Conventional Irrigation Controllers
Still Going Strong

---

In a world of cutting-edge technology, you may be surprised to learn that standard, strictly time-based irrigation controllers still dominate.

According to experts, basic irrigation controllers represented 65% of the global market in 2024. Millions of these little workhorses are still operating, and many contractors – and homeowners — depend on them. As long as you don’t expect them to make any complicated decisions, you’ll get along just fine.

Plain Vanilla, Please

Basic controllers remain ideal for certain types of landscape irrigation, such as:

• New seed or sod that must be watered at regular intervals with no exceptions. In new housing developments, contractors often install a standard irrigation timer at least temporarily to maintain curb appeal.
• Flower beds that must be watered on a regular basis
• Sheltered container plants

In addition, in areas where water scarcity is not usually an issue – like most regions in Ohio — the advanced features of smart controllers may not be necessary.

Easy Does It

No one can argue that standard irrigation timers are simple and easy to understand. For some customers, particularly older homeowners, you may not even want to offer the option of a smart controller. Configuring smart systems and understanding technical specifications can appear overwhelming for people who are not technologically inclined.

The learning curve associated with new technology is not for everyone. Even some contractors avoid it, if possible. Instead, they rely on the basic, simple units they’ve always used that don’t continually ask them questions. New contractors who were trained using standard controllers may also prefer them.

Some contractors also may view basic timers as more reliable. Moreover, the lower cost makes them an easy sell. For hobby gardeners on a budget, the upfront cost of a smart controller may be prohibitive. Also, for small-scale gardens, it could be overkill.

To address some of these concerns, several manufacturers have begun producing simpler, more user-friendly smart controllers at a lower price. These new devices combine the water-saving features of smart controllers with the reduced price and complexity of basic controllers.

Other Smart Issues

There are several other reasons why a smart irrigation controller may not be the best choice for your customer, such as:

–Article Continues Below–

Privacy Concerns. Some customers may not be comfortable sharing Wi-Fi passwords with their irrigation contractor. Others may find the reliance on technology unsettling.

Hackability. With the increasing sophistication of hacking technology, some customers may be wary of any type of smart home device. (See sidebar, “Preventing Cyber Intrusion.”)

Data Collection. In addition, some smart irrigation systems collect data about gardening habits, climate, and the customer’s location. Even though this information is generally used to optimize the system’s performance, some customers might not be comfortable with this data collection.

Wi-Fi Reliability. Smart controllers depend on reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. In the event of a network outage, they could leave landscapes underwatered.

Time After Time

For the time being, it appears standard irrigation timers aren’t going anywhere. Simple and cost-effective, these classic timers are still a good option for a basic sprinkler system and for customers who prefer an easy, hands-on approach.

They may not be trendy and sophisticated, but they’re reliable standbys that continue to perform like clockwork, time after time.

---

Sources:
Featured Images: Adobe, License Granted
Global Growth Insights
Irrigation and Lighting
Live to Plant
Journeyman HQ
Top Appliance Picks