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Seasonal Adjust: The Easy Button for your Irrigation System

Did you know there’s a feature on just about every irrigation controller that makes controlling the run times a lot easier? Unfortunately most people with irrigation systems don’t realize the feature exists, and it’s probably the easiest way to operate your controller with just the push of a button.

The feature is called the seasonal adjust or water budget program. Basically, this function adjusts your run times by percentage. For example, if you have a zone running for ten minutes and adjusted the percentage to 70 percent, then the run time would adjust down to seven minutes and all the other zone run times on that program would be effected as well.

Some controllers even have a handier feature allowing you to pre-program the percentage per month so the controller adjusts the percentage automatically for you, thus saving you a trip to the controller seasonally.

The seasonal adjust should be used at least four times a year, but always remember to never exceed 100 percent. Exceeding 100 percent will add more time to your zone run time settings and more money to your bill.

Below are what we recommend.

Seasonal Adjustment Recommendations

July, Aug., Sept. Oct., May, June Nov., March, April Dec., Jan. Feb.
100% 80% 50% 20%

Finally, when no water is needed for your landscape, like during a wet winter or summer, the best position to set the dial is in the off position.

Getting to know your controller’s settings will not only save water, but also save you money. If you still have questions about setting the seasonal adjust on your system, refer to the owner’s manual. If you no longer have the manual handy, refer to the manufacturer’s website.

Of course, if you would like a personal irrigation checkup for your system and controller, call 210-704-SAVE to schedule an irrigation consultation with one of our trained conservation consultants.

Picture of Adolph Garcia
Adolph Garcia
Adolph ‘Marty’ Garcia is SAWS’ numero uno, top dog, the go-to guy for all things irrigation and has the experience (that would be 35 years) and professional memberships to back up such a stellar reputation. Not only is he a SAWS senior conservation consultant, but he also holds a Texas irrigators license, in addition to a plethora of other credentials. (Did we mention he’s a licensed plumber, too?) Teaching people about water issues is his passion, second only to America’s pastime – baseball – and the hot dogs, pretzels and beer that go with it.
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