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As a homeowner and devouring nurseryman , I am always await for ways to hold open time and ensure my plants and lawn receive adequate urine . That ’s why I determine to test a variety of thebest hose timersin my own yard and garden . One hosiery timekeeper stand out during the testing operation : theMelnor AquaTimer water timekeeper .
This Melnor H2O hosiery timeroffers the convenience of automatic lachrymation , with the added welfare of two hosepipe release for those who need to irrigate multiple zones . I found it easy to set up and programme . The fundamental clitoris in the eye of the ascendence panel made scroll through the function a breeze , and the plus and minus buttons allowed me to set the time and watering durations for each zone .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Water timers are n’t new , but they ’ve surged in popularity in recent year because they help ensure plants get enough water while contract the risk of overwatering . If you ’re considering investing in a hosepipe timer , keep reading to find out what find when I tested the Melnor piddle timerand to see if it ’s right for your watering needs .
Melnor AquaTimer Water Timer: At a Glance
Rating:9/10
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Melnor AquaTimer hose timekeeper at :
What is the Melnor AquaTimer hose timer?
The Melnor hosiery timer is aunique gardening toolthat attaches to an outdoor spigot to mechanically H2O plants or lawn through a garden hose . It features two hose outlets to easily irrigate separate zone , and it ’s designed to be user - friendly with an wanton - to - say LCD screenland and simple programming button .
dissimilar plants havedifferent water requirements . The Melnor water timer render customizable tearing political platform for each zone , with watering durations ranging from 1 minute to 6 hours . It also includes a rain - delay occasion that pauses the watering schedule when rain is in the prognosis , and a manual nullification mapping for watering at any time .
While the Melnor water timer has ample pros , it is not without a couple of bunko game . The water flowing strength is not adjustable per zona , which might be an issue for some users . Additionally , it requires two AA batteries ( not include ) , which will eventually run down and call for transposition . I tested the timer for 3 week without involve to replace the batteries , but I ’m unsure how long they would have lasted .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
How easy is it to set up and program the Melnor water timer?
Setting up and programming the water timer was straightforward . I attached it to an outdoor spigot and connected two hose to the bottom sales outlet . The fitting that connects to the spigot twists independently of the unit , which makes it bare to attach .
I receive programming the Melnor water timer to be self - explanatory — it has a cardinal button in the middle of the dominance board that allows for scrolling through the various function . The timekeeper also include plus and minus buttons for selecting when tearing will begin and how long it will melt before shutting off . I created custom watering programs for each zone — the operation was easygoing to understand and follow up .
Does the Melnor water timer work reliably over time?
During the 3 - hebdomad test , theMelnor water timerperformed flawlessly . Once I set the watering schedule , the timekeeper ran the same political platform daily unless I pause it by using the rain - postponement feature . I can not talk to its enduringness over an prolonged period , but it seemed well made and functioned without problems throughout the testing period .
The timer is design to be weather - resistant , and its sturdy construction suggest that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use over time . The battery compartment comes with a watertight seal to keep moisture from enter . After a driving rain , I removed the battery tray to see if any water had gotten inside , but it was bone juiceless .
The water timer come up with three unornamented blind washers that can be swapped in if an older washing machine starts to leak out . This type of washing machine is readily available at computer hardware stores , but I liked the idea of having extras on hand .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
What features does the Melnor water timer offer?
TheMelnor water system timerhas some enceinte feature that make it an attractive choice for those look for a digital water timer . One of the standout feature is its easy - twist connecter , which makes attaching the timer to a tap improbably unsubdivided . This feature alone saves clip and tussle , particularly for those who do n’t want to deal with complicated setups .
The dual - zone capacity is a boon for anyone with multiple watering motivation . I set up one zone for a sprinkler in my blossom bed , and the second geographical zone supplied water to a large dog bowl in the ducky ’s play thousand . I configured the first zone to body of water twice per twenty-four hours for 30 minutes each time . I program the hosiery to the dog ’s bowl to make out on double daily and guide for 2 minutes each time — that was plenty to fill up the bowling ball with fresh water .
The large , easygoing - to - read LCD screen makes it easy to program the timer and monitor watering schedules at a coup d’oeil . The Melnor piddle timer does n’t offer Wi - Fi connectivity or other bright features , but it still provides reliable and aboveboard operation for those who are looking for a bare yet effectual watering solution .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Can the Melnor water timer be used with various types of hoses and watering systems?
The Melnor hose timer is compatible withstandard garden hosesand drip - type watering systems , but it ’s unsuitable for in - ground sprinkler organization , which require high - pressure level control .
The timer also works well withsoaker hoses , which are commonly used in home horticulture and landscaping . However , it is worth noting that weewee hose timers are not meant for use with expandable hoses , primarily because expandable hosepipe are designed for handwriting watering , not automated lachrymation , due to their tendency to shrink when drained of water .
Should you buy the Melnor hose timer?
This water timekeeper is an excellent pick for anyone looking for an easy - to - use and customizable hosepipe timer to manage their watering demand effectively . If you have a large garden , multiple lawn areas , or even outdoor pet that ask even watering , this gimmick can be a valuable puppet to ensure that everything stays hydrated without the need for manual intervention .
The Melnor timer ’s exploiter - friendly interface makes programming easy . A central push button allows you to scroll through functions and buttons to set the showtime clock time and watering duration . Its large , promiscuous - to - read LCD screen simplifies keep running of your lachrymation schedules and program background .
While theMelnor hosiery timercan be a valuable puppet for many gardener and homeowners , there are a few instances where it might not be necessary . If you have a lowly garden or only need to water one area , the timer ’s twofold - zone feature may not be required , and a cheaper , single - zone timekeeper may suffice . Additionally , if you choose to water your plants or lawn manually or have a complex irrigation system in place , you may not involve a hosepipe timekeeper at all .
It is also deserving noting that the AquaTimer ’s water flow persuasiveness is not adjustable per zona , so if you require different water flow rate for different areas , this timekeeper may not be the just primed for your needs .
Where to Buy the Melnor AquaTimer Hose Timer
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a veteran product tester and author with a focus on the building , remodeling , and real landed estate industry . As a co - proprietor of a cosmopolitan catching party with experience in both residential and commercial building applications , she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her brushup . She tests a wide scope of big businessman pecker as well as other home improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden products , to aid consumer make informed decisiveness . With her heedful analytic thinking and care to detail , her reviews volunteer a unique perspective trusted by professionals and DIY enthusiasts .
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