Have you ever wished that your lawn could have more than just green? If so, an above-ground sprinkler system might be the answer to your problem. An above-ground sprinkler system is a type of irrigation system that installs sprinklers in a raised position, usually directly under the eaves of your home or near the highest point of your yard.
The elevated position allows for even water distribution and prevents water from collecting at the base. These systems are perfect for areas with limited lawn space, such as townhouses or smaller backyards. You’ll no longer need to worry about having enough grass to cut or having to mow your lawn every week. They’re also excellent for people who have pets and small children.
Instead of having them play directly on top of a wet lawn all day, having them play on an above-ground sprinkler system lets them play safely in another part of the yard without worrying about grass growing back too quickly or mud from playing getting everywhere else when they’re done.
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What you’ll need to build an above-ground sprinkler system
You’ll need the right soil to build an above ground sprinkler system. The ideal soil is a loam that is well-drained, slightly acidic, and doesn’t contain a lot of clay. You want it to be light enough for the roots of your grass to grow through, but if it’s too heavy, the grass will struggle to grow.
You’ll also need a sprinkler system to build your system around. You can either buy a pre-assembled system or build your own from PVC pipe, fittings, and sprinkler valves.
How to build an above ground sprinkler system
Start by digging a trench in your yard about six to eight inches deep. You want the trench to be deep enough that you can lay the PVC pipe into it. After it’s in place, you’ll need to fill the trench with gravel. The gravel will help to keep the soil under the pipes evenly moist and prevent the earth from caving in at the bottom of the trench. If you have an above-ground sprinkler system built into your roof, you can skip the next step and just fill the trench with soil. If not, you’ll need to dig down to the roof line of your home.
This is where the trench will be. If you have a level roof, you can proceed with filling the trench with soil. If not, you’ll need to adjust the level of your roof so you’re at the same level as your trench. This can be done by filling the trench with soil, then removing it and placing a level on the roof. You may want to dig another trench for this purpose if you don’t want to leave a big roof-digging mark on the roof.
Once the trench on your roof is level, you can fill it with soil. If you choose to fill the trench with soil, you’ll need to mix it with an equal amount of compost or manure to help the grass get a good start. You can also add some fertilizer to the soil if you’d like. If you go this route, be sure that you spread it out of the way before it has a chance to get into the pipes of your sprinkler system. If you’re building your system on the ground, you can simply dig a trench in your yard and lay the PVC pipe directly into the trench. If you’re using an above-ground sprinkler system, you’ll need to make sure the pipe is set 1/2″ below the surface of the ground.
Installing an above ground sprinkler system with a rain sensor
Installing an above ground sprinkler system with a rain sensor allows you to turn the sprinklers on when it rains and off when it stops, but can also be programmed to run for a certain amount of time if the weather is clear. This is ideal for those who have a yard that rarely gets rain, but want to get some water during a dry spell.
The sensor will only let water through when it’s actually raining, preventing you from wasting water during dry spells. There are two types of rain sensor – those that only let water through when it’s raining, and those that let water through during heavy rain. This can be helpful if you want to water your lawn during a storm but sometimes there’s just too much rain to get the grass wet.
How to install a lighted garden hose sprinkler system
Installing a lighted garden hose sprinkler system is relatively easy, requiring only a few basic tools and a few hours of your time. You’ll need an extension cord to plug the lighted hose into, a lighted hose adapter, and a water source.
The water source will vary depending on the size of your yard and the type of system you have. Start by turning off the water to the faucet where the garden hose will be connected. Next, push the end of the hose into the spigot until it’s snug. Once that’s done, plug the extension cord into the wall and turn it on. Now, switch the extension cord to the garden hose adapter and plug it into the lighted hose. The adapter will direct the electricity to the water and light up the hose. Finally, turn the spigot back on to begin watering your yard.
How to install a pressure-balanced irrigation system
Pressure-balanced irrigation systems are different from a conventional push type system in that they use a weighted wheel at the bottom of the sprinkler to create a constant pressure as the sprinkler draws water from the irrigation system. Traditional systems use a spring or cable system to create pressure and are subject to failure if they are buried too deeply.
The weighted wheel system is perfect for those with shallow sprinkler systems as it will not pull the sprinkler out of the ground. The weighted wheel system is also ideal for those who have pets as it does not create a potential drowning hazard for children and pets. The weighted wheel system is also less likely to clog than the standard push style. A pressure-balanced system is ideal for lawns that have a slope, play areas, and gardens. It’s also a great option for those who only need a small amount of water during clear days.
Wrapping up
If you have a lawn that often gets too wet or has limited space, an above-ground sprinkler system is a great way to save water and keep your grass green. You can install an above-ground sprinkler system in your yard without digging up your lawn. Simply dig a trench, lay the pipes into the trench, then fill the pipes with gravel and soil. Once your system is set up and working, you can simply turn it on when it’s needed and turn it off when it’s not needed. Above-ground sprinkler systems can save you a lot of time and hassle by getting the job done for you. Once you’ve had a chance to read this guide, you’ll be ready to take on an above-ground sprinkler system project in no time.
