Smart irrigation timers have become popular for homeowners that wish to have the ultimate convenience of a sprinkler system that adjusts itself based on changes in the weather and seasons. With a smart WiFi timer, you can set the initial programming and, practically speaking, never have to touch it again.  And if you do want to make manual changes or simply to check on what's happening, you can do that instantly through the timer's app on your mobile device. The technology has certainly been advancing rapidly. So, what's next in residential timers?

The ARC Series smart lawn irrigation timer is in direct response to what homeowners have liked about our mobile app. In fact, it is so easy to use, you manage this model simply (and only) through the app. You can also operate it with your voice when the timer is connected to an Alexa or Google Home automation hub. There are no more dials to turn or buttons to press on the timer face. No screen. And no more running to the garage to operate the timer. You now have complete control of your lawn and garden irrigation entirely in the palm of your hand.

The ARC Series app-based controller will manage up to 8 stations (sprinkler zones) and can replace any standard timer whether it is mounted indoors or outdoors. It can be used with or without a rain sensor, enabling potential rebates through participating water districts.

Setting up the new ARC timer is as simple as:

1. Ready - Attach wires to the same screw terminals as the old timer.
2. Set - Turn the timer on and pair it with your home WiFi network.
3. Go! Go directly to the Rain Bird app (in the App Store and Google Play) to create an irrigation schedule that is customized to your lawn.

Once ARC is up and running, the true advantages of this lawn irrigation controller become obvious, beginning with the potential for savings on your next water bill. Using features like Automatic Seasonal Adjust, Cycle and Soak, and Delay Watering Due to Forecasted Rain reduces wasted water and the timer begins paying for itself immediately. It is also EPA WaterSense certified, which means it qualifies in some areas for a rebate from local water districts. Check with your local water district to see what kind of rebate you may have available. Between water savings and a rebate, you may not have to pay anything for a new ARC timer.

Other advanced features of the new ARC include:

Automatic seasonal adjust

Increase watering during hot dry months, decrease it during historically cool and rainy periods for your area. Automatic Seasonal Adjust updates your watering percentage daily based on historical weather data, recent weather, and forecasted weather. 

Three individual programs (A,B,C) and four start times for each program. 

Tailor programs to different areas of your lawn as well as the types of plants and soil. For example, build different programs for turf, trees, and gardens. These different watering areas may need different watering durations on different days of the week, or a cycle of deep watering once a week. 

Cycle and Soak

Use Cycle and Soak water scheduling to break up watering duration so you water for shorter periods of time, with soak time in-between, which allows the water to soak into the ground. This is especially helpful for clay soil or on slopes. 

Customized notifications

The app allows you to stay in touch with your yard, notifying you on your mobile device when the system is doing or not doing something you'd like to know. For example, it can trigger messages about watering delays, electrical faults, or any other events you select for notifications.

Convenient access sharing

Securely share control for a specified time with family members or lawn service professionals that may wish to adjust programming or make system repairs.

Need professional help?

If your system has special requirements or you would prefer professional installation for any reason, you can find a dependable contractor on this referral page.