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

I am currently in the late planning stages of my sprinkler system. I have a small spring fed pond that I would like to use as my primary water source with the city water as a back-up. The pond is within 70 feet of an electrical source, so hooking up a pump should not be a problem. My city water main is on the other side of the house and I am unsure how to connect the systems so that I can switch back and forth between water sources. Any ideas? Am I looking for problems using pond water for my lawn - simple screen filtered? What size pump do you recommend to pull water from the pond and disperse in the system (prefer to have non-submersible)?

thanks - I guess I was trying to save a buck or two, but if you think the headache is inevitable, I'll go with the main hook-up.

Several "outsiders" have tried to talk me into watering my lawn more efficiently. But, I guess the aggrivation isn't worth the money saved. Are most systems now installed with auto-feeding units? I'm considering it - any concerns I should have (clogs, dispertion, etc.)?

I had my local Rainbird supplier out to help me plan out the system. Paying a little extra for his expertise wouldn't bother me so much except for the fact that he left me with a $900 to $1100 estimate - his actual estimate came in at over $1800. I think this is excessive. Who has honest to goodness prices out there?

He did come to the property. He even flagged out where the sprinkler heads would be. He seemed confident in his price before he left. That's the reason I'm a little shocked over his estimate. $700 more and I can have the system installed from another company that came out and gave me an estimate. I have been on-line to search some suppliers. I am finding some cheaper prices out there.