A to Z of irrigation
and water aeration
We’ve been the sole distributor in the UK for Toro’s range of total irrigation products for golf clubs and sports fields for decades. Since then, we’ve added to our water offering with Otterbine lake and pond aerators, SRC 2-wire controllers and Perrot sprinklers to meet the evolving needs of the turfcare industry.
With a focus on water sustainability, never has the business of water been so important. From applying it precisely and accurately to make significant savings, to keeping it clean, clear, and healthy to attract wildlife, we aim to bring customers all they need to be a guardian of the resource.
This terminology listing is to help you understand what might suit your club or venue the best. When it comes to the business of water, we’ve got you covered from A to Z.
A-E
F-K
L-P
Q-S
T-Z
A
Aeration
-Aeration in water management is the simple act of adding oxygen to the water body. The more the water moves and mixes with air, the more oxygen it gets, which creates a cleaner, healthier pond ecosystem. Oxygen-rich water is the aim because it improves water clarity, supports fish, plants, and beneficial bacteria, helps break down waste naturally and reduces the need for chemicals.
Aerating fountains
-An aerating fountain combines a water display with aeration. They use an electric motor and turbine assembly to pull cooler water from the pond bottom and push it to the surface to combine the practical, science-based technology of water aeration with the aesthetically pleasing benefits of a water display. Not quite 2-4-1, but certainly added value.
B
Back-to-back sprinklers
-This describes the practice of placing two sprinklers together, such as one facing the green and one facing the surrounds, allowing for independent control of water amounts on different turf types.
Backwards compatible
-Backward compatibility means new devices can work with old systems, for example updating to more efficient sprinkler heads in existing sprinkler bodies without changing pipes, etc. This avoids having to replace an entire system when only one part is being upgraded and means your system can keep up with new technology advancements. Toro is king when it comes to this design feature: in one quick swap-out, you can instantly address a specific sprinkler issue or solve long-standing problems. More on that here. See forwards compatible for its counterpart.
Borehole
-A borehole is a deep drilled well that lets you pump groundwater to the surface to provide a reliable long-term water supply for irrigation purposes. It can support the high flow rates required for large irrigation systems and can form an integral part of a venue’s responsible irrigation practises. It will need a subsurface pump to make and keep the water usable for irrigation. A well point offers similar benefits but on a smaller scale – see ‘well point’ for more information.
Bubblers
-‘Bubbler’ is a term given to diffused aerators, which prevent water becoming stagnant and improve the water quality. These are the gold standard of natural water aeration (see diffused aerators for the reasons why), but, put simply, if you have problem lakes or ponds, Otterbine’s diffused aerators will sort them out in no time – naturally. Here’s a good example of the difference they can make: Otterbine bubbler brings lake back to life.
C
Central Control System
-A central control system is the brain of a golf course irrigation network. It allows the course manager/greenkeeper to monitor, schedule, adjust, and control every sprinkler, pump, and valve on the course from one computer or interface, rather than visiting each satellite or sprinkler manually. They can be simple timers to fully automated, data-driven and remote-managed water application systems. If precision control, application and optimal plant health is essential for your maintenance, you’re in the right place. Toro Lynx is market leading in this category and there’s a wealth of information on customers using it to their advantage on our Ree.ports page, also see Lynx for product information.
Circulators
-Circulators move or circulate water by pushing it horizontally or vertically. These are preferable for larger water bodies needing focus on destratification over surface aeration alone. It does not typically spray water like a fountain. For more information on this and the other forms of electric water aeration see our Insights page.
D
Decoders
-A decoder is essentially the translator between the central control system and the valve/sprinkler. It’s a small electronic device that allows the central controller to operate the individual sprinklers or valves on or off, over a two-wire communication path.
Decorative fountain
-A decorative fountain is all about surface appeal. The beauty of the aerating fountain’s brawn if you like. There’s one for every pattern preference such as sprays, jets, waterfalls and they’re all designed to add beauty, elegance, or a visual focal point. And can have lighting kits added for beautiful evening effects. Simply place in prominent locations for maximum impact.
Diffused aerator
-For clean, clear, healthy water, a diffused aerator is what you want. It sits at the bottom of a pond or lake and has a diffuser that breaks the air into very small bubbles. The bubbles rise through the water transferring oxygen into it for full water circulation and a dramatic improvement in quality.
Dwell point
-A dwell point typically refers to a point in an irrigation cycle where water distribution pauses often resulting in pooling. In sprinkler systems, this can happen at the end of an arc or zone where water remains longer than intended before switching or moving on. Eliminating unwanted dwell points helps make watering more uniform and efficient ensuring the water goes where it’s needed without waste. You can trust in Toro to do just that.
E
Evapotranspiration
-Evapotranspiration (ET) is the combined process of water evaporating from the soil and plant surfaces plus water transpired through plants as they breathe and grow. It represents how much water the landscape loses to the atmosphere through heat, wind, low humidity, and sunlight. It’s a key concept in irrigation and effective turf management, because it tells you how much water plants actually need and how much water should be replaced to maintain healthy turf. With this information known, turf managers can determine accurate irrigation scheduling (avoiding over- or under-watering) by reflecting weather conditions. Here’s more detail on the role of ET in getting irrigation processes right.
F
Fixed fountain
-A fixed fountain does a bit of everything. Adding oxygen? Creating water movement? Providing an appealing aesthetic? It does all that while sitting in a fixed spot and spraying water in a set, unchanging pattern.
Flex
-The Toro Flex series gets its name because it’s specifically designed to be flexible. Easy to adjust too, making it easy to fine‑tune water distribution without changing the entire sprinkler. Key features are its adjustable arc, variable radius and interchangeable nozzles.
Forwards compatible
-The opposite of backward compatibility, forward compatible means that a system or component installed today can work with future devices, technology, or software updates without needing to replace the whole system. It’s about old systems being ready for new technology and, as you’d expect, just as Toro makes it easy to make new devices work with old systems, it also makes it easy to bring the benefit of Toro’s future technology and true innovations easily and cost effectively to your venue too. See backwards compatible for its counterpart.
Fountain lighting
-Just when you think your fountain couldn’t be any more attractive, fountain lighting comes along, adding rich vibrant colour to your display. Otterbine’s range of Fountain Glo lighting systems with programmable light sequences extends your fountain’s appeal, prolonging the enjoyment and adding even more value. With these lights, what was just a day time feature is also now a nighttime focal point, ideal for venues entertaining guests into the evenings.
G
Giant fountain
-Giant fountains need little introduction – they are exactly what they say they are. Otterbine’s giant fountain line for example ranges from roughly 25 ft (8 m) tall on smaller models up to nearly 100 ft (27 m) tall on the largest Super Nova, with spray footprints often spanning wide diameters too depending on the pattern. When you need something to fill the space, add impact and make an impression, look no further.
H
Hydraulic Retention Time
-Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) tells us how long water stays in a lake or pond before either being pumped out for irrigation or flowing out naturally. It’s important because it directly influences aeration needs — where a shorter HRT means water flows quicker requiring a different aeration solution to a longer HRT cycle.. Effectively managed HRT ensures healthy water, less algae, and better irrigation water quality.
I
Industrial aerators
-These are the big guns in the water aerator world. They are heavy‑duty circulation systems designed for large, demanding water environments where ordinary pond aerators aren’t sufficient. They are capable of pumping very large volumes of water and adding oxygen efficiently. Otterbine’s are among the highest rated in the aeration industry, moving over 900 GPM (198 m³/hour) and adding about 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) of oxygen per horsepower‑hour.
Infinity
-It’s with good reason these Toro sprinklers are a customer favourite. As we know, precision is key for golf course irrigation and not only do Toro Infinity sprinklers deliver that to all the key areas on the course but advanced features too: Smart Access (see S in the guide for further information), adjustable and flexible coverage, trajectory and nozzle control.
Irrigation
-Irrigation in the turfcare industry has a very specific purpose: it keeps turf healthy, resilient, and playable, even under heavy use. Whether manually applied or with automation through control systems, pop-up sprinklers or drip-lines, it’s a critical component for today’s turfcare management, ensuring optimal plant health, aesthetics and playability for sports and golf venues. This artificial method of applying water to turf comes with a duty of care for everyone in the industry – we must act as a guardian of the resource. It is important to choose the method and system of application carefully, entrusting a brand that uses technology to the best of its advantage for precise, targeted application with minimal wastage.
L
Latching modes
-In irrigation systems, specifically within valve boxes, latching modes refer to the way a valve or controller maintains its on or off state after receiving an electrical signal (rather than continuous power). They are energy efficient, reducing the constant electrical load on the system. They work well in two-wire systems where multiple valves share the same line.
Lynx
-Toro only has one central control system because only one is needed when it’s Lynx. Lynx does it all. It offers real-time control, status and diagnostics to identify issues quickly; precision scheduling based on weather, soil, and system data; map-based control for intuitive system management and automatic alerts for leaks or performance problems. Access to this kind of detailed information means turf professionals can optimise water usage, reduce labour, and maintain consistent, healthy landscapes with smarter irrigation decisions.
Lynx Smart Hub
-The Smart Hub is essentially a central field controller that coordinates groups of Smart Modules and handles communication with central control. It serves as the control point connecting Smart Modules, sensors, and the central system.
Lynx Smart Module
-The Smart Module works with the Smart Hub to manage the 2‑wire network. It is the individual control unit at each sprinkler/valve on the path and executes watering, reporting status back to central control.
M
Moisture sensors
-A key tool for efficient irrigation, moisture sensors measure the amount of water in the soil and therefore help control watering levels. They can be critical for efficient irrigation, especially in widely variable climates. They allow irrigation to only happen when it’s needed, prevent overwatering or drought stress and reduce runoff and erosion. Working with controllers like Toro Lynx for the ultimate in efficient, effective irrigation.
N
Nozzles
-Nozzles are precision-engineered components that control how water is distributed from a sprinkler. They determine throw distance, flow rate, droplet size, uniformity, and coverage pattern. Good nozzles like Toro nozzles will deliver even water distribution, minimise dry spots, overwatering and runoff; smart arc adjustment, multiple trajectories and droplet sizes to maintain accuracy in wind, and will reduce water application rate, allowing soil to absorb water properly.
NSN
-Toro NSN is a trusted service for Toro irrigation customers providing unrivalled expertise, in-house lab testing, tailored training, next-business day hardware replacement, and comprehensive disaster recovery support, to ensure the reliability and efficiency of your irrigation system. It supports you as you strive to get the most and very best from your system. Here are five reasons why customers value it.
O
Oxygen transfer
-Oxygen transfer is the process of moving oxygen from the air into water. There are two main ways oxygen gets into water: naturally by wind stirring or rain hitting the surface and waves or plants, or mechanically via aeration equipment. Aerators and fountains increase oxygen transfer by moving water and exposing more of it to the air.
P
Pooling
-Water pooling is a common problem that usually means something in the system — or the soil — isn’t handling water properly. There are multiple potential causes: overwatering, excess run time, poor drainage or compacted soil, damaged or poorly specified sprinklers, wrong nozzles, system pressure problems, leaking valves or pipes, but once identified usually relatively straightforward to fix.
Precision
-Precision is a core feature in Toro’s range of irrigation products. It is after all the foundation of good playability and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re managing individual sprinkler heads, entire fairways, or specific course zones, Toro’s central control systems and sprinklers ensure water is applied only where and when it’s needed, to pinpoint accuracy.
Probe kit
-An irrigation probe kit is an essential toolkit for irrigation maintenance. Usually containing soil probe, locator, and electrical testers to inspect, test, and troubleshoot irrigation systems especially the underground components like valves, wiring, pipes, and soil conditions.
R
Rain sensor
-Rain sensors are small but mighty. In irrigation, they automatically stop the sprinklers watering when it’s raining. They detect rainfall quickly and then act equally as quickly to override the irrigation controller to prevent overwatering and save water.
Riser
-Risers or riser heads give you the option to enhance your sprinklers’ performance. The riser is the moving vertical component that pops-up out of the sprinkler body. Part of the Toro Flex and Infinity series sprinklers, they can also be retro upgraded. Arc options and nozzle size and type – meaning you can change the height of throw – are all improved or adjusted with a simple riser head change.
S
Soil sensors
-A soil sensor or smart probe is a device placed in the soil that monitors moisture, temperature, or electrical conductivity. The information is sent to an irrigation controller or monitoring system to assist with when and how much to water.
Sprinklers
-In its most basic term, a sprinkler is a mechanical irrigation head that releases water under pressure, spraying it over the ground to mimic rainfall. It’s connected to a water supply so it can water large areas efficiently. But not all sprinklers are created equally. The design, build, features and components are what set sprinklers apart and Toro’s extensive range of sprinklers focus on precision, ease of use and reliability to stand out.
Sprinkler body
-A sprinkler body is the main housing or outer casing of a sprinkler. It’s the part that sits in the ground and contains all the internal components that make the sprinkler work – essentially the shell. All that it contains can be seen and understood in our Anatomy of a sprinkler.
Smart Access
-This patented design feature for the Toro Infinity series changed golf and sports sprinkler maintenance for good. Top‑access to internal components means you can reach all the critical parts of the sprinkler (solenoid, pilot valve, modules, wire splices) from the top of the head. No digging is required any more to reach the 2‑wire control module, electrical connections, valve controls, pilots and adjustment parts, and wire splice compartments are all accessible by removing a cover, usually with just a screwdriver. As you can imagine faster, easier troubleshooting and servicing, with no turf damage makes Smart Access a popular feature.
Stations
-Within irrigation systems a station consists of a group of sprinklers and the valve that controls them. Each station runs its ‘watering zone’ independently so you can tailor irrigation to the needs of each area of turf. They assist by organising and managing irrigation efficiently, controlling and targeting water application effectively.
Sub-surface aeration
-Subsurface aeration is the process of introducing air or oxygen below the water’s surface, typically at the bottom or mid-depth of a pond, lake, or irrigation reservoir. The goal is to improve water quality, oxygen levels, and circulation. Compressed air is pumped through pipes with diffusers at the bottom of the water body and tiny bubbles rise through the water, transferring oxygen as they go, increasing oxygen exchange.
Surface aeration/aerators
-Surface aerators mix air into the water by agitating its surface rather than injecting air below the water like a diffused or subsurface aerator. It is visible and often decorative.
T
Testing tools
-Irrigation testing tools diagnose, verify, and optimise irrigation systems. Devices and equipment such as pressure gauges, electrical testers, flow metres and ones covered in this A-Z like moisture sensors help technicians, designers, and turf managers ensure systems are working correctly, efficiently, and with good coverage.
Training
-An irrigation system is a technical, complex system and getting the most out of it depends on being able to understand and use it properly. Choosing Toro means being able to access the brand’s National Support Network (NSN), an invaluable resource for those managing the operational side of things onsite and inhouse. Similarly, Toro customers also benefit from Reesink’s support. A comprehensive handover of the system, assistance with the correct use of manufacturer guidelines and controller programming, all ensure it runs smoothly.
Two-wire
-Two-wire irrigation refers to a type of system where all the irrigation valves are controlled through just two electrical wires running from the controller to the field, instead of a separate wire to each valve. There are numerous benefits associated with this type of system such as reduced wiring costs, simpler installation, less trenching and wiring work, easy troubleshooting and how expandable it is.
U
Upgrading
-Making upgrades to an irrigation system isn’t as difficult or complicated as you might think. Toro sprinklers from as far back as the 1960s can be easily upgraded with new Toro riser heads to deliver truly innovative improvements to your system. With a Toro system you can improve sprinkler accuracy, performance and water efficiency without the need for labour intensive spadework and costly renovations.
V
Valves
-A sprinkler valve is a key component of an irrigation system that controls the flow of water to a specific zone or station. Essentially, it’s the ‘on/off’ switch for the sprinklers in that area, gatekeeping the water supply. It allows for the automatic irrigation of multiple zones, ensures water goes only where it’s needed, protects the system from leaks and water waste, and enables independent control of each irrigation station.
Valve-in-head
-Valve-in-head sprinklers have the valve that controls water flow built directly into the sprinkler head, rather than being located at a central valve for the entire irrigation zone. This design allows for individual control of each sprinkler and provides certain operational advantages like top access serviceability.
Variable frequency drive
-A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) controls the pump that adjusts motor speed to match water demand, giving precise flow and consistent pressure to deliver water efficiently and safely while also saving energy.
W
Water harvesting
-Water harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater from roofs and other surfaces via a system of above ground pipes and tanks that are isolated from inland waters or groundwater. It is a key component of sustainable water sourcing and relates to future water reliance being self-sufficient by removing the need for mains water for irrigation. We go inside the subject in an article about how it relates to responsible irrigation.
Well point
-Similar to a borehole but on a smaller scale, a well point is a shallow, small-diameter pipe installed in the ground to access groundwater. It’s a practical solution for drawing water for irrigation, especially in areas with high water tables. It will need a surface pump to make and keep the water usable for irrigation. See ‘borehole’ for more information.
Wi-Fi enabled irrigation
-Wi‑Fi enabled irrigation lets you control, monitor, and optimise your irrigation system remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It offers smart automation, alerts, and integration with weather or soil sensors, putting the control literally in your hands, like the Tempus Decoder System.
Z
Zone
-In irrigation, a zone refers to a specific section that is watered independently from other sections. It’s a way to divide an irrigation site according to the specific requirements. Each zone runs separately so each area gets the right water amount without overwatering or under-watering.
