Pop-up sprinklers are the ultimate modern irrigation options for automatic lawn irrigation systems. A well-designed pop-up sprinkler system can deliver uniform and efficient water lawn irrigation without needing manual operation. To get it right, you need proper design, correct pipe and component sizing and expert installation.
Pop-up Sprinkler System Supplier in Kenya
Aqua Hub Kenya is a top pop-up sprinkler system supplier, with expert sizing and connection of automatic lawn irrigation system.
If you are looking for pop-up sprinklers or in need of reliable lawn irrigation system. Consider Aqua Hub’s automated pop-up sprinklers.
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Pop-up Sprinkler System Installation
1.Pop-up Sprinkler System Planning
a) Map your site
Start by sketching a site diagram or plan. Include physical buildings, driveways, fences, trees and turf. Mark hard surfaces and any existing obstacles to give the canvas on which sprinklers must work.
Divide the turf area into zones for easier and convenient irrigation each zone will typically be watered separately to avoid overloading your system.
b) Measure available flow and pressure
You should identify the amount of water flow in your water supply and the pressure it flows with.
c) Choose sprinkler types & spacing pattern
Pop‑up sprinklers come in two common types:
- Fixed spray heads: these spray a fixed arc (say 30°, 90°, 180°, or 360°). Suitable for small lawns, narrow strips, edges.
- Gear‑driven heads: these deliver water in rotating streams, suitable for larger zones where longer reach is needed.
2. Pop Sprinkler System Layout and Component Sizing
a) Pipe layout: mains, sub‑mains, laterals
Your pipe connection will require the use of:
- HDPE Main line Pipe: from source to valve manifold
- Sub‑main Pipe: distributing from valves to zones
- Laterals: smaller diameter pipe runs carrying water to the heads
Design the pipe network in a loop layout to ensure low pressure loss. Use pipes designed with moderate friction and velocity loss.
You calculate pressure loss through each pipe run: consider pipe length, diameter, material (PVC, HDPE), and flow in that section. Sum up losses to make sure the pressure at the farthest or highest head is adequate.
If parts of the pipe network cause too much pressure drop, you may need to increase pipe diameters or split the zone into smaller zones.
b) Nozzle and head selection
Once pipe pressures are known at each head location, select the nozzle size or sprinkler head rated for that pressure to yield desired flow. Many systems try to standardize nozzle types where possible for simplicity.
To maintain uniformity, you’ll want tight pressure variation across all heads. If pressure variance is too wide, consider using pressure regulators.
c) Zone & valve sizing
Each zone should run a limited number of heads, so their combined flow doesn’t exceed the capability of your pipes and valves. If a full zone exceeds what your pump or supply can deliver, split it into two or more zones.
Select solenoid valves sized for the expected flow. Oversizing gives low friction loss; under sizing may choke flow.
Install a backflow prevention device at the system inlet to prevent irrigation water from contaminating potable supply. This is typically required by code.
3. Pop-up Sprinkler System Installation: Trenches, Pipes & Heads
a) Trenching & pipe laying
Dig trenches of 6 – 12 inches deep so that the top of the pipe is protected from mechanical damage.
Lay pipe straight, with gentle curves; avoid sharp bends. Use correct compression fittings for HDPE pipe connections.
Flush all pipes before installing heads to clear debris. Cap ends during work.
b) Install valves, manifolds, and connection to supply
Set up a valve manifold in a valve box inside a protected manhole. Connect the main supply, and from the manifold run sub‑mains/laterals.
Ensure the manifold is placed centrally so pipe runs to pop-up heads are reasonably balanced.
c)Install Pop‑up sprinkler heads
Install each sprinkler head on a riser, set so the top is slightly above final soil level. Use risers of appropriate height 50 mm to 300 mm or more, depending on turf height and mowing equipment.
Carefully align the heads vertically. After installation but before covering with soil, open the zone and test for leaks or misalignment.
Add swing joints or flexible riser portions in areas where shifting may occur to relieve stress.
4. Pop-up Sprinkler System testing
a) Pressure tests and leak checks
Before covering trenches, run each zone, check for leaks, broken pipes, or misaligned heads. Monitor pressure with a gauge, ensure deviations are acceptable.
b) Adjust arc, radius and overlap
Many pop‑ups have adjustable screws to tweak radius or arc. Walk the irrigated area and visually check that all areas are getting coverage while considering overlaps. Adjust head direction or replace nozzles if needed.
c) Check Irrigation Duration
Start the lawn irrigation to check the uniformity by visually monitoring the wetting rate in all the zones. Adjust spacing or nozzle selection if needed.
Set watering durations so that your soil is wetted to appropriate depth often ½ to 1 inch per cycle, depending on soil infiltration.
5. Pop-up Sprinkler System automation, Scheduling & Maintenance
a) Controller & sensors
Use an automatic controller or timer to manage irrigation of zones. Smart controllers or weather‑based controllers further reduce water waste by skipping runs when soil is already moist.
Add soil moisture sensors to prevent watering during rains.
b) Seasonal adjustments
Change run times or scheduling seasonally. In hot, dry months you may need more frequent watering, in cooler months less.
Flush the system periodically, clean filters or strainers, and inspect heads for clogging or damage.
