With a pop-up sprinkler you can fulfill your dream of an underground lawn sprinkler. It only comes to the fore when it is supposed to water your lawn. This article explains what you should look out for when buying a pop-up sprinkler and how it works exactly.
Pop-up sprinklers do their job and secretly disappear into the lawn
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Hunter I-20-04-SS Pop-up Sprinkler Ultra Stainless Steel Riser (formerly I-20 ADS Gear Sprinkler) withstands rough use in difficult soils - PROFESSIONAL GARDEN IRRIGATION
36.47 EUR To the product| Type | gear sprinkler |
|---|---|
| material | plastic, stainless steel |
| throw distance | 7.6-15.5m |
| climber height | about 10 cm |
| setting options | full |
This Hunter pop-up sprinkler deserves first place for the stainless steel riser alone. The material makes the model extra robust and durable - this is also confirmed by the reviews on Amazon. In addition, the pure facts inspire - with the throwing distance and the extensive adjustment options. In addition to the basic quality, users of the design also praise the simple installation and the appearance. Tip: You can buy the key for effortless adjustment at a reasonable price.
our recommendation
Rain Bird 5004-PC 3.0 pop-up sprinkler / lawn sprinkler 3/4" - PROFESSIONAL GARDEN IRRIGATION
13.50 EUR To the product| Type | gear sprinkler |
|---|---|
| material | plastic |
| throw distance | 7.6-15.2m |
| climber height | 10 centimeters |
| setting options | full |
Thanks to its excellent price-performance ratio, the pop-up sprinkler from Rain Bird is close to number 1 - in the end, the material is what decides that the sprinkler from Hunter is the winner in our comparison. Amazon reviewers describe this rotor as surprisingly capable. In view of the low price, we recommend this version especially for undecided beginners.
our recommendation
Gardena sprinkler system turbine pop-up sprinkler T100: Irrigation system for smaller lawn areas from 50 to 100 m², with adjustable throw range (4-6 m) and stepless sector setting, (8201-29)
14.59 EUR To the product| Type | gear sprinkler |
|---|---|
| material | plastic |
| throw distance | 4-6 m |
| climber height | unknown |
| setting options | full |
In terms of its basic features, the Gardena T100 is the weakest pop-up sprinkler in our comparison test. We chose it anyway, for two reasons: firstly, because it comes from market leader Gardena, and secondly, because it is best suited for smaller garden areas - in contrast to the models from Hunter and Rain Bird, which are more suitable for medium to large sized ones large facilities are planned. The opinion of most reviewers on Amazon is: "Works as it should".
Purchase Criteria
Type
turbine sprinkler: The turbine sprinkler, often also called a geared sprinkler, is the traditional variant of the pop-up sprinkler. He only has one nozzle. A concentrated and rotating jet of water comes shot through this. The version is ideal for large areas, but the area immediately around the sprinkler is often hardly watered.
sprinkler: Similar to a shower head, the pop-up sprinkler sprays the water in all directions at the same time. This reduces the range compared to the geared sprinkler. Therefore, the sprinkler is more suitable for small to medium-sized gardens.
square sprinkler: For rectangular and square garden areas, a pop-up sprinkler is the best choice. It has a larger sprinkler head than the sprinkler. This same head swivels from side to side during operation, alternating between watering one side of the lawn and the other.
our recommendation
GARDENA Pop-Up Square Sprinkler OS 140: Irrigation system for square and rectangular areas up to max. 140 m², installed at ground level (8223-20)
36.99 EUR To the productQuantity
For a comprehensive irrigation system in the garden, just one pop-up sprinkler is usually not enough. You need several specimens that you sink perfectly matched into the ground. We recommend that you plan and install the system with a professional. After all, the system should run perfectly in the end. The professional can help you determine the number of pop-up sprinklers you need, which always depends on the characteristics of the model you want.
