located. Also, draw where you want to place the pop-up sprinkler heads. This way, you quickly see if the spray areas overlap well. Be realistic: one pop-up sprinkler doesn't cover an entire football field-sized area. Better to have several sprinklers slightly overlapping than large dry patches. Does your sprinkler have a reach of 5 meters? Let it overlap by 4 meters with the next sprinkler.
Useful tools for creating a garden plan:
- Garden Planner from Planner5d
- Online Garden Design Software from SmartDraw
4. Step-by-Step Installation
Determining Placement
Consider which parts of your garden need irrigation. Are there areas that catch the sun daily and dry out faster? Or do you have a lawn area that's always in the shade?
Also, check if obstacles could be in the way. Tree roots, gravel paths, or fences can pose complications. It's helpful to position sprinkler heads along edges or corners to cover as much grass as possible. Round gardens require a bit more creativity. You can also position one or more extra sprinklers in the center to reach that space.
Digging and Laying Pipes
The next step is perhaps the most physical and time-consuming part: digging. You create narrow trenches where the pipes will go. The depth of these trenches is usually between 10 and 30 centimeters. The depth depends on the size of your pop-up sprinklers. For the BluNature Pop-Up sprinklers from BluGarda, use a depth of 18 centimeters.
Don't dig unnecessarily deep. Consider mowing: you don't want the sprinkler head to protrude above the ground level when retracted.
Once the trenches are ready, lay out the pipes. Ensure bends aren't too tight, as this can cause kinks. Ideally, lay the pipes mostly straight and make corners with fittings. For long connected sections, it's sometimes helpful to lay the pipe at a slight angle. Keep all connection pieces at hand. Check for leaks by doing a test before covering everything.
Connection to Water Source
Here's where the technical part comes in. You need a water source. A garden tap usually suffices, although it may be limited in capacity. For a larger system, a pump from a rain barrel or well is ideal. This way, you can regulate the pressure yourself. Test if the pressure is sufficient to push multiple sprinklers up at once. Unsure? Don't place too many in one circuit. Divide it into two or more zones that activate in turns.
Some integrate an automatic valve with a timer. This way, you can program everything. Weekly irrigation before sunrise or in the evening after a hot summer day? It's all possible. Always provide a main valve or shut-off. This makes maintenance and winterizing much easier.
A smart extra tip: consider adding a simple rain or soil moisture meter. This way, the sprinkler only provides water when it's really needed. This saves on the water bill and is better for the environment.
Sprinkler Assembly and Adjustment
Now comes the moment when the pop-up sprinklers come into play. Place each sprinkler on the designated T-pieces or fittings.
Then set the spray angle. Many models have a small screw or ring to adjust the spray width and direction. Do you have a model that sprays 180°? You don't want half the spray directed at the patio. Be patient with this adjustment. A half-turn in the wrong direction can result in unnecessary wet walls.
Are you satisfied with the test? Great. Then fill the trenches with soil again. Press the soil gently but not too hard. Prevent the pipe or sprinkler from shifting. Often, you see the ground settling a bit after a few days. Fill those spots to maintain a flat lawn.
5. Common Mistakes and Tips
- Placing too few sprinklers: Sometimes, people try to cover the entire lawn with too few sprinklers. This results in dry spots. Better to have a few extra sprinkler heads than a dry patch afterward.
- Wrong spray angle: Always check if you're not spraying the wall, pavement, or neighbors. A small adjustment in the spray angle can make a big difference.
- Not installing a drainage valve: Without a shut-off valve, you have to let the entire system drain for maintenance each time. An extra tap can save a lot of hassle. You can place this at the end of your system.
- Forgetting to winterize: In colder areas, pipes and sprinklers can freeze and break. By letting the system drain or using compressed air, you prevent ice formation in the pipes.
6. Maintenance and Seasons
Regular Checks
Once your pop-up sprinklers are properly installed, maintenance is minimal. However, it's wise to occasionally check if the heads move freely. They can sometimes get clogged with sand or overgrown grass. Inspect the system in the spring and flush the sprinkler heads. Notice the sprinkler head no longer moves smoothly up and down? Often, removing the sprinkler from the casing and rinsing away debris or brushing it off with a soft brush helps. If the sprinkler remains clogged, also check the filter in the sprinkler head.
Winterizing
In frost-prone areas, it's wise to empty the system for winter. Water that freezes and expands can burst pipes. Many sprinkler systems, therefore, have a drain point or a way to blow through them with compressed air. You then connect a compressor, open the valves, and let the air dry the pipes. It sounds more exciting than it is. It's mainly about ensuring you don't work with too much pressure, so the sprinklers aren't damaged.
