When looking for the best tripod sprinkler, the essential factors to consider are its type, maximum height, and spray jet patterns. Below, I will discuss my favorite products based on these features. If you want to learn more about why they are important, keep reading!
Even a small lawn needs to be watered diligently depending on your local climate. If you have a larger lawn that needs to stay hydrated, this can be even more frustrating. Sometimes it’s just not practical to install underground irrigation, but using the old school oscillating sprinklers can be pretty limiting.
Fortunately, a few years back I learned about tripod sprinklers. These offer an easy, customizable, and effective way to water the grass when my lawn needs it.
I’ve compiled a list of my top picks for the best tripod sprinklers on the market currently. Each product includes a detailed review as well as pros and cons, so you can easily compare them with one another.
I also included a handy buying guide below. This section will discuss the factors to consider before buying the best tripod sprinkler for your needs.
I will also provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions you may have about tripod sprinklers.
So, without any further ado, let’s get into the tripod sprinkler reviews!
What Is a Tripod Sprinkler?
A tripod sprinkler features a fully adjustable sprinkler and a headstand, which is similar to a tripod used by photographers.
This stand stands firmly on the ground once you set it up. Thus, it can hold the sprinkler sturdily, even in windy conditions. And since it suspends the sprinkler above ground, it also reduces the risk of stray animals destroying this gardening tool.
The tripod sprinkler can also collapse into a compact size, so you can conveniently store it when not in use.
Tripod sprinklers are pretty easy to use. All you need to do is connect the garden hose to the sprinkler head. Then, turn it on to water your lawn or garden.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2022
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Top 6 Best Tripod Sprinklers
Below are my top picks for the best tripod sprinklers on the market today. Each sprinkler system can offer a steady yet adjustable water flow to meet your gardening needs.
1. Melnor Minimax Tripod Sprinkler – Editor’s Pick
The first product on this list of the best tripod sprinkler systems is the Melnor 65115-AMZ MiniMax.
It features a mini-sized sprinkler that can fully oscillate or rotate for a wider coverage area. There is also a four-way sprinkler head that allows you to easily adjust spray coverage when watering plants. These include range adjustment, width adjustment, rotation, and zoom control flow.
When used in full power, this tripod sprinkler head can cover up to 4,000 square feet of garden area. Thus, it is suitable for small, medium, and large yards alike.
Meanwhile, the stand itself uses a sturdy metal material. This durable construction of the tripod base can withstand harsh outdoor and weather conditions. Plus, the tripod legs can extend from 27 inches up to 41 inches. Hence, these adjustable legs allow you to reach and water both near and far plants. Plus, the weighted tripod resists tipping.
Furthermore, the MiniMax sprinkler tripod includes a QuickConnect Product Adapter. It enables you to connect and disconnect the sprinkler easily. However, the End Connector is sold separately if you want to enjoy this convenience.
There are even water timers that make it easier to monitor the amount of water you use. They can effectively prevent over or under-watering. This ultimately keeps your garden and yard healthy while conserving water.
Most importantly, the reviews for this sprinkler tripod were overwhelmingly positive. If there is any critique, it would be the plastic handle, which can feel cheap and flimsy. Also, a few users noticed that the sprinkler could sometimes stop oscillating, even when the water is at full pressure.
But as you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons. The item is even backed by a limited lifetime warranty from Melnor, unlike most tripod sprinklers. So if it does not meet your expectations, feel free to request a refund or return.
In summary, I picked the Melnor 65115-AMZ MiniMax as the best tripod sprinkler on the market today. I like how easy and reliable the item is, so you can enjoy taking care of your lawn or garden.
Pros:
- A compact yet powerful sprinkler tripod that can cover gardens up to 4,000 square feet
- A sprinkler head nozzle with four-way adjustment can easily adjust spray coverage
- Sturdy metal tripod base and stand with weighted legs can extend up to 41 inches tall, ideal for large plants
- The package includes a QuickConnect Product adapter for easy connection and disconnection of the sprinkler
- The timers can prevent over or under watering to help conserve water
- A limited lifetime warranty ensures the product can last you a long time
Cons:
- Some customers mentioned that the sprinkler handle could feel cheap due to the plastic construction
- A few users said that the garden sprinkler stops oscillating, even at full pressure
2. Aqua Joe Tripod Sprinkler – Runner-Up
Do you want a fully customizable tripod sprinkler for your garden? Then, consider getting the Aqua Joe AJ-IST39BM Impulse Tripod Sprinkler.
