Why rotary sprinkler systems cost 50–70% more than spray systems for Nevada landscapes.

Rotary vs Spray: How much more does a rotary sprinkler system cost, anyway?

If you’re knee-deep in landscape design or irrigation planning in Nevada, you’ve probably noticed two big contenders on the table: rotary sprinkler heads and spray heads. They both have a job to do, but they do it in very different ways. And yes, they come with different price tags up front and over time. Here’s the practical stuff you need to know to make a smart call for a job, a neighborhood, or a client with a big yard and a tight budget.

What makes rotary systems more expensive upfront—and why it can be worth it

Let me explain the core difference in plain terms. Rotary sprinkler systems use gear-driven, low-flow heads that rotate in a circle. They deliver water over longer distances with a slower, more even arc. Spray systems, by contrast, shoot water through smaller nozzles in a more direct spray pattern. They’re simpler, cheaper, and they cover smaller areas with a lot of little spray points.

That difference in design, though, isn’t just about how the water comes out. It affects how the system is installed, how much water you use, and how often you’ll be back at the site for maintenance. In practice, rotary systems tend to be pricier both upfront and over the life of the system, because:

• They cover larger areas with fewer heads, but each head is a bit more sophisticated and rugged. The hardware itself is built to withstand long runs and variable pressure.

• They’re more efficient in real-world use. That efficiency isn’t free—rotaries are tuned to throw water farther while minimizing evaporation and runoff. That can reduce water waste, but it often comes at the cost of more precise design work and higher-quality components.

• They require more robust wiring, controllers, and valves to coordinate longer runs and bigger zones. More zones and longer runs mean more trenching, pipe, and trench restoration work.

If you’re calculating project budgets, a good rule of thumb is to think in terms of relative cost. The cost difference is commonly described as rotary systems being about 50% to 70% higher than spray systems when you compare installed systems designed for similar landscapes. In other words, if a spray setup runs $1,000 to install, a comparable rotary layout might land around $1,500 to $1,700 or more, depending on site specifics. That “more” isn’t just a higher price punch list—it reflects longer-term water efficiency, more controlled distribution, and the durability you’re paying for.

Why the numbers can swing—variables that actually matter on the ground

A lot of the cost gap comes down to site specifics and how a contractor designs the system. Here are a few elements that push costs up or down:

• Area size and layout. Rotary systems shine on larger turf expanses or steep slopes where one head can cover a big area. Spray systems can still do the job, but you might need a lot more heads and piping to reach the same result.

• Water pressure and distribution. Rotary heads tolerate a wider range of pressures and often require careful pressure regulation and sometimes booster pumps. That regulation adds hardware and work hours.

• Irrigation zones. More zones mean more valves, controllers, and wiring runs. A larger Nevada property with irregular boundaries will push it higher.

• Soil and drainage. Sandy soils drain faster, which can affect how many rotaries you need to avoid runoff. Clay soils hold water longer and may need different head spacing.

• Climate considerations. In hot, dry Nevada summers, evaporation losses matter. Rotary systems can be a smart move for efficiency, but that efficiency comes with smarter design choices—again, more upfront planning.

• Maintenance expectations. Rotary systems can demand precise nozzles and seasonal adjustments. If a property requires ongoing tuning, you’ll see maintenance costs reflected over time.

A practical way to think about it: the rotary choice isn’t just about a bigger price tag; it’s about a different pattern of spending across the project life cycle. The extra upfront spend often translates into lower water use, fewer head replacements, and longer intervals between major repairs in the right conditions.

When to lean toward rotary (and when spray is the smarter choice)

Not every landscape needs a rotary system, and that’s absolutely okay. Here are scenarios that make sense for each option:

• Choose rotary when:

• You’re dealing with large turf areas, long runs, or slopes where a single head can cover a big zone efficiently.

• Water efficiency is a priority, especially in drought-prone areas; you want better distribution and reduced evaporation.

• You’re aiming for a more uniform wetting pattern on irregular shapes or challenging sites.

• You’re facing higher-end installation requirements where durability and future-proofing matter.

• Choose spray when:

• The area is small, or you’re irrigating multiple tight pockets like flower beds, shrubs, or a courtyard with hardscape.

