SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Yes, as Gregory has stated, Rain-Bird makes a "1800 - PRS" series (pressure regulation) pop-up. In your case I would recommend that you use a Rain-Bird PGA series valve ( www.rainbird.com/landscape/products/valves/pga_series.htm ) with the PRS-D regulator ( www.rainbird.com/landscape/products/valves/prs_dial.htm ). This will probably be the least expensive way to go in the long run, since you will have to purchase a valve anyhow to install the extra zone. As you will see it will allow you to dial in the pressure to accommodate your needs as your system is installed. You can however go just with the 1800-PRS series heads and forgo the PRS-D regulation on the valve ( www.rainbird.com/landscape/products/sprays/1800prs.htm ).

Best of luck! <><

rainbird 1800 series also have ones with a regulator in them...i just got some hunters pro sprays i like them the spray pattern on them is nice....

I appreciate the feedback from you guys. Thanks. So I have seen spray heads by Hunter with a built in regulators, who else makes a regulator head? Like I said I am trying to keep the pump running during the on time, and I need to use up about 16 gal per minute, which puts me at about 52# presssure, or slighty above the pressure switch cut off point. I have no problem using bigger pipe as I am pumping uphill and bigger pipe keeps the friction loss to a minimum. I have been trying to find an answer about using a pump start relay instead off the pressure switch to control the pump. But I am afraid if one of the valves did not open or close I might have some trouble? What do you think? Also do those pressure regulators fit inline after the valve? Thank you.

Your best bet is to stick with a pressure of about 30 psi. Too much over that and your water droplets will be come smaller (aka. misting / fogging). When this happens you increase your evaporation-transpiration rates (how fast water evaporates or is transpired). The idea is to have large enough droplets to overcome normal evaporation rates and to penetrate in to the soil.

To answer your question, yes. It would be a good idea to use heads with built n pressure regulation. But depending on how many you will need to install could make it expensive. Another option could be installing pressure regulation at the valve (just have to weigh what will be the less expensive route), or to use enough water / heads to drop your dynamic pressure to a sound 25 - 30 psi.

Best of luck! <><

I like the questions you're asking. My bet is that if you size your pipe correctly you'll be ok and wont be misting. How many heads are you putting on that line (i may have missed it if you already said). What I would do is to put a valve on that has a flow control so that if you are misting you can turn it down at the valve.

I would like to add a new line to my sprinkler system this spring which would be for spray heads only. I read by your comments that most of you guys are favoring the Rainbird heads, with Hunter being a close second. The sytem is a well/pump system and I have 52# pressure at the point of connection for take off of the new line. My question is, I see most sprays are running at 35-40# pressure. What problems will I have if any with that pressure? Misting etc.? Or do I need to consider sprays that have a built in regulator for pressure? I plan to put enough sprays on the line to keep the pump running during operation.