It features a 360º impulse sprinkler that can spray water in either 5º partial or 360º full circles. So whether you need to simulate natural rainfall or ensure even distribution of water, this product might suit your needs.
Additionally, this tripod sprinkler has a sprinkler head with adjustable coverage. It allows you to adjust the spray distance, spray pattern, rotation, and even coverage area. All of these options give you unmatched flexibility and control over the water.
Plus, a diffuser pin lets you adjust the water spray instantly. The metal pulsating head adjusts depending on your needs. So, feel free to choose from a powerful jet stream to a gentle shower when watering your plants.
Moreover, this premium tripod sprinkler has a maximum coverage area of 1,390 square feet. Thus, it is suitable for small and medium yards.
As for the build, this excellent tripod sprinkler uses heavy-duty metal construction. Both the heavy-duty brass head and high-quality zinc materials ensure durability. As such, it can last a long time to provide years of reliable irrigation.
Meanwhile, the tripod base comes with increased stability telescopes. These can help the tripod legs in holding the ground firmly.
Finally, the tripod legs can extend from 25 inches up to 39 inches, ideal for maximum water dispersal.
Despite these benefits, there are a few cons to consider before buying this heavy-duty brass impact tripod sprinkler. First, some users said that the stability telescopes or spikes of the tripod base do not help in keeping the sprinkler steady. Second, a few customers received a defective sprinkler pin, which barely deflects the water stream.
Nevertheless, I still think the Aqua Joe AJ-IST39BM is one of the best tripod sprinklers with brass construction on the market. I recommend this brass impact tripod sprinkler to users who need complete control over the water pressure.
Pros:
- A 360º impulse sprinkler head sprays water in partial or full circles
- It includes a customizable sprinkle head and diffuser pin to give you unmatched flexibility over the water pressure
- An adjustable coverage area of up to 1,390 square feet is suitable for small and medium gardens
- A tripod base stand with increased stability telescopes
- Heavy-duty brass construction and rust-resistant components ensure long-lasting durability
Cons:
- Some users said that the spikes in the tripod legs do not effectively hold the sprinkler upright
- A few customers noticed that the sprinkler pin barely deflects the water stream
3. Melnor Metal Pulsating Tripod Sprinkler
The Melnor Metal Pulsating Tripod Sprinkler is another excellent product worth considering for your gardening needs.
It features a durable and all-metal pulsating head. Hence, it can withstand most weather conditions and last you a long time.
This tripod sprinkler head also allows you to direct the water in whatever direction. In fact, Melnor was the first manufacturer to introduce the first successful oscillating sprinkler in 1946. So whether you need to reach small plants or tall trees, this XT Pulsating Sprinkler might be the right product for your watering needs.
What’s more, this tripod sprinkler head has a coverage area of up to 85 feet in diameter. Thus, it is suitable for both small and large-sized gardens and yards.
There is even a Quick Connect Product Adapter included in the sprinkler system package. It enables you to connect and disconnect the brass impact sprinkler from the tripod instantly, which ultimately offers convenience.
And speaking of the tripod, it uses a sturdy metal construction. Plus, this metal tripod base and legs can extend up to 48 inches tall to reach larger plants and trees.
Finally, this tripod sprinkler comes with exclusive Melnor water timers, unlike other sprinklers. These help prevent over or underwatering. Hence, they can keep your garden healthy while helping you conserve water at the same time.
However, before buying this product, it is best to consider its downsides. First, some users experienced that the water flow constantly got stuck. Second, a few customers even noticed that the sprinkler nozzle could sometimes leak, even when they replaced it with a new rubber gasket and a diffuser screw.
But considering its benefits and value for money, I still think the Melnor 65066-AMZ Impact Sprinkler is worth considering. That is why I included it in this list of the best tripod sprinkler systems.
