REVIEW: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller installed in a weather proof case.
I recently upgraded my yard with the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller and I'm really impressed so far! The Rachio 3 is a smart irrigation controller that adjusts watering based on weather conditions, soil type, plant type, and sun exposure, which helps optimize watering schedules and potentially saves money on water bills.
Take a phot of your old wiring for reference. It helped!
Before starting, I took a picture of my old controller setup—this made it easy to remember which wires went to each zone. This saved me a ton of time during installation.
I decided to buy the weatherproof wall mount for extra protection. The mount has a convenient option to hardwire the controller directly, but since my outlet wasn't close enough, I simply used the regular plug that came included. Mounting the Rachio 3 was incredibly straightforward, and setup was seamless.
My yard is pretty simple, with only four watering zones. Setting them up in the Rachio app was quick—I just took pictures of each zone, selected the type of vegetation, slope, and sprinkler heads, and was done in minutes. The app itself is user-friendly and intuitive.
Looking at the reviews online I found that other customers generally find the Rachio 3 controller easy to set up and appreciate being able to control it remotely through their phones. Its smart features, including weather intelligence that considers upcoming precipitation, help effectively reduce water usage. Some users have noted occasional WiFi connection issues, but overall, most customers feel the device is worth the investment, as it tends to pay for itself in water savings.
To enhance the experience, I also got the Tempest weather station (which I love and reviewed separately). One important note: if you purchase the Rachio 3 and the Tempest separately instead of in a bundle, you'll need to buy the integration code separately. If you buy them together, it's included.
I'm looking forward to summer to see if the Rachio 3 helps me save some money on water. No complaints yet—it's a fantastic upgrade!