Winterizing Toro Irrigation Systems for Golf Courses

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golf course irrigation systemWinter is just around the corner, and for golf courses that means it’s just about time to winterize their irrigation systems. Whether a golf course uses Toro irrigation systems or irrigation systems from another manufacturer, the general procedure for winterizing the system is fairly similar. While it’s something of a pain to accomplish, it is nonetheless very important if you want to avoid broken water lines next spring.

Below is a general overview of the process used to winterize golf course irrigation systems. For instructions specific to Toro irrigation systems, download Toro’s winterization guide here.

Step 1: Shut off the water

The first step in the winterization process is to turn off the main shut-off valve for your irrigation system. This valve should be a freeze-proof valve because if it breaks and water gets back into the system, following the rest of the steps listed below will be pointless.

Step 2: Connect an air compressor to the irrigation system

After the main shut-off valve is closed, the next step is to use compressed air to completely blow out all water from the system. For a golf course irrigation system, you’ll need a high volume air compressor – perhaps something like one of these industrial remanufactured air compressors could do the job – which means that you’ll also need to protect the system from the heat generated by such a compressor. To do this, connect the compressor to the system using a length of galvanized pipe. If you want to see what air compressor would be best for your project, you can check over here at Forsale.Plus and pick the one for you.

Make sure that you do not exceed 50 psi of air pressure in the system at any time—this can result in severe damage to your equipment.

Step 3: Open the drain valves

While maintaining air pressure in the system, open the drain valves to allow water to drain out. Depending on the size of your system, it can take multiple days to completely drain the system. That adds up to a lot of fuel for the air compressor—up to a couple hundred gallons.

Step 4: Close the drain valves and expel water from sprinkler heads

For this step, you’ll need to activate each automatic valve manually from the controller, and allow it to remain on until all water has been expelled from the system.

Step 5: Winterize the irrigation controller

This step will protect the wiring in the controllers and also save electricity. While it may mean that you’ll have to re-program your irrigation system in the spring, completely shutting down the system will increase the life of the equipment and thus save you money. Follow the instructions specific to your controller for this step of the winterization process.

While winterizing your golf course irrigation system is not an easy process, it’s not something you want to put off to the last minute. The first deep freeze will be here before you know it, and if you haven’t winterized your system when it happens, you’ll regret it in the spring.