Pros:
- The all-metal pulsating head can oscillate 360º to give you flexibility and precision over the water direction
- A wide coverage area of up to 85 feet in diameter can handle both small and large gardens with ease
- Durable all-metal construction of the impact sprinkler can withstand harsh outdoor conditions and last you for a long time
- The package includes a Quick Connect Product Adapter, so you can quickly attach the sprinkler to the tripod sprinkler
- Melnor timers help prevent over or underwatering to conserve water
Cons:
- Some users said that the sprinkler system settings get constantly stuck
- A few customers also noticed that the sprinkler nozzle occasionally leaks, even after replacing it with a new rubber gasket and a diffuser screw
4. Aqua Joe Series 6 Tripod Sprinkler
Do you want to ensure that your gardening tool lasts for a long time? Consider investing in the Aqua Joe AJ-6PSTB Indestructible Series 6 Tripod Sprinkler.
It features a heavy-duty metal construction as well as rust-resistant components. These can withstand harsh outdoor conditions and provide years of reliable irrigation performance.
Additionally, the goose neck hose attachment of this impact sprinkler is leak-resistant. It can keep your garden or yard well-watered throughout the years.
Besides durability, this metal tripod sprinkler also offers unmatched flexibility and control over the water. There are six adjustable spray patterns, namely flat, fan, mist, large, multi, and min. Feel free to choose from these patterns and customize the spray direction based on your needs.
Additionally, the Aqua Joe AJ-6PSTB Metal Tripod Sprinkler comes with a 360º rotating head. It allows you to spray water both in partial and full circles. Thus, this impact sprinkler can ensure even watering to promote the fast growth of plants, similar to a stationary sprinkler system.
There is even an option to control the flow of water. The maximum flow rate is rated at 9.3 gallons per minute (GPM).
Furthermore, this stable metal tripod sprinkler has a maximum spray distance of 4,500 square feet of area. Meanwhile, the spray can reach areas up to 75.4 feet in diameter.
Lastly, it includes tripod sprinkler telescopes to ensure stability on uneven ground. The stand itself can extend from 31 inches to 45.2 inches, ideal for reaching taller plants and trees. Plus, the stable tripod base can withstand high water pressure.
There are still a few downsides to consider, though, before buying this metal tripod. First, some users noticed that the sprinkler head randomly stopped oscillating or rotating in the middle of the operation. Second, a few customers said that the tripod stand toppled over on uneven ground.
Nevertheless, I think the Aqua Joe AJ-6PSTB Indestructible Series 6 is one of the best tripod sprinklers on the market today. I highly recommend it to users who want to ensure that the tool can withstand high water pressures and various weather conditions.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty all-metal construction with rust-resistant components ensure durability
- A gooseneck attachment prevents water leaks and accidental tripod sprinkles
- 360º rotating sprinkler head can spray water in partial and full circles for even watering
- Six adjustable spray patterns give you flexibility and precision
- A wide coverage area of up to 4,500 square feet is ideal for large gardens
- A durable tripod stand can extend from 31 inches to 45.2 inches to reach tall plants and trees
Cons:
- The sprinkler head randomly stops oscillating or rotating
- Some users said that the tripod stand could topple over when setting the water at full pressure
5. Eden 11530 Multi-Pattern Tripod Sprinkler
The Eden 11530 Multi-Pattern Sprinkler features a 360° spray with adjustable coverage to give you flexibility and control over the water direction. So whether you need to water small shrubs or full-grown trees, this product might meet your requirements.
This tripod sprinkler also offers both part- and full-circle coverage from 5° to 360° for additional precision.
There are even five spray patterns, namely flat, fan, mist, large, and multi. Each one can meet your unique watering needs.
Meanwhile, the tripod stand itself is adjustable from 2 to 4 feet. Thus, it can easily reach both small plants and tall trees.
Furthermore, this multi-pattern tripod sprinkler includes a unique misting system. It is ideal for cooling down small areas during hot summer days, especially when you do not necessarily need to douse them with water.
On top of all these benefits, it comes with a water stop. It enables you to switch tools or nozzles without the need to turn off the water of your standard garden hose. Simply use the secure twist-and-lock mechanism to keep your watering tools connected.
Lastly, this tripod sprinkler uses a durable ABS plastic material. It can ensure reliable and leak-free performance for years to come. As such, you can also guarantee that your plants are receiving the optimum water for successful growth.
Despite these advantages, it is still best to consider its cons before finalizing your purchasing decision. First, some users said that the plastic build could feel cheap and flimsy. Second, a few customers also noticed that the spray volume seems pretty low, which limits the coverage area.
Overall, though, the Eden 11530 Multi-Pattern Sprinkler is one of the best tripod sprinklers on the market today. I highly recommend it to those who need a compact yet powerful tripod sprinkler.
