Choosing Lawn Sprinklers

Oscillating Sprinklers

Oscillating lawn sprinklers will spray water in a back and forth pattern.  They usually water in the same general spot.  They are good for a medium to large area and are a popular design. 

The things to look for on this style that will affect performance are:
- length of the tube
- number of spray openings
- jet nozzles
- pattern adjustments
- multi-position option

Pulsating Sprinklers

Pulsating lawn sprinklers use low pressure to deliver a wide ranged, drenching spray.  This type of sprinkler sprays close to the ground and use large openings to deliver water.  The main benefit is that this type of system loses far less water when spraying then other types of systems; therefore more water gets to the plants or other greenery.

Things to look for that improve the performance of this type of sprinkler are:

- baffle plate to control stream height
- diffuser pin to adjust water stream
- part circle operation
- full circle operation

Rotary Sprinklers

Rotary lawn sprinklers spray water using spray arms.  The arms spin as the water is sprayed which allows for a 360 degree deliverance of water.  They are good for small to medium sized areas.

Features to look for on this type of sprinkler are:
- spray adjustments
- adjustable nozzles or arms
- locking ability

Traveling Sprinklers

Traveling lawn sprinklers are sprinklers that move about.  They can be a wind up or tractor design.  The water is delivered though two arms that spin. 

The wind up model follow a pre laid path.  The tractor models follow the hose pattern.

A desirable feature on this type of sprinkler is a shut off valve.

Stationary Sprinkler

A stationary lawn sprinkler is for a small area.  They spray water out of holes in a tube.  The amount and pressure is determined by the water pressure.  They are the least expensive type of sprinkler.

In Ground Sprinklers

In Ground Lawn Sprinklers are laid in the ground.  They work well for large areas.  They can be expensive to buy and install.  Installation can also cause some damage to the lawn area.  However, they do not require a hose to be laid on the lawn during operation and do not need to be adjusted or put away.

Extras

You may also want to consider the following extra things that can extra use and function to your sprinkler system:

- timers
- fertilizing attachments, which allow you to fertilize while watering

Material Considerations

The style and design of a sprinkler is not the only thing to consider.  You should also think about the materials the sprinkler is made from.  There are many options from copper lawn sprinklers to plastic or aluminum lawn sprinklers. 

The type of material will affect the cost, but it will also be directly related to how durable and functional the unit is.

Bottom Line

When choosing a lawn sprinkler you have many options to consider.  You will need to think about what design will work best for your needs.  Consider the area you will be watering and the size of this area.  Think about how much watering will be needed.  Consider the amount of water delivery by each of the styles of systems. 
You will also want to think about your budget.  Make sure you can get the best and most adequate system for your budget.  You should shop around.  If you need to hire someone to install it then don't forget to add that into the price.