| Specs Item | Specs Description |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Product Dimensions | 9.1″L x 1.4″W x 5.6″H |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Zone Capacity | 8 zones |
The Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller is a useful device that helps you manage how you water your garden.
The device connects the solenoids that control what zone is watered in an underground sprinkler system.
Being a smart device, Racho 3 connects to your WiFi network and is controllable via the cloud through an app or even web interface.
Besides this, you can control it via voice commands if you have a smart speaker.
The most interesting thing about this WiFi-enabled device is that it uses local weather forecasts to precisely control the sprinkling schedule, making it a convenient tool for any garden enthusiast.
Actually, there are a lot of benefits to using the Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller.
In this guide, we will review Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controllers by exploring their specifications, design and built quality, performance, installation, operations, maintenance, and key features.
Overview of the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Pros
- Easy to set up and control
- It comes with lots of control options for more convenience.
- The whole system is very configurable and user-friendly. The app is easy to read as well.
- Compatibility with popular smart home systems like Google Home and Alexa
- Automated scheduling features make it possible to water your garden at specific schedules, which also adjust based on local weather data.
- Versatile hardware and app features
- Comes with better water-intelligent features, which improve conservation.
Cons
- It doesn’t add color to zone indicators on the front plate.
- The unit lacks wire stickers.
- Huge investment upfront. While the product offers advanced features that simplify water sprinkling in your home, the initial cost may deter some budget-conscious customers.
- Limited zone capacity. Some Rachio 3 devices have limited zone capacity, so they may not be suitable for larger spaces.
Specifications
| Specs Item | Specs Description |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Product Dimensions | 9.1″L x 1.4″W x 5.6″H |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Zone Capacity | 8 zones |
| Features | Automated scheduling, local weather intelligence, rain, freeze, and wind skip |
| Compatibility | Works with Alexa and is app-enabled |
Prices
- Rachio 3 smart 4-zone sprinkler controller costs about $91 and $149.
- The 8-zone controller goes for about $80, but prices vary on different stores.
- The 12-zone controller has three watering programs and is only available at Costco and also costs about $199.
- The 16-zone sprinkler controller is available on Rachio.com and many other retail stores, just like the 4 and 8-zone sprinkler controllers. It costs $249 on both Rachio.com and Amazon.
Detailed Review of the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Packaging and Build Quality
Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller comes in an attractive package with several components in it.
Specifically, it comes with a power supply, controller, a quick start guide, and wall screws.
And in terms of construction, the Rachio 3 boasts a robust and durable build that can withstand the rigors of an outdoor environment.
The set is constructed from top-quality materials, offering longevity and reliability in various weather conditions.
Desing and Features
The Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller looks almost similar to the 2nd generation model, but there are obvious differences.
First, the set is enclosed in white plastic and measures 5.5 by 9.1 by 1.4 inches. The 3rd generation also comes with an LED light bar that runs the width of the cover.
It tells you the zone in which the sprinkler is currently watering. It also alerts you when there is a connectivity error.
Another impressive thing about the Rachio 3 is the magnetic cover that pops off easily to reveal the wiring terminal for different zones.
This terminal also has two common connections, two 24 VAC output connectors, two sensor connections, and a jack for the power brink. These connectors make the installation easy.
Additionally, the Rachio 3 comes with new Premium Weather Intelligence Plus technology that pulls together massive weather data from over 300,000 satellites, weather stations, and radar sources.
Such data will help the system deliver the best possible weather-based watering schedule for your locality.
Just like the previous models, the Rachio 3 comes with a companion mobile app. The app will help you control the device from wherever you are. It is also user-friendly.
This app opens to a dashboard with weekly weather forecasts at the top. At the bottom of the app screen are five buttons: Zones, Home, History Schedule, and More.
The Home button will return you to the Dashboard, while the Schedule button shows you the current watering schedule. You can also use the button to create new watering schedules.
Likewise, the Zones button takes you to the zone configuration screen. Here, you can set parameters for each zone, such as sprinkler type, soil type, slope, and sun exposure.
The History button shows you all controller events, including manual and scheduled watering start and stop times for the various zones.
Installation
Setting up the Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller involves a handful of steps that are well documented in the start-up guide. You also have the app to help you in the setup process. The process involves:
- Testing and removing the old system
- Removing the old controller and mounting the new one
- Downloading the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and creating an account. At this stay, you also pair the device with your WiFi connection.
- After that, set up the various zones.
- Performing any other necessary advanced settings
Operations and Performance
Using the Rachio 3 sprinkler controller is a breeze. This is partly due to its simple and user-friendly interface and intuitive controls.
And the best thing is that you can set up several watering options based on your needs. You can choose between Fixed, Flex Daily, and Flex Monthly.
The Fixed watering option is ideal for watering newly planted grass, gardens, and other similar needs that call for a set routine.
As the names suggest, the Fixed option will stick to a given routine without any modification.
Rachio’s Flex Monthly is more flexible than the Fixed watering option. It automatically adjusts how long and how often your sprinklers run based on the season of the year.
It is sort of the balanced option as it balances a reliable watering frequency with savings of money and water.
The Flex Daily option adjusts the watering schedule according to the weather, and it changes daily.
For this reason, this option gives you the best possible chance of savings as it customizes watering to your garden based on local weather.
Once your Racho establishes a schedule, it will begin to track the soil moisture levels and display the balance of precipitation, irrigation, and evaporation that contributes to the amount of moisture in the ground.
You can then gauge how the system is performing based on how your garden appears versus how it thinks it is doing. This way, you can make necessary changes if there is a mismatch.
The built-in intelligent feature not only saves you money and water but also ensures your garden receives the right amount of hydration when needed.
This will contribute to a greener environment and healthier plants.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
The Rachio 3 features a low-maintenance design. Such a build will reduce the need for frequent upkeep once you have installed it.
And if you encounter any issue, troubleshooting the Rachio 3 is straightforward.
Some of the likely problems are WiFI connectivity issues, app not syncing, zone not watering according to schedule, unexpected watering, controller appearing offline, and software update issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, it does not. The Rachio 3 smart sprinkler device can only operate one zone at any given time.
This way, it can support optimal water pressure and efficiency.
Yes, it does. The way is saves water is by controlling water schedule after collecting and analysing local weather data as well as the specific needs of your yard.
The Rachio 3 is a smart device. So, it will continue to water your garden based on the last saved schedule until the connection is back.
Final Thoughts
Anyone can setup a functional controller to water at specified times.
But if you want more freedom, convenience, and accuracy, then the Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller will deliver improved irrigation with minimal hassle.
It stands out for its enhanced connectivity options, vast smart home integration options, solid build, and user-friendly app that comes with advanced features.
This top-notch device supports accurate watering calculations and can link up with a vast number of integrations to deliver intelligent coordination.
For instance, you can use integrations to set up geofencing to suppress sprinkler action along the walkway if someone is approaching the site of action.
Besides its smart operation, the whole system is easy to install and operate. In fact, after setting it up, you can forget about it because it will operate as scheduled, thanks to its array of advanced features.
The fact that it can work with systems like Alexa means that convenience and efficiency are not only at your fingertips but also your voice.
While it might be a little bit pricey upfront, the savings in water waste and the optimal benefits to your garden will make it a worthwhile investment.
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