Getting your irrigation controller schedule right in Calgary requires more than just picking a start time and duration — you need to account for Clay soil cycle-and-soak, Calgary’s odd/even water restrictions, and seasonal adjustments as temperatures drop in September. This guide walks through the key settings for every type of controller.
Calgary Irrigation Controller Settings — Key Parameters
| Setting | Recommended Value (Calgary) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Start time | 4am-6am | Lowest wind and evaporation; lawn dries before evening |
| Cycle-and-soak (clay soil) | 7-10 min run, 30 min rest, 7-10 min run | Prevents puddling and runoff on Calgary clay |
| Watering days | Match Calgary odd/even restriction | Avoid Stage 1 bylaw violations |
| Seasonal adjustment — September | 70-75% of summer schedule | Cooler temperatures need less water; prepare for shutdown |
| Seasonal adjustment — October | 50% until final shutdown | Minimal water needed; system off by mid-October |
| Rain sensor | Set to 3-5mm threshold | Skip watering after any significant Calgary rain event |
J.G. Irrigation programs all Calgary irrigation controllers during startup and winterization visits — and can do a mid-season adjustment call if your scheduling needs fine-tuning. Rachio and Hydrawise smart controllers automate most of these settings using Calgary weather data. Call 587-433-4795 for controller programming help.
What is cycle-and-soak programming and do I need it in Calgary?
Cycle-and-soak means running each irrigation zone for a short time (7-10 minutes), stopping to let the water soak into Calgary clay soil, then running again. Calgary clay absorbs water at roughly 0.1 inches per hour — much slower than loamy soil — so a 20-minute straight run causes runoff and puddles. Cycling avoids this. Most modern controllers have a cycle-and-soak or soak time setting. J.G. Irrigation can configure this for you: 587-433-4795.
Irrigation Controller Programming — Calgary Technician
J.G. Irrigation — Calgary Irrigation Services
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