throw distance
One of the most important criteria when selecting the pop-up sprinkler is the throw distance, also known as the spray width. You have to consider the following points: What is the maximum throw distance? How is your water pressure? Can the spray width be set individually - and if so, within which range? The lower your water pressure, the higher the sprinkler's maximum throw distance should be. Flexible adjustment options are particularly important for oddly proportioned garden areas.
setting options
In principle, it is an advantage if you can set the most important details individually and thus adapt them to the respective needs. In addition to the widest possible range in terms of throw distance, you should also check whether the flow rate can be varied, ideally even steplessly. It is also important that you can make the settings without too much effort.
climber height
Here the matter is clear: If you have a very level garden, you can safely use a device with a lower riser height. On the other hand, if the lawn is uneven, you need a higher-rising pop-up sprinkler (at least four inches). Only then can the sprinkler evenly water the green, which in turn prevents the formation of puddles.
material
Most pop-up sprinklers are made entirely of plastic. The latter must be UV-resistant, unbreakable and frost-proof. Sometimes the sprinkler riser is made of stainless steel. This is evidence of particularly high quality. However, corresponding pop-up sprinklers are more expensive. In principle, we advise you to read customer reviews and authentic test reports to get an impression of the quality of the respective sprinkler. Also make sure you have a strong, sturdy recoil spring to keep the mechanism working at its best over the long term.
drainage valve
In order to avoid frost damage to the pop-up sprinkler, which of course remains outside even in the cool season, it should have a drainage valve. This contributes to the automatic drainage of the sprinkler when the latter is taken out of service. If no valve is integrated, you have to carry out the drainage manually.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a pop-up sprinkler?
A pop-up sprinkler is a lawn sprinkler (€26.95) that is embedded in the ground. You connect it to the water source - such as the water tap or the cistern with a pump - via an underground pipe. Outside the operating times, the sprinkler is virtually invisible. From above you only see the cover cap. Practical: The sprinkler is not an obstacle when mowing the lawn or playing on the lawn.
How does a pop-up sprinkler work?
As soon as the water supply is activated, the water pressure pushes the so-called riser out of the ground. The riser is the movable part of the sprinkler on which the nozzles sit. The sprinkler waters the lawn according to your presets. After watering the garden, springs on the pop-up sprinkler pull the pop-up back into the housing.
For whom is a pop-up sprinkler suitable?
Basically, a pop-up sprinkler is ideal for irrigating the lawn. It can absolutely meet the natural need of the turf for an area-wide and constant amount of water. If you want to install an underground and automated as well as unobtrusive irrigation system, pop-up sprinklers for the "output" are definitely the (only) right choice.
Which brands offer good pop-up sprinklers?
Many well-known manufacturers have solid pop-up sprinklers on offer. The most popular brands include Gardena, Hunter and Rain Bird. Above all, the turbine and square sprinklers from Gardena are in demand and rated very well on Amazon, not least thanks to the generally convincing price-performance ratio.
Where is the best place to buy a pop-up sprinkler?
Pop-up sprinklers are usually available in well-stocked garden centers, such as Dehner. You should also find what you are looking for in the garden department of larger hardware stores such as OBI, Bauhaus or hagebaumarkt. However, Amazon also offers you the largest selection in this case. In addition, you benefit from the convenient ordering and return conditions in the popular mail order company.
How much does a pop-up sprinkler cost?
The pop-up sprinklers themselves are comparatively inexpensive. As a rule, you pay no more than 40 euros for such a lawn sprinkler. Most versions cost between 20 and 35 euros. However, considerable additional costs in the three or four-digit range can be incurred for the underground lines, depending on whether this has already been installed or whether a new one needs to be installed.
equipment
watering computer
Pop-up sprinklers invite you to install a comprehensive irrigation system in the garden. Such an irrigation system (€32.95) also includes a computer. You use it to control the watering. You can specify when the climbers "appear" and how long they should then water the lawn. The irrigation computer saves the data and turns the tap on and off again at the appropriate time.
our recommendation