How does POP-UP nozzle work? What is its irrigation principle?

07 10, 2025

POP-UP Sprinkler is a widely used sprinkler irrigation device for lawns, gardens, and landscapes. Its core feature is that the nozzle is hidden underground in a non working state, and only "pops out" of the ground for spraying when supplying water. After irrigation is completed, it automatically retracts, which is both beautiful and avoids the influence of obstacles.

Working principle of POP-UP Sprinkler

Water supply startup: When the irrigation system is turned on, the water pressure pushes the piston or spring mechanism inside the nozzle, causing the nozzle to rise from the ground (usually at a height of 2-12 inches).

Spray water flow: Water forms a uniform spray through the nozzle at the top of the nozzle, covering the designated irrigation area. The type of nozzle (such as fixed, rotating, scattering) determines the distribution pattern of water flow.

Automatic retraction: After turning off the water source, the water pressure disappears, and the spring or gravity device inside the nozzle retracts it to the ground, restoring a flat surface and avoiding the risk of mowing or tripping pedestrians.

Irrigation Principle

Uniform coverage: By carefully designing nozzle angles and water discharge patterns, water droplets are evenly distributed, reducing irrigation blind spots.

Adjustable range: Some nozzles support adjusting the spray radius (such as 90 °, 180 °, 270 °, or 360 ° full circle) to adapt to different shapes of lawns or flower beds.

Water saving design: Modern POP-UP Sprinklers use low-pressure high-efficiency nozzles to reduce atomization losses and improve water resource utilization.

Applicable Scenarios

Lawn irrigation: Evenly moisten the lawn to avoid local waterlogging or drought.

Garden and shrub areas: Different nozzles can be used to adapt to the water requirements of plants.

Linkage with intelligent systems: compatible with timers or soil moisture sensors to achieve automated irrigation.

Prev：No previous article Next：In what ways do impact sprinklers have advantages over other types of sprinklers?