Step-by-Step Guide
How the WeatherTRAK System Components Work Together
The WeatherTRAK system consists of three integrated components that work seamlessly to automate your irrigation:
- The WeatherTRAK Central cloud service serves as the central hub, processing site data and weather information to generate optimized watering schedules.
- The WeatherTRAK controller is the smart irrigation controller installed at your site that executes the watering schedules and manages your irrigation zones.
- The WeatherTRAK mobile app provides remote access to monitor and control your irrigation system from anywhere.
Installing and Configuring the WeatherTRAK Controller
The WeatherTRAK controller is designed for straightforward installation and setup without requiring specialized technical resources.
Installation does not require involving an IT department to complete the setup process.
You do not need to set up or maintain a local weather station at your site, as the system relies on WeatherTRAK Central's weather data service.
Programming Zone-Specific Details
Programming the controller involves inputting specific details for each irrigation zone. The system uses this information to calculate precise watering requirements for each area of your site.
For each zone, you will need to enter the following zone-specific details:
- Soil type – The composition of soil in the zone, which affects water absorption and retention.
- Plant type – The species or category of vegetation being irrigated, as different plants have different water needs.
- Slope – The grade or incline of the terrain, which impacts water runoff and absorption rates.
- Sun exposure – The amount of direct sunlight the zone receives, which affects evaporation rates.
Additional site-specific parameters are also entered to ensure accurate watering calculations tailored to your landscape's unique characteristics.
How WeatherTRAK Central Calculates Watering Schedules
WeatherTRAK Central uses a scientific approach to determine optimal irrigation schedules by combining your site information with real-time weather data.
The system takes the zone-specific details you programmed into the controller and combines them with HydroPoint's daily evapotranspiration (ET) weather data.
Using this combined information, WeatherTRAK Central automatically calculates the exact amount of water each zone needs and determines exactly the right time to deliver that water.
The system ensures all watering occurs within your designated water windows – the time periods when irrigation is permitted at your site.
WeatherTRAK Central also respects and adheres to local watering restrictions, ensuring your site remains compliant with municipal regulations while maintaining optimal landscape health.
Water Savings with Scientific Irrigation
The scientific method for irrigation used by WeatherTRAK delivers significant water conservation compared to traditional irrigation approaches.
Sites using WeatherTRAK can save up to 50% on their water use compared to user-operated runtimes, where irrigation schedules are manually set and adjusted.
The system also provides substantial savings compared to simple timers that run on fixed schedules without accounting for weather conditions, soil characteristics, or plant needs.
Video Walkthrough
Video originally published December 2019.
If you have questions, here are 3 ways to get answers:
1. Search within this WeatherTRAK knowledgebase
2. Visit the WeatherTRAK support page
3. Call 800-362-8774 or email support@hydropoint.com, hours are Mon-Fri 3:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT and Sat 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT.