If you’re looking for a sprinkler system but don’t want to deal with the high costs that can come with a below-ground irrigation system, an above-ground sprinkler system can be a more affordable and flexible option.

Maintaining your lawn or garden yourself can be a time-consuming process, but having a sprinkler system can make the work a lot easier. Still, it can be hard to know where to start with one.

Luckily,

Jerry

, the

super app

for

home and car insurance

, is here to give you the rundown on what options are out there for setting up your above-ground sprinkler system. We cover what an above-ground sprinkler system contains, what kinds of sprinklers you can choose from, and how you can take care of your entire property with the right home insurance.

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What is an above-ground sprinkler system?

An above-ground sprinkler system refers to any sprinkler system that has all its operating components above the ground rather than being connected to an underground water system.

An above-ground sprinkler system is typically less costly and less invasive than an underground system. It also gives you more flexibility if you decide you want to rearrange the system or use it in multiple areas—plus these are easy to DIY!

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How to choose an above-ground sprinkler system

To choose the right sprinkler for your yard, here are some factors you’ll want to consider:

Purpose of your sprinkler system: Whether you’re looking to water your entire lawn, irrigate a backyard garden, or just want to focus on a small area, how to set up your above-ground sprinkler system will depend on your ultimate goal.

Yard size and shape: The size and shape of your yard, or the specific areas within it that you want to be covered, will have an impact on what sprinkler type you should choose and how many you’ll need.

Price: You might be able to find some stationary sprinklers for as little as $5, while more advanced systems could have you spending upwards of $100.

Special settings (adjustable patterns, timers, clog-free nozzles): Some sprinklers and sprinkler accessories can make managing your above-ground sprinkler system even more hands-free.

Number of sprinklers: You might only need one sprinkler if you’re looking to cover a small area, but for large or disconnected areas, you might want to opt for multiple sprinklers.

Sprinkler type(s): Depending on your needs, you can use one or a combination of sprinkler types to reach your entire desired coverage area.

Here are some of the most commonly used kinds of above-ground sprinklers.

Oscillating sprinklers

An oscillating sprinkler consists of a tube with multiple holes that move side to side to spread water over a wide area. These sprinklers can be great for covering a rectangular-shaped area, but if your yard is an unusual shape, it might be hard to water it evenly with an oscillating sprinkler.

Best oscillating sprinkler: Melnor Turbo Oscillator

Available at

Amazon

This oscillating sprinkler by Melnor can cover an area of up to 4,500 square feet. It also can come with multiple settings that let you customize the width and length of the coverage area, and you can even use a timer to make watering that much easier.

Pulsating sprinklers

Pulsating sprinklers spray water in a circular motion as they rotate. They can be mounted on a sturdy base or on a stake that you can insert into the ground.

Best pulsating sprinkler: STYDDI Pulsating Impact Sprinkler

Available at

Amazon

This pulsating sprinkler is available for under $25 and has a rust- and corrosion-resistant metal base for greater durability and long-lasting performance. The base’s weight helps to keep the sprinkler from flipping over, and it comes with an adapter to make hookup to a water source quick and easy.

It also has an adjustable spray pattern that can cover a 20-degree to 360-degree range.

MORE: How much water damage will total a car?

Stationary sprinklers

If you’re looking to water just one or several small areas, a stationary sprinkler might be the choice for you. They come with a variety of different spray patterns to make it easier to water an irregularly-shaped area. Stationary sprinklers also tend to be relatively inexpensive, making them a good option if you’re on a budget.

Best stationary sprinkler: Melnor Metal 8-Pattern and Quick Connect Sprinkler

Available at

Amazon

This Melnor stationary sprinkler comes with eight different settings and an adapter to help you easily connect and disconnect it from a garden hose. It has three color choices—blue, green, and pink—if you’re looking for a sprinkler that can match the aesthetic of your garden oasis.

This stationary sprinkler even comes with a 7-year limited warranty—not bad for a product under $20!

Traveling sprinklers

Traveling sprinklers are nifty little contraptions that are propelled by water pressure to move back and forth across your yard to cover a wider area. Traveling sprinklers can be a good option if you have a large area to cover but don’t want to frequently move sprinklers around.

