How Many Sprinklers Per Zone: A Comprehensive Guide
Designing an efficient automatic irrigation system is correlated directly with an important element, which is understanding ‘how many sprinklers per zone’. The process involves more than just a basic count and requires an understanding of sprinkler types, water pressure, and the size of the area to be watered.
Each zone in a sprinkler system is an independently regulated line that connects to the main water supply, and they are critical to the effective operation of a sprinkler system. The aim of efficient zoning is to guarantee that each area in the landscape receives an adequate and even amount of water. The main question is, how many sprinklers can you place in each zone? To answer that, you need to know the flow rate of your water supply and the flow rate of the sprinklers you intend to use.
Understanding The Flow Rate
Every sprinkler system has a certain flow rate, which is the velocity at which water can travel through your system. It is normally expressed in gallons per minute (GPM). One critical component that could affect this rate is the pump in use. Like the dab pumps, pumps come with different capabilities and are designed to handle a certain level of GPM. Thus, it’s very important to match your sprinkler’s GPM to your pump’s capacity for the most effective watering.
How To Calculate The Number Of Sprinklers Per Zone
First, you’ll need to figure out the flow rate of your water supply. A simple way to determine this is by timing how long it takes to fill a one-gallon bucket with your water source. If it takes 15 seconds to fill, then your flow rate is four gallons per minute (60/15 = 4 GPM).
Next, consider the GPM of your desired sprinkler head. For instance, let’s say the sprinklers operate at a rate of 3 GPM. By dividing the total GPM of the water supply (4 GPM) by the GPM of each sprinkler, you’ll know the number of sprinklers you can fit in a zone. In this instance, you can fit approximately one sprinkler per zone.
Types of Sprinkler Heads
Different types of sprinklers have different water outputs. Pop-up spray heads, for instance, typically have a GPM range of 0.50 to 1.50 GPM. Rotor heads, on the other hand, varies between 0.20 to 1.00 GPM. Drip tubing output can range from 0.4 to 0.6 GPM per 100 feet. Therefore, you must choose the right type of sprinkler heads depending on the need of your garden or lawn.
Take Away
Ultimately, understanding how many sprinklers per zone should be installed in your garden is not a mystery. It requires basic knowledge of your water supply’s capabilities and the requirements of your chosen sprinklers. It’s always essential to remember, when factoring in the type of pump used like the dab pumps, that they form a vital part of the water supply system and must be considered carefully.