Question: What's the difference between "spray" lawn sprinkler heads and "rotor" heads?
Answer: Two common types of lawn sprinkler heads are “spray” heads and “rotor” heads.
Spray lawn sprinkler heads are sometimes designed to pop up out of the ground when the sprinkler system is activated, while others rest on pipes that remain aboveground at all times. Spray heads discharge a large volume of water in a relatively short amount of time, giving them, in irrigation lingo, a “high application rate.” For this reason, sprinkler systems with spray heads are most suitable for even surfaces, not slopes. If you do have to use a spray head on a slope, program your sprinkler system such that water is discharged over several shorter periods. This will help you avoid wasteful run-off.
By contrast, rotor lawn sprinkler heads have a lower application rate, so they’re simpler to use on slopes. Rotor heads also apply water more uniformly than do spray heads, making them more suitable for watering larger areas. For people who wish to irrigate large areas of lawn, sprinkler systems with rotor heads would be a logical choice.
Spray lawn sprinkler heads are sometimes designed to pop up out of the ground when the sprinkler system is activated, while others rest on pipes that remain aboveground at all times. Spray heads discharge a large volume of water in a relatively short amount of time, giving them, in irrigation lingo, a “high application rate.” For this reason, sprinkler systems with spray heads are most suitable for even surfaces, not slopes. If you do have to use a spray head on a slope, program your sprinkler system such that water is discharged over several shorter periods. This will help you avoid wasteful run-off.
By contrast, rotor lawn sprinkler heads have a lower application rate, so they’re simpler to use on slopes. Rotor heads also apply water more uniformly than do spray heads, making them more suitable for watering larger areas. For people who wish to irrigate large areas of lawn, sprinkler systems with rotor heads would be a logical choice.
