Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Issue: Program Not Completing on Time
When a program has a scheduled start time and a known total runtime, but hasn't completed when expected, the most common cause is a water window restriction. For example, if a program starts at 5:00 AM with three hours of runtime, it should theoretically finish at 8:00 AM. However, if the program is still running or hasn't completed by 9:30 AM or later, a water window has likely paused the irrigation.
Water windows control when irrigation is allowed to run and when it must stop. When a water window closes during an active irrigation cycle, the controller doesn't cancel the program—it pauses it. The irrigation will automatically resume once the water window reopens.
How Water Windows Work
A water window defines the time periods when irrigation is permitted to run and when it is not permitted to run. The controller enforces these restrictions by pausing any active irrigation when the water window closes and resuming it when the window reopens.
In the example scenario, the water window was configured to close at 7:59 AM. Even though the program started at 5:00 AM and had been running for nearly three hours, as soon as the clock reached 8:00 AM, the water window closed and the controller paused all watering. The program remained paused throughout the closed window period.
The water window in this case was closed from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM—blocking irrigation during the middle of the day. When the water window reopened at 7:00 PM that evening, the controller automatically resumed the paused program and completed the remaining hour of runtime.
Identifying a Paused Program in BaseManager
1. Log into your BaseManager account and navigate to the program in question.
2. Review the program's start time and verify the total runtime by adding up all zone runtimes. Confirm these match your expectations.
3. Scroll down in the program settings to locate the Water Window configuration.
4. Check the water window's open and close times. If the close time falls before the program's expected completion time, the water window is pausing your irrigation.
5. Note that when irrigation is paused by a water window, the controller does not display an error or failure—it simply waits until the window reopens to continue.
Two Options for Resolving Water Window Conflicts
When a water window is interrupting your irrigation schedule, you have two approaches to address the situation:
Option 1: Adjust the Water Window Close Time
Extend the water window to remain open longer in the morning, allowing the program to complete before the window closes. For example, if your program needs three hours starting at 5:00 AM, set the water window to close at 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM instead of 7:59 AM. This ensures the entire irrigation cycle completes during the permitted watering period.
Option 2: Accept the Pause and Resume Behavior
If you've established the water window for a specific reason—such as preventing irrigation during high-traffic periods when people might get wet, or complying with local water restrictions—leave the water window settings as they are. Understand that the controller will pause irrigation when the window closes and automatically resume when it reopens. The program will complete its full runtime; it will just finish later in the day than originally scheduled.
Important Behavior: Water Windows Override Start Times
Water windows take priority over program start times. Even if a program is scheduled to run and has already started, the water window will force the controller to pause irrigation when the window closes. This override behavior is intentional and ensures compliance with watering restrictions or site-specific requirements.
The value of water windows lies in their ability to prevent watering during inappropriate times while still allowing irrigation to occur during acceptable periods. They provide flexible control without requiring you to manually stop and restart programs.
Video Walkthrough
Video originally published November 2020.
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