Pros:
- 360° rotating sprinkler for flexibility and control over the water direction
- Five spray patterns to meet your unique and specific watering needs
- Adjustable tripod stand can extend from 2 to 4 feet
- A unique misting system can effectively cool small areas without the need to douse them with water
- The sprinkler includes a water stop that allows you to switch tools or nozzles without turning off the water
- Durable ABS plastic material ensures leak-free connection and optimum water
Cons:
- Some users said that the plastic construction could feel cheap and flimsy
- A few customers said that the spray volume seems pretty low, which does not allow you to reach wide areas
6. Orbit 62120 Garden Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler
The last product on this list of the best tripod sprinklers is the Orbit 62120 Garden Enforcer Sprinkler.
It boasts a 120° sensor with three detection modes. Feel free to choose between daylight hours, night only, or the always on mode, depending on your usage and needs.
Additionally, the intelligent sensing technology automatically measures the amount of water needed for your plants. There is even a 30-minute timed watering setting to help you conserve water. Plus, it comes with a battery conservation feature to prolong operation.
As for the tripod base itself, this garden impact sprinkler has a stable metal build. It can extend up to 54 inches with room for adjustment to reach plants in a wider area.
Furthermore, it offers over 7,500 activation cycles by simply using four AA alkaline batteries.
Lastly, it enables you to increase the water enforcement area by attaching additional impact sprinklers (sold separately) as needed via the dual flow-through ports.
There are still a few downsides to this product, though. First, some users were not impressed with its motion detection spray, as it accidentally sprayed them. Second, a few customers received missing or wrong parts, which was a hassle to return.
Nevertheless, the Orbit 62120 Garden Enforcer Sprinkler is still among the best tripod sprinklers today. It is an excellent alternative to traditional garden hoses.
Pros:
- 120° sensor with three detection modes allow you to set the impact sprinkler anytime you want
- Intelligent sensing technology ensures optimum water and battery conservation
- A durable and adjustable metal tripod base
- It delivers over 7,500 activation cycles on just four alkaline batteries
Cons:
- Some users said that the motion detection sensor was inaccurate
- A few customers received missing or wrong parts, which prevented them from assembling the product properly
How to Choose the Best Tripod Sprinklers for Your Garden
By now, you probably have a good idea about the best sprinkler tripod sprinklers for your garden. But if you are still clueless about which one to buy, fret not!
Below, I will thoroughly discuss the factors you need to consider before purchasing the product.
Type of Sprinkler
When shopping for the best tripod sprinkler, you might come across different types. These include stationary or rotary, oscillating, traveling, and impact sprinklers.
Stationary or rotary sprinklers include multiple tips attached to a single head. These tips automatically turn or spin when you turn on the sprinkler. This type of sprinkler is best when using low water pressure. It is suitable for small and squared-off lawns.
Meanwhile, oscillating sprinklers have a long tube with holes on the surface. This sprinklers’ ability is to spurt out water out of these holes and wave it back and forth with the right pressure. They are ideal if you need to water rectangular areas evenly.
On the other hand, traveling sprinklers function similarly to rotary sprinklers. The only difference is that its base moves on a pre-set pattern. Hence, they are suitable for watering wide or expansive lawns and gardens.
Finally, impact sprinklers are called as such due to the hammering sound they produce. They spurt water in successive intervals, owing to the impact hammer spray head. They also offer partial or full circle coverage.
As you can see, each one offers its pros and cons. Thus, it is up to you to choose one that best suits your needs.
Maximum Tripod Height
You might also want to consider the maximum tripod stand height of the sprinkler. It determines how far the water can reach the plants in your garden. So if you have a large lawn, it is best to choose taller sprinklers that are at least 40 inches in height.
Better yet, get a tripod sprinkler with an adjustable height. This way, you can easily extend or fold down the legs as needed.
Spray Jet
If you want a better coverage area, it is best to buy a tripod sprinkler with multiple spray jets. However, the number will depend on the type of sprinkler you choose.
For instance, rotating sprinklers must have at least four spray holes in every arm for watering medium- and large-sized gardens. Meanwhile, oscillating sprinklers should have a minimum of 15 spray jets to reach far distances.
Spray Pattern
Besides the spray jet, it is recommended to choose the spray pattern wisely. It determines how precisely you can control or direct the water in a specific direction.
