subject: Facts On Lawn Sprinklers And Well Pumps For Lawn Irrigation Systems In St. Petersburg, Clearwater [print this page] Lawn irrigation systems are a must in StLawn irrigation systems are a must in St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Pinellas Park in Pinellas County, Florida. Here are some facts that lawn owners in St. Pete, Clearwater and Pinellas Park in Pinellas County may want to know about the lawn sprinklers and well pumps used in lawn irrigation systems.
Florida normally receives some 52 to 60 inches of rainfall each year, with more than half of that amount falling from June to September. Winter and spring months, on the other hand, have little rain. Because most of the soil in Florida is sandy, it does not hold much water. It only takes a few rainless days, therefore, to achieve conditions similar to a drought especially for lawn grass which has shallow roots that can only get water from the upper six to 12 inches of soil. Lawn irrigation systems with lawn sprinkler systems are, therefore, necessary for the upkeep of lawns.
Lawn irrigation systems use one of three types of pumps the surface centrifugal pump, the jet pump, and the submersible centrifugal pump. The choice depends on the water flow rate and the operating pressure required by the system, and on whether the source of water is a deep water well or surface water supply. The friction of water flowing through the various system pipes, fittings and valves further decreases pressure. Pressure may also be lost or gained depending on the area topography.
The lawn sprinkler system is attached to the pipes connected to the well pumps. It sprays water over the lawn or over a garden or flower bed. The pipes are buried underground, some 12 inches below the surface.
There are several choices for sprinkler systems, from the simplest to the most complex types. Selections are based on the kind of application required, with factors such as area of coverage, rate of precipitation and operating pressure. Basically the choice is between spray head sprinklers, rotary sprinklers or oscillating sprinklers.
There are also several sub-types of spray head sprinklers. These are lawn spray head sprinklers, bed spray head sprinklers and shrub spray head sprinklers. They all require an operating pressure of 15 to 30 psi in general. Bed spray head sprinklers and shrub spray head sprinklers often have stationary raised heads while lawn spray head sprinklers can be either stationary or retractable.
Retractable lawn spray head sprinklers are pushed by water pressure to pop up above the ground. When the water pressure drops, they automatically retract to the level of the ground. There is better water distribution because of the added height and there is less need to trim the grass around the sprinkler heads.
The disadvantage of retractable lawn spray head sprinklers, though, is that the sulfur, iron and alkalines in Floridas water may create chemical deposits or bacterial slime that could damage the sprinklers pop up mechanism. Sand could also cause damage.
Rotary sprinklers spray water in a full or half circular pattern. These are used for large areas. They require an operating pressure of 25 to 80 psi. There is a choice of stationary and retractable rotary sprinklers. Gear driven models are more expensive than impact models but are more durable because the rotating mechanism is protected from water.
Oscillating sprinklers have a metal arm that moves forward and backwards, spraying water in a rectangular pattern that can cover an area of about 20 feet by 30 feet.
To ensure problem free lawn irrigation systems in St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Pinellas Park in Pinellas County, make sure to find a reputable supplier who does professional installations of water wells, well pumps and lawn sprinkler systems, and does lawn sprinkler systems repair as well.
