What Is Hunter Industries and Why Do They Matter for Irrigation?
Hunter Industries is one of the largest manufacturers of irrigation products and systems in the world. If you're shopping for sprinklers, controllers, drip irrigation components, or related equipment, you've likely encountered their name—either in a store, online, or through a contractor's recommendation. Understanding what they make, where to find their products, and how they fit into the irrigation landscape can help you make more informed decisions about your own irrigation needs.
Who Hunter Industries Is
Hunter Industries, based in California, has been in the irrigation business since 1981. They design and manufacture a wide range of irrigation products sold through multiple channels: irrigation supply stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and landscape contractor networks. Their product line spans from residential sprinkler heads and timers to commercial-scale systems and controls.
What sets them apart in the market is their investment in both consumer-grade and professional-grade products. This means you'll find Hunter equipment at different price points and complexity levels, depending on whether you're a homeowner doing a DIY project or a landscape professional managing multiple properties.
Types of Products Hunter Makes 🚿
Hunter's portfolio covers the main categories of irrigation:
Sprinkler heads and nozzles — These are the components that actually distribute water. Hunter makes pop-up sprinklers for lawns, rotary sprinklers (which spray in a rotating pattern), and fixed spray heads. The choice between types depends on your yard layout, water pressure, and coverage goals.
Valves and flow control — These regulate where water goes and how much flows through different zones of your system. Hunter manufactures both manual and automatic valves, which matters if you're upgrading an existing system or building one from scratch.
Controllers and timers — These are the "brain" of your system. Hunter makes battery-powered timers for simple setups and WiFi-enabled smart controllers for more sophisticated irrigation management. The range here is significant: a basic timer might control two zones, while a smart controller can manage dozens of zones and adjust watering based on weather data.
Drip irrigation components — For gardens, vegetable beds, or landscaping that doesn't need traditional sprinklers, Hunter offers drip tubing, emitters, and micro-spray components.
Residential and commercial systems — Hunter also assembles complete system packages, which can simplify planning if you're starting from scratch.
Where to Buy Hunter Products
Hunter products are distributed through different retail channels, each with its own advantages:
Irrigation specialty stores — These are often locally owned or regional chains that focus exclusively on irrigation. Staff typically understand system design and can help troubleshoot problems. Prices may be higher than big-box retailers, but the expertise often justifies it.
Big-box home improvement retailers — Home Depot and similar stores carry a limited selection of Hunter products, primarily for homeowners doing simple projects. Selection is narrower, and staff expertise varies, but prices tend to be competitive and you have the convenience of quick pickup.
Online retailers — Many online sellers stock Hunter products, sometimes with competitive pricing. The trade-off is that you won't have in-person advice, and delivery times vary. This works well if you know exactly what you need or are ordering components for a system you're already familiar with.
Landscape supply yards — Professional irrigation suppliers often carry the full Hunter line and cater to contractors. These aren't always open to the general public, though some do sell to homeowners.
Direct from Hunter — Hunter's website provides a store locator and sells some products directly, though the emphasis is generally on directing customers to authorized dealers.
Key Factors That Shape Your Decision 💧
Whether Hunter products are right for you depends on several variables:
Your project scope — A simple timer replacement is different from designing a new system for a half-acre lot. Simple projects can use basic Hunter timers and sprinklers; larger installations may benefit from their more advanced controllers and zone management options.
Your budget — Hunter products range from budget-friendly to premium. Entry-level timers and sprinklers are competitively priced; smart controllers and professional-grade components cost more. What matters is whether the features justify the cost for your specific needs.
Water pressure and flow — Your home's water pressure (measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch) affects which sprinkler heads work best. Hunter makes products across a range of pressure requirements, but you'll need to know your system's specifications to choose correctly.
Your climate and soil — Watering needs vary dramatically by region. In dry climates, a smart controller that adjusts for rainfall and temperature can save water and money. In humid areas, simpler systems may do fine. Soil type also affects how water moves through your yard, which influences sprinkler spacing and flow rates.
DIY vs. professional installation — Hunter products are used by both homeowners and professionals. Some products are simple enough for a confident DIYer; others require plumbing knowledge or system design expertise. The product complexity you choose should match your comfort level or willingness to hire help.
Comparing Hunter to Other Brands
Hunter is one of several major irrigation manufacturers. Others include Rainbird, Orbit, Toro, and Irritrol. Each has strengths in different areas:
| Factor | Hunter | Other Brands (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Product range | Very broad, residential to commercial | Varies; some specialize in one segment |
| Availability | Wide distribution | Varies by brand and region |
| Price point | Competitive; range from budget to premium | Varies; competition is strong across tiers |
| Smart features | Strong WiFi and app integration | Growing; varies by brand |
| Repair parts availability | Generally good; long product lifespan | Varies; Hunter's scale helps here |
None of this means Hunter is "better"—only that their scale and product variety make them a common choice. Your best option depends on what's available locally, what your specific system needs, and your budget.
What You'll Need to Know Before Buying
Before shopping for Hunter products (or any irrigation equipment), gather this information:
Water pressure and flow rate — Check your home's PSI and gallons-per-minute (GPM) output. These determine which sprinklers and controllers will work efficiently.
Yard layout and sun/shade patterns — Different zones may need different watering amounts. Shaded areas need less water than sunny lawns.
Existing system details — If you're upgrading, know your current valve types, zone count, and controller compatibility.
Your skill level and time — Decide whether you'll install and maintain the system yourself or hire a professional. This affects which products you should choose and where you should buy them.
Local water restrictions — Many areas have rules about irrigation timing, smart controller requirements, or water-use limits. These may guide your product choices.
Making Your Decision
Hunter Industries' prominence in irrigation retail reflects their broad product range and distribution reach. Whether their products are the right fit for you depends on your specific situation, not on their market position.
The next step is to identify what you actually need—which variables above apply to your situation—and then use that clarity to compare Hunter options against available alternatives in your price range, at local retailers you can access, and with the features that match your project scope.