Most older sprinkler timers water the same way whether it's 105° outside or raining for three straight days. That usually means wasted water, unnecessary runoff, and a lawn that never quite looks as good as it should.

That's a big reason more homeowners are upgrading to smart irrigation controllers.

A smart controller automatically adjusts your watering schedule based on local weather conditions, helping reduce water usage while keeping your landscape healthier and easier to manage. Instead of constantly changing schedules yourself throughout the year, the controller handles most of the work for you.

And once you can control your irrigation system from your phone, it's hard to go back.

What Is a Smart Irrigation Controller?

A smart irrigation controller is essentially a modern sprinkler timer that uses weather data and internet connectivity to make automatic watering adjustments.

Traditional irrigation timers run on fixed schedules. If the weather cools down or it rains overnight, the system still runs unless someone manually changes the settings. Learn more about how the two approaches compare in our guide to smart irrigation vs traditional timers.

Smart controllers work differently. They automatically adjust watering based on conditions like:

• Rainfall
• Temperature
• Humidity
• Wind
• Seasonal weather patterns

Most also connect to a mobile app, allowing you to monitor and control your irrigation system remotely. For homeowners, that means less guesswork and fewer manual adjustments throughout the year.

Why Homeowners Are Switching to Smart Irrigation

Lower Water Usage Without Constant Adjustments

One of the biggest problems with older irrigation timers is that they tend to overwater during certain times of the year. In spring and fall, many systems continue watering like it's the middle of summer simply because nobody updates the schedule.

Hunter Hydrawise® controllers use Predictive Watering™ technology to adjust schedules based on temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity conditions. The result is more efficient watering without constantly reprogramming the controller yourself.

According to the EPA WaterSense program, replacing a standard clock-based controller with a WaterSense certified smart controller can save the average home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually.

Lower Monthly Water Bills

Less water usage usually means lower utility costs. For many homeowners, the savings become noticeable pretty quickly, especially during warmer months when irrigation usage spikes. Instead of running the same fixed schedule year-round, smart controllers fine-tune watering automatically based on actual landscape demand.

Remote Access Makes Irrigation Easier

With a Hydrawise®-connected controller, you can manage your irrigation system from your phone, tablet, or browser whether you're at home, at work, or out of town. You can:

• Adjust watering schedules remotely
• Pause irrigation during rain
• Start zones manually
• Monitor watering activity
• Receive controller alerts and notifications

For homeowners with busy schedules or multiple properties, remote access alone is often worth the upgrade.

Better Looking Lawns and Landscapes

Overwatering creates a surprising number of problems. Shallow root growth, fungus issues, runoff, and stressed turf are all common signs that a landscape is getting too much water. Smart irrigation helps apply water more accurately throughout the year, which usually leads to healthier lawns, plants, and planting beds overall.

Early Leak and Wiring Detection

Many Hydrawise®-compatible controllers can detect wiring faults, unusually high flow conditions, or potential leaks and immediately send alerts through the app. Catching problems early can help prevent expensive repairs and unnecessary water loss.

Hunter Hydrawise® Smart Irrigation Controllers

Hunter offers several Hydrawise®-compatible controllers depending on the size and complexity of your irrigation system. Whether you're upgrading a small residential setup or managing a larger landscape, there's usually a controller that fits the application.

Hunter Pro-HC Wi-Fi Controller

The Pro-HC is one of Hunter's most popular residential smart controllers because it combines advanced Hydrawise® features with a straightforward setup process. Available in 6, 12, and 24 station models, it works well for homeowners who want full smart irrigation control without getting overly technical.

• Hydrawise® cloud-based irrigation management
• Full-color touchscreen programming
• Predictive Watering™ adjustments based on local weather
• Built-in milliamp sensing for diagnostics and fault alerts
• Optional HC Flow Meter compatibility
• Compatible with Hunter Wireless Rain-Clik® Sensor

Hunter HPC Wi-Fi Controller

The Hunter HPC is a great fit for larger residential properties or systems that may need expansion later on. Unlike fixed station controllers, the HPC uses modular expansion via PCM modules, allowing you to add zones from 4 up to 23 as your landscape grows. EPA WaterSense approved.

• Hydrawise® remote management
• Modular station expansion via PCM modules (4–23 zones)
• Predictive Watering™ automatic weather adjustments
• Built-in milliamp sensor for fault detection and alerts
• Full-color 2¾" touchscreen
• Supports up to 6 independent programs with 6 start times each
• Built-in P/MV output for pump start relays and master valves
• Compatible with Hunter Roam Remote, Wireless Rain-Clik® Sensor, and HC Flow Meters

Hunter X2™ Controller with WAND® Wi-Fi Module

The X2™ is a solid option for homeowners who want a capable controller now with the ability to upgrade to smart irrigation later. By itself, the X2™ functions as a conventional irrigation timer supporting 4 to 14 zones. But when paired with the Hunter WAND® Wi-Fi module, it becomes a fully connected Hydrawise® smart controller, no controller replacement needed.

Once connected through WAND®, users gain access to:

• Remote irrigation management via the Hydrawise® mobile app and web platform
• Predictive Watering™ automatic adjustments using local weather data
• Real-time controller notifications for status, watering activity, and irrigation events
• Weather-based schedule changes
• Built-in Quick Check™ feature for fast wiring diagnostics and fault identification

Is Upgrading to Smart Irrigation Worth It?

Yes, especially if you're looking to reduce water waste, simplify irrigation management, or avoid constantly adjusting watering schedules throughout the year. Hunter's Hydrawise® platform combines remote access, Predictive Watering™, and system monitoring into a setup that's practical for both homeowners and irrigation professionals.

If you're also dealing with uneven coverage or dry patches, upgrading your controller is often the first step, but it's worth checking whether high sprinkler pressure is contributing too. See our guide to fixing uneven lawn watering and our overview of pressure regulated sprinklers for more.

Upgrade Your Irrigation System

If you're ready to modernize your sprinkler system, browse our selection of Hunter Hydrawise®-compatible controllers to find the right smart irrigation solution for your landscape:

• Hunter Pro-HC Wi-Fi Controller — 6, 12, or 24 zones
• Hunter HPC Wi-Fi Controller — 4–23 zones, modular expansion
• Hunter X2™ Controller — 4, 6, 8, or 14 zones, upgradeable with WAND®
• Hunter WAND® Wi-Fi Module — adds Hydrawise® smart control to your existing X2™