• Budget constraints are tight, and you need a quick-to-install solution with simpler maintenance.

• The soil has excellent water infiltration and you’re not worried about large turf zones or long-distance coverage.

• You want lower upfront costs and simpler, more familiar components.

Spotlight on the Nevada angle: climate, codes, and cost awareness

In Nevada, irrigation decisions aren’t just about making green grass appear; they’re about balancing landscaping goals with water scarcity realities and local regulations. Many districts encourage or require efficient irrigation systems and smart scheduling to reduce waste. In this context:

• Rotary systems can excel when you’re maintaining large xeriscaped zones or mixed landscapes that still require periodic greens. Their efficiency helps offset some of the higher upfront costs over the long run.

• Spray systems work well for smaller, mixed planting beds and for clients who want lower first costs or who are installing features in stages.

• Rebates and incentives: some regions offer rebates for efficient systems and smart controllers. Those incentives can tilt the economics in favor of rotary or more advanced spray setups when the project qualifies.

What the numbers actually cover—and how to communicate them

When you’re pricing, it helps to break down the cost into clear chunks so clients see the value. A simple breakdown might look like this:

• Hardware: heads, nozzles, valves, controllers, backflow preventers.

• Installation: trenching, pipe runs, valve boxes, wiring, and integration with the controller.

• System design and testing: zoning, head-to-area coverage calculation, water pressure testing, and start-up.

• Ongoing costs: seasonal adjustments, weather-based scheduling setup, and occasional head cleaning or nozzle replacement.

If you’re comparing apples to apples, remember to align on the same scale. A rotary system may cost more upfront but save water and reduce maintenance in the right climate. A spray system may come in under budget today but can require more heads and more frequent adjustments to maintain even coverage, especially in larger lots.

A few practical tips for contractors and clients alike

• Do a zone-by-zone plan. Don’t guess how many heads you’ll need. Map the area, calculate distances, and plan zones that minimize piping length while maximizing coverage.

• Prioritize water efficiency features. Whether you pick rotary or spray, a smart controller, soil moisture sensors, and rain shutoff devices can lower long-term costs and water use.

• Consider future changes. If a property will expand or if plantings will shift, design with flexible zones and modular upgrades in mind.

• Budget for seasonal service. Nevada’s climate can stress systems differently across the year. A predictable maintenance schedule helps keep costs down and performance high.

• Talk through maintenance realities. Some clients assume rotary means “set it and forget it.” In reality, both systems benefit from regular checkups to prevent leaks, clogged nozzles, and uneven distribution.

A quick mental model to keep in your pocket

Picture a large Nevada yard with a mix of turf and shrubs. A rotary system, well designed and tuned, can blanket the turf with just a few heads and a couple of big zones. It reduces water waste and keeps mowing green without overspray onto sidewalks or driveways. A spray-based approach might involve many smaller heads, closer spacing, and a higher upfront cost in parts and labor—but it can be perfect for tight plant pockets and a tighter budget at the outset.

The long view matters

Here’s the thing: irrigation isn’t just a price tag. It’s a statement about how you care for a landscape over time. Rotary systems, with their efficiency and coverage, can pay back the initial investment through lower water use and fewer major repairs. Spray systems, with their lower upfront cost, can be ideal for quick projects or specific design goals where large turf isn’t central.

If you’re a landscape pro evaluating a Nevada project, the key is to weigh the site’s needs, the long-term water budget, and the client’s tolerance for maintenance. The cost difference is real, but so is the potential for better plant health, happier clients, and a landscape that stands up to the desert heat without breaking the bank.

Final thoughts to carry forward

In the end, the choice between rotary and spray isn’t a battle of good and bad—it’s about fit. Rotary systems promise efficiency and broad coverage for bigger jobs, with a price tag that reflects the technology and the long-term benefits. Spray systems offer simplicity, lower upfront costs, and quicker installs for smaller or more compartmentalized landscapes.

If you’re pricing or designing in Nevada, you’ll want to keep a clear eye on the numbers, the climate, and the site specifics. The right system—whether rotary, spray, or a hybrid—will help you deliver a landscape that looks great, uses water wisely, and stays within budget. And that’s a win for you, the client, and the ecosystem you’re helping to sustain.