That said, they can be a little pricier when compared to other sprinklers, and you may need to get strategic about your setup if it tends to get stuck on certain terrain in your yard.

Best traveling sprinkler: Nelson Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain

Available at

Amazon

The Nelson Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain claims to be able to travel up to 200 feet to cover an area of up to 13,500 square feet. It has adjustable spray arms that can create a coverage range between 15 and 55 feet in diameter. It also has an automatic shut-off setting.

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Sprinkler hoses

Sprinkler hoses are about as simple as it gets for an above-ground sprinkler system—it’s essentially just a hose with perforations throughout. Since hoses are flexible, they can make it easier to cover abnormally-shaped or narrow areas.

Best sprinkler hose: Swan Products Element Sprinkler Soaker Hose

Available at

Amazon

This 50-foot sprinkler hose comes with both sprinkler and heavier-duty soaking settings—one on each side of the hose. You can simply flip over the hose for the setting you want to use. It comes with a 7-year warranty.

MORE: How to do summer car maintenance

How to install an above ground sprinkler system

Once you have chosen your sprinkler system, you’ll need to install it correctly. Here are the basic steps involved with installing an above ground sprinkler system:

Take note of specific set-up instructions for the sprinkler(s) you choose

Set sprinkler(s) to desired settings, if needed

Connect to a water source

Let the water flow and test out your new sprinkler system!

Make adjustments as needed

MORE:

How to troubleshoot and repair a lawn sprinkler system

How to properly care for an above-ground sprinkler system

New to caring for an above-ground sprinkler system? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Don’t leave your sprinklers running too long. This can waste water and run up your utility bill, and it could also damage the plants in your yard from overwatering.

Disconnect your sprinkler system before freezing temperatures set in. Running your sprinklers during freezing temperatures could damage the water line, cause cracking in your hose, or damage the sprinkler itself.

Check regularly for clogs to avoid the risk of burst pipes inside your home.

Store your sprinkler system properly when not in use. Going long periods without using your sprinkler system can allow time for insects, roots, and debris to make their way inside. When not in use, it’s best to store your sprinkler system components in a dry place that won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Does home insurance cover above-ground sprinkler systems?

Typically, a standard

home insurance

policy will cover damage to your home and probably wouldn’t include a portable, above-ground sprinkler system since it isn’t part of your main dwelling structure. But, it depends on the details of your policy.

An above-ground sprinkler system may also be difficult to classify as an “additional structure” the way that sheds, pools, and fences can be.

However, if you stored your sprinkler system away in your garage for the winter, and your garage had a fire that destroyed your sprinkler, you might see some coverage in the form of your personal property protection.

Sprinkler systems can be covered by a home warranty contract. That said, since many above-ground sprinkler systems can be relatively inexpensive to replace, it might not be worth the extra expense.

MORE: How to bundle home and auto insurance to save money

How to find savings on home insurance

Planning an above-ground sprinkler system doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming—and neither does shopping for the right

home insurance

. With the Jerry app, finding home insurance coverage at a great rate is faster and easier than ever!

In under a minute, you can start reviewing customized quotes from some of the country’s top insurance providers—like

Allstate

and

State Farm

—to find the coverage you need at the right price.

Once you’ve made your pick,

Jerry

can even help you with setting up your new policy and canceling your old one.

Jerry users save an average of $800+ on car insurance alone, and you could find even more savings when you bundle it with your home insurance.

“
Jerry
makes insurance buying as easy as possible! It was my first time buying and I did almost everything in the app. Even talking to John on the phone was easy.” —Sai E.

Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Shop Now

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

FAQs

What is an above-ground sprinkler system?

An above-ground sprinkler system is a sprinkler system that has all its operating components above the ground rather than being connected to an underground water system.

Does home insurance cover sprinkler systems?

What home insurance covers will vary depending on the provider and the policy.

Because an above ground sprinkler system isn’t part of your main dwelling, and since it’s likely going to be difficult to classify it as an “additional” structure, a typical home insurance policy likely isn’t going to cover an above-ground sprinkler system. However, you may still be able to see some coverage of your sprinkler system under personal property protection.

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