Frequently Asked Questions About the Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller

The Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller is an irrigation product that can analyze data from plants, ground and weather and determine exactly how much water is required from the sprinkler system. The accuracy of the Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller is within 5% accuracy of the most expensive commercial machines that perform the same operation. The Smartline creators have enthusiastically stated that the artificially smart system is the equivalent of having a scientist living in your garage. (And a scientist that doesn't demand food, water or constant sugar snacks) Analyzing just how much water you need is not only efficient but will help you to save on water usage, which will in turn lower your water bill.

The Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller is a four-zone base model but can expand to sixteen zones using the SLM4 four-zone module. It is rated for indoor or outdoor use. Some frequently asked questions about the Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 follow:

Q: Do I have to change my sprinkler system to install the product?
A: The Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller was designed to be easy to install and ideally takes place in about an hour and a half. All you have to do is switch out the old controller and then install the weather station. You will be connecting the station to the valves. Nothing has to be done to the programming, because its preset functions take care of everything.

Q: Is the Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller expensive?
A: The SL1600 series usually sells at less than $200. While this is a moderate price to pay initially, most customers find that the money they save using the product makes up the loss over a few months. Customers literally save 20-50% of money spent on paying high water bills that result from water excess. In actuality, SmartLine products like the SL 1600 are actually more affordable than the alternative. Smart Irrigation also saves time and labor as well as money, when it comes time for professional contracting.

Q: Why is the Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller Healthier to the Soil?
A: Soil, like any growing life form, needs consistent nourishment. Turf and landscaped areas need a precise amount of water. When the exact amount is used, it saves residents money, not to mention the city water department. On the contrary overwatering plants, lawns or gardens causes unhealthy plants that are more susceptible to disease and pest damage. Products like the Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller also prevent against run off, a problem that can compromise the purity of water as it goes back to the city water supply.

Q: What are some of the nicest features of the Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller?
A: The Weathermatic Smartline SL1600 Controller offers many high-tech features that can customize your watering schedule. You have the ability to program watering by time and date, by zone run time, by day, by seasonal percentage or even by "auto adjust", which adjusts the watering according to site conditions.

This is a product that will do much more good than harm, financially and to the environment.

Richard Gilliland is VP of GreenMarkIrrigation.com one of the largest online wholesale dealers and distributors of Weathermatic irrigation supplies and sprinklers.