Best Pop-up Sprinkler Heads for Lawn Irrigation

Pop-up sprinkler heads are more popular for lawn irrigation because they are available in wide range of options that work best for you.

Also, best for irrigation of parks, sports fields, and ornamental gardens in Kenya. They offer automated, even watering with minimal obstruction when not in use.

Are you looking for pop-up sprinkler heads? We supply and install quality lawn pop-ups and complete system at affordable prices.

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Understanding Pop-up Sprinkler Heads

Pop -up sprinkler heads are designed to remain below the ground when not working. Any time you turn on the timer, solenoid valves open the water supply, and the sprinkler head pops up. Once it pops out the nozzle is exposed and water oozes out at high pressure that makes the sprinkler head to rotate.
When water is turned off (or pressure drops), the riser retracts back. The retraction mechanism ensures no mechanical damage to the sprinkler can happen.

Important Features of Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads

Nozzles

Water sprays out through a nozzle. By choosing different nozzle sizes and adjusting arc settings, you determine how far and in what pattern the water goes.

Spray Radius

Some models have adjustable spray angle (e.g. 40‑360°) so you can restrict water to certain sectors near fences, corners, etc.

Rotation

Some sprinklers are fixed spray while others are gear‑driven, which throw water in a rotating stream.

Precipitation rate

Precipitation rate depends on nozzle, pressure, and spray type. Too high rate leads to runoff; too low may under‑water.

Filtration

Built‑in filters/screen mesh trap debris. Also, features like rubber covers or caps protect from damage.

What are the Requirements for Pop-up Sprinkler Setup

1. Controller – it controls the water discharge in sprinkler zones by sending signals to start or stop the solenoid valves.
2. HDPE Pipes – HDPE Pipes that supply water from the source to sprinkler head.
3. Pump – for tank or municipal water supply, you need a booster pump to generate the pressure required.
4. Solenoid Valves – Controls the distribution of water to different sprinkler heads in coordination with timers
5. Sprinkler heads – enhances the water discharge to lawn field in an even manner at the scheduled time or durations.
6. Backflow preventer – safeguarding the water supply by preventing contamination and backflow.
7. Screen irrigation filter – required to remove sediments that can block sprinkler nozzles.
8. Pipe connectors – for Pipe connection in mainline and lateral to sprinkler head.
9. Electric cable – electricity supply to the solenoid valves
10. Control box – houses the controller and connection cables.

What Matters When Buying Pop-up Sprinkler System?

Things that should be of concern for anybody wishing to buy and install a pop-up sprinkler or lawn irrigation system are explained below:

• The size of the lawn field – exact size of your field impacts the choice of sprinkler head to use. You want to minimize cost of irrigation as well as installation. For large spaces you will obviously go for sprinkler heads with large spray radius.
• Pressure of your water supply system – pop-up sprinkler heads are designed to work under varying pressure rates as per their size. Check your water pressure to ensure it is within the sprinkler operational pressure requirement.
• Your budget amount – the budget you plan to spend to invest on your lawn sprinkler system decides whether you get a manual or automated system. Automatic lawn irrigation is more expensive as compared to a manual one.
• Shape of the compound – the shape of the property or land determines the type of pop sprinkler to use.
• Type of lawn grass – different lawn grasses and soil types have different water needs and retention rates.
• Installation and Support – considering the price and quality of the irrigation accessories is not enough. Your supplier should be involved in conducting your lawn irrigation setup or refer you to an expert technician.

How to Design and Install a Pop‑Up Sprinkler System

We conduct proper design and ensure right approach is done right from sprinkler sizing to installation and testing.

Survey and plan

• Measure the lawn area: record the measurement
• Identify the Water Source and Pressure: measure the pressure rating of your water source using a pressure gauge.
• Soil type: Sandy, loamy, clayey soils retain water differently. The soil type will determine which sprinkler to use.

Determine sprinkler head placement & spacing

• Head‑to‑head coverage: Ideally pop-up sprinklers should overlap to avoid dry patches.
• Spacing according to spray radius: small heads (~6‑10 m radius) may be spaced 12‑15 feet (≈3.5‑5 m) apart. Larger heads (12‑15 m) may need 20‑25 feet.
• Zoning: Divide the lawn into zones such that each zone uses roughly similar pressure/flow so heads in a zone work under similar conditions. Use solenoid valves per zone.

Selecting pipe size, heads, fittings

• Use durable underground pipe (HDPE or PVC) for main lines and laterals.
• Use appropriate fittings: tees, elbows, end caps; consider swing joints for heads in tricky positions so head alignment can be adjusted.
• Use backflow prevention if required by local regulation to prevent contamination of water supply.

Installation sequence

1. Mark layout: trench lines, head locations.
2. Dig trenches for pipes, set up solenoid valves, lay main / lateral pipes, slope them to avoid puddling.
3. Install sprinkler bodies/risers, connect nozzles, test for leaks.
4. Backfill trenches, ensuring pipes are protected, compact soil to avoid sinkage

How to Schedule Lawn Irrigation System

Time to Turn on the System

The best times are early morning or late evening, when evaporation rates are low and wind is calmer. Avoid mid‑day spraying.

Duration and frequency

Depending on soil type, grass species, local climate. It is best to water for 20‑30 minutes per zone, 3‑5 times per week for sandy soil, less frequent but longer duration for clay soils.

Zones

Only run one zone at a time. Zones are groups of heads that require similar pressure/flow. Running many heads on same valve with insufficient flow reduces pressure and radius.

How to Set Irrigation Schedule and frequency

Use automatic timers or irrigation controllers to set schedules.

Integrate with soil moisture sensors or rain sensors to skip watering when there’s sufficient moisture or after rain.

Adjust schedule seasonally: more in dry seasons; less or skip in rainy season.

How to Replace Faulty Pop-up Sprinkler Heads

1. Even with good maintenance, individual heads may fail or wear out. Steps to replace:
2. Identify which heads are faulty: Signs include heads not popping up, leaking, spraying unevenly or at odd angles, broken/stuck riser, clogged nozzle.
3. Shut off water to that zone: Turn off the valve or controller so no water flows while you work.
4. Remove the old head: Loosen the riser or body; sometimes there is a cap. Pull out the faulty head.
5. Inspect: Look for damage to riser, spring, seal, or check filter screen. If clogged, clean. If broken or worn, replace.
6. Install new head: Choose a compatible head (same inlet size, ideally similar radius / arc). Wrap pipe threads with plumber’s tape or use proper fittings. Ensure correct riser height and alignment.
7. Test: Turn water back on, observe spray pattern, radius, check for leaks. Adjust nozzle or arc if needed.

6 Ways to Maintain Pop‑Up Sprinkler | Lawn Irrigation System

Regular maintenance keeps the system running well and avoids wasting water / damage.

• Regular inspection: Weekly check for broken heads, misaligned heads, heads blocked by grass, weeds or debris.
• Clean filters and nozzles: Debris in the nozzle or screen can reduce flow or stop pop‑up action. Remove, clean with water (sometimes soak if mineral deposits).
• Check water pressure: Use a pressure gauge. If pressure drops, check leaks or the pump. If pressure is too high, use regulators.
• Adjust arc & radius: Over time heads may be knocked or shifted. Make sure spray is still covering intended area, not overshooting onto pavements or missing corners.
• Protect from mechanical damage: When trimming lawns, ensure heads are retracted or low enough; avoid hitting with lawn mowers, edging tools, or heavy vehicles.
• Replace worn parts: Springs, seals, nozzles wear with time. Replace to maintain performance