Lawn Sprinkler Programs

Programs

• Several irrigation controller models feature multiple programs. The programs are usually represented by a letter, such as "A," "B" and "C." Each program letter can have its own full schedule, including start times and water days for any or all of the stations or zones. You don't have to set schedules for each program, however. You could technically only use one program for the life of your irrigation controller and system. Programs come in handy when different parts of the lawn require different schedules or when you like to water more or less often during certain times of the year.

Setting Programs

• Programs can be set on the controller by first flipping the "Program" switch, which is located on the left side of the control panel or to the left side of the irrigation dial. The switch has the ability to shift to either of the program letters. Once the switch is in place, you can program the stations, watering times and duration times for that program letter and then flip the switch to program the next program.

Watering Start Times

• A program might have a cap to how many start times it can schedule. A start time is the time of day that the controller activates the connected water valve to open and sends water to the sprinklers to water the lawn. Move the program switch to the program letter you wish to program and twist the controller dial to "Set Watering Start Times." The current start time appears on the display. Use the directional buttons to raise or lower the start time until it's the time you desire. After the time has been set, you can press the "Advance" button or something similar to move on to the next watering start time.

Watering Days

• Watering days are determined by which cycle you choose for each program letter. A "Custom" cycle can water on specific days of your choosing, an "Odd" cycle waters on odd days, an "Even" cycle waters on even days and a "Cyclic" cycle waters on a chosen interval, such as every second or third day. Any of these options you can pick for each program letter.

Watering Duration Times

• The duration time is the amount of time each zone spends watering. Watering duration times are programmable for each zone or station within each program. For example, you could set the watering duration time at station 1 for 30 minutes, set to go off at 2:00 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. You could set the watering duration time at station 1 for 15 minutes, set to go off at 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays.