Golf Engineering Associates Technical Help Series

Sprinkler heads come in all shapes and sizes, suited to whatever size irrigation project is at hand. This page explains the differences between various sizes and types of sprinkler heads, and the performance characteristics of each. For really big sprinkler heads, link over to Golf Sprinkler Heads.

Pop-up Lawn Sprinklers:  This is the sprinkler head that we all know.....the type used for small to medium sized turf areas. They are "bock style" sprinklers: a valve opens and they pop-up out of the ground. Pop-up heights vary significantly: shown from left to right are 2", 3", 4", 6" and 12" pop ups. The 2, 3 and 4 inch size is best for turf. (we recommend 4") the 6 and 12 inch pop-ups are for use in shrub, flower or groundcover plantings where it is necessary to clear the top of foliage. Sprinklers in this category mount onto a 1/2" threaded riser and have a large variety of nozzles which put out various gallonage and radius at different pressures. For residential and small commercial use, this is the one you need to use.
Interchangeable Nozzles:  Nozzles are really what make a sprinkler head work. Any of the sprinkler bodies above will work with any number of different nozzles. Besides distance of water throw (radius) the nozzle determines how much water in Gallons Per Minute are emitted at any given pressure, arc of water thrown and pattern. Most common patterns are full, half and quarter circle. Specialty nozzles are used for thin turf strips, high wind applications, slopes, etc. Interchangeable nozzles are common to all sprinkler head types as described here. Brass nozzles offer longer life and are common to impact sprinklers as well.
Gear Driven Rotors:  These larger sprinkler heads are appropriate for large residential jobs, commercial and municipal use. With radius throws of anywhere from 15 to 60 feet (generally) they are good for big lawns, parks, corporate campuses or even golf tee boxes. Internally, water flowing through the sprinkler powers it's rotation. This type can be very heavy-duty, and the stainless steel riser option (shown) lengthens life. Inlets are usually 3/4" instead of 1/2" to accommodate higher flows. There are a multitude of nozzle options, making this type of head very versatile. These are primarily block style, but some are Valve-In-Head.
Impact Heads:   Impact heads have been working faithfully in landscapes of every size, including golf courses, for decades. Their simple, flow through design has been time-tested and remains a viable choice for any turf area 20' wide or larger. These are the heads that make the tell-tale sprinkler sound that we've all heard. The swinging arm which breaks up the spray (and causes the sound) provides a nice watering pattern. Like other heads, a wide variety of nozzles are available. There are usually some adjustment screws right on the bodies which make adjustments a breeze. Heads with brass internals will last much longer, maybe for decades. These have an inlet anywhere from 1/2" to 1 1/2".	These heads are available as "block style", valve-in-head or hydraulic.
Large Turf Rotors:  These are appropriate for golf, large municipal and only the biggest commercial projects. Usually they are valve-in-head, meaning that wires run from each head to a controller. With flows from 15 to 60 gallons per minute each, and radiuses from 30 to 110 feet, you generally need a system which can provide 65 to 100 psi. This is not the type of sprinkler anyone would install for a residential or small/medium commercial job. For more info link to Golf Sprinklers.

Remember to buy top quality sprinkler heads........the cost difference between them and the el-cheapo brands is not enough to make a difference in the overall project.