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Louise Bond

Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System Review: it's an easy-to-use piece of kit

Rain bird lawn sprinkler in use on green lawn.
The Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System: Key specs

Type: In-ground
Style: Pop-up rotary
Coverage: 3000 square foot
Material: Plastic
Sprinklers: 6
Maximum Spray distance: 24 feet
Maximum flow: 1 GPM

Long summer days are for relaxing, not watering the yard. The Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System offers the luxury of set-and-forget convenience. Simply program the 6 sprinklers to take care of your flower beds and lawn. That means no more forgetting to water and discovering your precious plants have wilted. Even better, you can enjoy vacations without worrying about the state of your garden. 

The Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System delivers top performance. With the patented Rain Curtain technology, it ensures even distribution and optimal hydration. That keeps your plants blooming and looking their healthy best. If sustainability is a priority, you’ll be reassured that the Rain Bird system has been designed to minimize waste with eco-friendly programs to reduce run-off. 

When choosing a lawn sprinkler, there are several factors to weigh up, from the coverage to the price. If you want to see what other models have to offer, check out our guide to the best lawn sprinklers, where we share our top picks and buying advice. 

Here we’ll consider the pros and cons of the Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System. You’ll learn how it measures up compared to others in the market. We’ll take a closer look at the design and features and share user and expert reviews so you can weigh up whether it’s the right choice for you. 

Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System: Design

Worried a lawn sprinkler will spoil your view? You’ll be pleased that the Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System creates a sleek look. The pop-up rotary sprinklers retract into the ground when out of use, resulting in an uncluttered appearance. It also makes it easy to mow around the plastic sprinklers. 

From a sustainability standpoint, the Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System doesn’t disappoint. You can reduce run-off and minimize waste by programming two short cycles, making it kind to the environment.

This in-ground system attaches to an outdoor faucet. Be aware that you will need to dig trenches to bury the sprinklers. It does require a weekend of graft to set up, though the end result should justify the effort. Once installed, you save yourself the hassle of constantly adjusting sprinklers and getting the hose out.

Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System (Image credit: Amazon)

Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System: Features

The auto programming is the biggest draw of the Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System. The professional grade hose-end timer allows you to set the watering regime in advance, perfect for hot dry spells when you’re away from home. 

The Rain Bird provides coverage for 3000 feet. While this is ample for small to medium yards, it may not be enough for the largest plots. The manufacturer advises against expanding it yourself as it can negatively impact performance. 

Thanks to the patented Rain Curtain technology, it delivers even coverage with a rotating curtain of water. This helps you get hydration levels just right and avoid a patchy finish. The Rain Bird is perfect for gardeners and homeowners who want to keep their plants in top condition. After all, less time watering means more time to admire your garden. 

Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System timer (Image credit: Amazon)

Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System: Price and availability

At $133.89, the Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System falls into the mid-range of DIY in-ground irrigation kits. While you can find cheaper equivalents, they may not deliver the same results. Unlike more expensive models, it can not program more than one zone. But it offers decent value for money and is certainly less expensive than hiring a contractor to install a professional system.

You can find the Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System at retailers including Home Depot and Amazon.

Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System in its box (Image credit: Amazon)

Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System: User reviews

The Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System attracts positive reviews, scoring an average of 4.4 on Amazon with 3579 ratings. People love that it’s convenient to use. It cuts out the hassle of constantly battling with the hose - as one reviewer puts it: “My hose watering days are over!

People are impressed with the performance. One reviewer says the “lawn never looked better” and another is pleased with the “professional results.”

The few negative reviews relate to the installation, which some find a chore. Be aware that a minority of user reviews report leaks, though these are likely teething issues when first setting up the system. 


Should you buy the Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System?

The Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler system is ideal if you want an effortless long-term solution for a small to medium plot. This effective watering system takes care of the garden for you. While it’s not the cheapest option, it may be worth it if you want a touch of luxury. 

How does the Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System compare to competitors?

What the experts say...
(Image credit: Home Garden Guides)

“In-ground sprinkler systems are great for large lawns or lawns that require regular watering. Even with the best intentions of manually watering a lawn every other day, it's easy to forget. In-ground sprinkler systems are automated and save you water and money in the long run. The trade-off would be the initial cost of installation.”  

The Rain Bird In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System sits within the mid-range of in-ground systems. While it doesn’t offer the dual-zone capability of the Orbit 2-Zone In-Ground Sprinkler System it is considerably cheaper. Want the benefits of an in-ground system for less? The DIG GE200 Drip and Micro Sprinkler Kit is more affordable, though it doesn’t provide the same coverage as the Rain Bird. 

If the price of an automatic system is a stretch, an above-ground sprinkler is a much more accessible option, though, of course, it cannot match the convenience. The Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 is an above-ground sprinkler that gives similar coverage to the Rain Bird.


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