Offer is valid today March 25, 2021 through midnight only or while supplies lasts.
Eligible for Returns within 30-Days in its original condition and packaging (details)
Our research indicates that Rachio 16-Zone 3rd Generation Smart Sprinkler Controller is $60.46 (30.23% Savings) than the next best price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $215.99. -slickdewmaster
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If you go to the main page you'll find the Outdoor Enclosure on sale for 50% off too: https://gma-rachio.com/
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Offer is valid today March 25, 2021 through midnight only or while supplies lasts.
Eligible for Returns within 30-Days in its original condition and packaging (details)
Our research indicates that Rachio 16-Zone 3rd Generation Smart Sprinkler Controller is $60.46 (30.23% Savings) than the next best price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $215.99. -slickdewmaster
Now this is the deal I've been waiting for! Thanks OP!
I've got a 20 year old controller. To save water I put a SONOFF smart relay in the box to disconnect the power to the ground wire. An IFTTT routine checks the weather and toggles the relay as needed. Not smart like Rachio by any stretch, but it made it "brighter" for a whopping $15 and I reduced water waste by a ton.
As usual, it depends.
If you want only the basic smart control of the sprinklers, then I'd recommend Wyze ($58). If you also want weather-based control, paying Wyze's recurring fee for Sprinkler Plus ($10/year) will still be cheaper than Rachio for the first 9 years.
If you have more than 8 zones, get the Rachio. If you want weather-based control, and you think your sprinkler controller would last longer than 9 years, the Rachio would be cheaper AFTER 9 years. (Of course, Rachio's Return-on-Investment is even worse with their regular price, instead of this deal price.)
Disclaimer: I don't have either one - so I cannot speak to other features, user-friendliness or reliability.
For me, from all these IOT/smart things craze nowadays, smart sprinkler systems is the most worthed. It actually save you money. I got mine (Gen1) for $95 4 years ago. Set it up once and never touch it anymore. It automatically adjust as seasons come and go. must have!
I paid $200 for mine and would gladly pay $300 today. This is a killer deal. Lowest I've ever seen. This thing WILL pay for itself within a year or two depending on your water rates. Don't be the idiot whose sprinklers are watering while it's raining. This thing was easy to setup, basically just does it's thing and saves you money. Somehow always waters the right amount (no run-off and my grass stays green).
Is it pretty dumby proof to install yourself?
How does the irrigation person do the seasonal spring and fall maintenance? Does he need to use my phone?
I paid $200 for mine and would gladly pay $300 today. This is a killer deal. Lowest I've ever seen. This thing WILL pay for itself within a year or two depending on your water rates. Don't be the idiot whose sprinklers are watering while it's raining. This thing was easy to setup, basically just does it's thing and saves you money. Somehow always waters the right amount (no run-off and my grass stays green).
I have an interface right now, but it's more manual (you have to turn a knob) with some digital aspects to it. I do have a sensor for the rain, so that is not an issue.
Knowing I have a rain sensor, is this still worth it?
How is this working with Homekit now ? I know there were a number of problems with its native connectivity to it over the past year, any updates on this ?
How is this working with Homekit now ? I know there were a number of problems with its native connectivity to it over the past year, any updates on this ?
I have heard very limited control through HomeKit. My entire system is HomeKit based.
The lack of any real on-controller manual interface on the Rachio is really unfortunate. Guess we'll stick with the BHyve. Good post OP for those that can use...
Any experience on how easy this is to physically install? I have a pretty average / typical OEM Rainbird system with 3 zones and about 15 sprinklers.
I have a Rachio Gen 1 for a couple years now and it took about 20 minutes to install on the wall. I have 12 zones. I took pictures of the wire layout on the old one, uninstalled it, installed the Rachio and done. Installed a Gen 3 at my dad's house in about the same time.
Top Comments
I've got a 20 year old controller. To save water I put a SONOFF smart relay in the box to disconnect the power to the ground wire. An IFTTT routine checks the weather and toggles the relay as needed. Not smart like Rachio by any stretch, but it made it "brighter" for a whopping $15 and I reduced water waste by a ton.
If you want only the basic smart control of the sprinklers, then I'd recommend Wyze ($58). If you also want weather-based control, paying Wyze's recurring fee for Sprinkler Plus ($10/year) will still be cheaper than Rachio for the first 9 years.
If you have more than 8 zones, get the Rachio. If you want weather-based control, and you think your sprinkler controller would last longer than 9 years, the Rachio would be cheaper AFTER 9 years. (Of course, Rachio's Return-on-Investment is even worse with their regular price, instead of this deal price.)
Disclaimer: I don't have either one - so I cannot speak to other features, user-friendliness or reliability.
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How does the irrigation person do the seasonal spring and fall maintenance? Does he need to use my phone?
Knowing I have a rain sensor, is this still worth it?
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