Seasonal Settings
Lawn generally needs less water in spring and fall than in the height of summer. Therefore, consider adjusting spray times slightly. In April and May, it often rains enough, so you only need to water briefly (or not at all). In July and August, it's often drier. Then your system will need to work more frequently.
A growing trend is the installation of smart controllers with an internet connection. These devices fetch weather forecasts. In the event of heavy rain, they pause watering. This sounds high-tech, but installing these controllers is becoming easier. It saves you a lot of time and potentially unnecessary water after installation. Also handy when you're on vacation, as you won't return to dry grass.
7. Water Consumption of Sprinklers
Watering your lawn during dry periods can sometimes draw disapproving looks: it uses unnecessary water and is a big waste. A sprinkler system can indeed consume a lot of water, especially for large gardens.
With the installation of pop-up sprinklers, you usually save water compared to a garden hose or oscillating sprinkler. This is because pop-up sprinklers often distribute water much more evenly. You can also activate them when the least water evaporates. You water in a targeted and appropriate amount.
Want to take it a step further? Consider an underground rainwater tank. This allows you to store rain that has fallen earlier for later use during droughts. With the right pump, you can use this for your pop-up system. Not everyone has space for such a tank, but it's an interesting option for those who want to work sustainably and cost-effectively.
8. Frequently Asked Questions about Pop-up Sprinkler Installation
Is it difficult to install a pop-up sprinkler yourself?
It's quite manageable. Most of the work involves digging trenches and neatly connecting the pipes. Work step by step and make sure you have the right materials and fittings on hand.
What about maintenance costs?
The costs are generally manageable. Occasionally, you may need to replace a filter or sprinkler head that has become damaged or clogged. Most systems are quite robust, especially if you let the pipes drain in winter.
Can I mix in nutrients, like fertilizers?
There are systems with special injector systems that mix nutrients into the pipe. For most gardens, separate fertilization (granules or liquid) on the lawn is still the standard.
I want a neat garden. Will you see those pop-up sprinklers later?
After installation, you only see small round caps at ground level. They are hardly noticeable, especially if you install them flush and let the grass grow slightly over the edges.
9. Looking Back: What Have We Discussed?
We started with an explanation of what a pop-up sprinkler is. You now know that the head hides in the ground and comes up with water pressure. We explored why it's a smart choice if you want a neat lawn without having to water it yourself every day.
We then went through the necessary supplies, such as pipes, fittings, and a pump or tap. We saw that placement and trench digging require the most work. With some patience, you get a solid base. Next, the sprinklers came into play, and how you adjust them in terms of angle and reach. Small details, like a shut-off valve and a filter, make the system safer and more durable.
We also discovered common mistakes, such as too few sprinklers or forgetting to drain the system in winter. Maintenance is minimal, but occasionally checking for clogs is important. Furthermore, there are seasonal adjustments, as a lawn is thirstier in July than in rainy months.
A major advantage of pop-up sprinklers is convenience. With one press of a button – or an automatic program – your garden gets watered while you do something else. Want to be extra sustainable? Consider a rainwater source. And if you want to go modern, there are options to work with apps and weather forecasts.
10. Summary and Next Steps
Once you've installed the system, you're basically ready for a carefree green lawn. However, every garden has different needs. You might later want to add more sprinkler heads or set up automation. That's all possible. Keep in mind that the capacity of your pipe or pump is limited, so don't go overboard with endless additions.
If you want more information about specific brands or types of pop-up sprinklers, there are plenty of examples at garden centers and online stores. Feel free to ask for technical details or browse online reviews where people share their experiences. This way, you see how others set up their systems and what they encounter in maintaining them.
The Best Time to Start?
There's no better time than now to start planning! Whatever the season, you can always start planning your pop-up irrigation system. The ideal times for installation are from spring to fall. In winter, it can be a bit cold or the ground may be frozen. So, make a plan for your garden, schedule a day for digging, and enjoy the benefits for years to come.
Still have questions, or want more details about specific settings afterward? You can always consult online tutorials or chat with a gardener. The possibilities are endless (and yes, that word is allowed here, because there are few limitations to what you can do). Enjoy a beautiful, green lawn and the extra free time you gain. Cheers to a garden without lugging around that old watering can.
Useful Websites & Online Tools
Garden Planners:
- Garden Planner from Planner5d
- Online Garden Design Software from SmartDraw
BluNature Pop-Up System from BluGarda:
- Complete set
- Pop-up sprinklers
- Polyethylene pipe
- Connectors
- Instructions for installing BluNature Pop-Up system
Irrigation Computers:
