With firmware version 1.4.001 or later, your ImoLaza Smart Sprinkler Controller unlocks a new level of efficiency with the ET Smart Schedule. Wondering if this is the right option for your landscape? Let’s break it down and help you decide!
1. What Is ET Smart Schedule?
ET Smart Schedule (Evapotranspiration-based Scheduling) is ideal for established lawns and landscapes. It automatically determines the optimal watering duration and frequency for each zone, adapting to weather, seasons, and climate.
It’s designed to:
. Meet your plants’ real watering needs
. Save water intelligently
. Take the guesswork out of scheduling
2. How Does It Work?
ImoLaza combines two advanced systems to create a smart, self-adjusting watering plan:
Watering Duration Expert
Calculates how long each zone should be watered based on:
. Soil type
. Nozzle precipitation rate
. Root zone depth
. Allowable soil moisture depletion
Smart Weather Genius
Collects real-time and forecasted weather data from multiple sources to:
. Track evaporation and plant transpiration
. Predict when watering is truly needed
. Automatically skip irrigation when conditions don’t require it
Together, these systems form the Intelligent ET Master, which ensures your plants are watered just enough, at the right time, based on:
. Local weather
. Zone-specific needs
. Ongoing soil moisture monitoring
Note: Each zone is managed independently, so start times and watering durations may differ across zones within the same ET Smart Schedule.
3. Can I Convert Other Schedule Types into ET Smart?
No, once a schedule is created, its type cannot be changed. That’s because Fixed, New Grass, and ET Smart Schedules operate with different rules for:
. Watering frequency
. Start times
. Skip mechanisms
Be sure to choose the schedule type that best fits your needs when setting it up.
4. Is It Suitable for Mixed Crop Zones?
Not really. In fact, none of the three schedule types are ideal for zones with mixed plant types.
For the best results, group plants with similar watering needs into the same zone.
5. Will the Watering Duration Change Over the Season?
No. While the watering frequency adapts to changing conditions, the watering duration remains fixed, calculated based on zone properties when the schedule is created.
6. Do I Need to Buy a Weather Station?
Not at all. ImoLaza gives you access to:
. 375,000+ private weather stations
. 5,000+ national weather stations
Within 5 km (3 miles) of your location, you'll usually have 3–5 options to choose from.
To select one: Go to Settings > Controller Settings > Weather Stations in the ImoLaza app.
7. Why Do Trees Need Longer Watering?
Trees, shrubs, and perennials have deep root systems, requiring water to reach deeper soil layers. That’s why they might need longer watering durations, such as 3 hours or more.
However, they don’t need to be watered as often. So while the watering time is longer, the watering frequency is lower, helping save water while meeting your plants’ needs.
Still need help?
In case the above method doesn’t work for you, please contact our technical support team directly using the contact information below. We will respond to you by email within 12h after your message reaches us.
Email: Support@imolaza.com