Our 5 Favourite Sprinklers for Summer
Summer and sprinklers go together like Vegemite and cheese. As well as being a fun way for the kids to keep cool, the right sprinkler can help keep your lawn and garden lush and green on even the most scorching days.
If your sprinkler system just doesn't cut it, check out Pope's picks:
1. Rainmaker Oscillator
- Watering pattern: Rectangle
- Spray type: Oscillating
- What it does: Quicker, wider watering
- Best for: Large, rectangular lawns with a diameter of 22m or more
- Maximum coverage: 12m x 14m or 168m²
How it works: 17 precisely positioned nozzles slowly rotate with no patch left dry. The patented sled base slides through grass, while the nozzle cleaning pin and removable filter washer make it easy to unclog if needed.
Handy Tips
- Check there's enough water pressure and flow through the oscillator (300kpa is recommended).
- Check the gear housing doesn't scrape or rub against things like stones or the ground. If you're unsure, place the oscillator on a flat board or similar to raise it slightly above ground.
- Use the lever to adjust the spray pattern and never grab or spin the nozzles.
- Check the water supply is clean and the filter is attached to the oscillator inlet.
- Water your surrounding garden beds (as well as your lawn!) Move the sprinkler so the oscillating pattern will reach your garden and turn up the flow on your tap.
2. Partner Sprinkler
- Watering pattern: Circle
- Spray type: Diffused
- What it does: Versatile watering with even coverage
- Best for: Small veggie and flower garden areas with a diameter of 12m or less
- Maximum coverage: 9m diameter
How it works: The sturdy, durable metal sprinkler provides uniform, full-circle coverage with relatively big drops and a middle rotating spinner.
Handy Tip
Drain water out of the sprinkler after use to extend its life.
3. Square Sprinkler
- Watering pattern: Square
- Spray type: Diffused
- What it does: Covers every corner
- Best for: Modern townhouses with small, rectangular laws and gardens
- Maximum coverage: 8m diameter
How it works: The sturdy, durable metal sprinkler provides uniform coverage with relatively big drops and a middle rotating spinner.
Handy Tip
Drain water out of the sprinkler after use to extend its life.
4. Canberra Sprinkler
- Watering pattern: Circle
- Spray type: Multiple rotating streams
- What it does: Quicker, wider watering
- Best for: Medium-sized laws and gardens
- Maximum coverage: 12m – 22m diameter
How it works: The three arms rotate to effectively dispense water in a circle pattern. Easy to use with a solid metal base and heavy-duty brass construction, it's backed by a five-year warranty.
Handy Tip
Join multiple Canberra sprinklers together by simply removing the cap on the other end of the base, screwing in a 20mm BSP tap adaptor and snapping on your hose.
5. Raintower Sprinkler
- Watering pattern: Circle
- Spray type: Impact jet
- What it does: Powerful jet spray even in windy conditions
- Best for: Large laws and gardens
- Maximum coverage: 24m diameter
How it works: With fully adjustable height (0.5 – 0.85m) and impact settings, it offers impressive coverage across larger areas. Easily adjust the legs on uneven ground, and the spray pattern from full to half circle. Waters over bushes, shrubs and other foliage, but isn't recommended on areas with delicate flowers or plants.
Handy Tip
Use a peg to secure the legs, so the sprinkler doesn't tip over under high water pressure when extended to 0.7-0.85m.
As you can see, there are plenty of durable, versatile sprinkler systems to choose from. And best of all, you (and the kids!) will be up and running in no time.