Usually, tripod sprinklers come in multiple spray patterns. The more, the better, as it gives you greater flexibility. Some of the most common coverage patterns include half-round, full-round, square, rectangular, and fan-shaped. Each one can suit a specific gardening or watering need.
Ease of Use
Tripod sprinklers can offer a lot of benefits to handle a wide range of tasks. However, that should not compromise the user-friendliness of the product.
So when buying a tripod sprinkler, you should also consider how easy it is to use the item. It should be relatively simple to understand what each part does. Furthermore, the installation and disassembly instructions must be included in the package. This way, you already know how to build the item out of the box.
Durability
Finally, consider the durability of the tripod sprinkler.
If possible, choose an all-metal sprinkler design. It ensures that the product will withstand outdoor weather conditions and last longer than plastic ones. It is also important that it should be rust-resistant, such as heavy-duty brass, aluminum, stainless steel, or zinc.
However, if you are on a tight budget, you can also go with plastic sprinklers. These are lightweight and water-resistant. However, they are not the most durable as they can easily go brittle with extensive exposure to sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of sprinklers?
There are different types of garden sprinklers available on the market today.
First, there are fixed sprinklers. As their name suggests, they stay in one spot. Thus, they can only spray water over a single area.
On the other hand, oscillating sprinklers can spray water back and forth, similar to a fan-like movement. However, they still remain stationary, so they can still be pretty limited.
Meanwhile, impact sprinklers have the ability to rotate in a circle. While rotating, the sprinklers also move in a circle to spray water over a relatively large area.
There are also traveling sprinklers that look similar to a small tractor. They can move on a set path around your yard. Thus, they can cover a large area.
Moreover, sprinkler hoses lay on the ground like a hose. But they have tiny holes along the length of the pipe, where the water spurts out. Another variation of sprinkler hoses is in-ground sprinklers. They can spurt water from various locations throughout your yard. However, they require professional installation.
Finally, tripod sprinklers feature a head that is attached to a tripod stand, similar to the camera equipment used by photographers. They can spray water at greater heights and reach further distances, ideal for large lawns.
Each type of sprinkler has its pros and cons. At the end of the day, it is up to you to choose which one best suits your needs.
Do you need a tripod sprinkler?
A tripod sprinkler is ideal if you have a garden or yard with hard-to-reach areas, whether as a result of natural geography or fences. It stands taller than other types of garden sprinklers, so they can reach a greater expanse of your lawn.
Those who grow vines or larger trees can also consider getting a tripod sprinkler. Other sprinkler systems simply cannot reach the full height of these plants.
Furthermore, if you have a large lawn space, you may also benefit from a tripod sprinkler. It can cover greater distances due to its adjustable height.
At the same time, it can help you save money in the long run. That is because there is no need to buy, install, and maintain multiple sprinklers.
A tripod sprinkler can even fold down to a compact size, making it portable enough for your watering needs. Thus, it can also easily be transferred and used anywhere in your yard. Of course, just make sure the water hose is still accessible, so you can take advantage of the tripod sprinkler.
Finally, those looking for a lightweight gardening tool can also consider the tripod sprinkler. It averages at around three to five pounds. Hence, it is easy to carry and set up without too much trouble, perfect for older gardeners.
How to use a tripod sprinkler?
A tripod sprinkler is relatively easy to learn how to set up and use.
In general, you need to decide where you will be placing the tripod stand. You can easily adjust its height by flipping the locks and extending the legs.
Once you have determined the ideal height for your watering needs, you can attach the hose to the sprinkler head. Then, feel free to choose the spray patterns when watering specific plants. After that, you can now turn it on to start spraying water.
If possible, use high water flow with these sprinklers. Some models might not work as well when the water is at low pressure.
You may also want to avoid tilting the tripod head too much. It can topple over when you turn on the water.
Conclusion
That concludes my top picks for the best tripod sprinklers available today! Each one offers flexibility to water hard-to-reach areas and tall vines or trees. Thus, it can promote the full growth of the plants in your garden.
But if I can choose one to suggest, it would be the Melnor 65115-AMZ MiniMax. It has a mini-sized sprinkler that can fully oscillate or rotate. Additionally, a four-way adjustment provides further precision when watering plants. Moreover, the tripod can extend up to 41 inches. It even uses a sturdy metal construction to ensure durability in harsh weather conditions. Overall, it can help keep your garden plants healthy.
