Want to save water and keep your Australian garden thriving? BluSoak drip-tape irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing water use by up to 50% compared to traditional sprinklers. It works at low pressure (under 70 kPa) and is perfect for both surface and subsurface irrigation. Here’s a quick guide to get started:
- What You Need: BluSoak drip tape, adapters, couplers, end flush plugs, tape valves, supply tubing, drippers, a pressure reducer, and flow controllers.
- Installation: Lay the tape on the soil under mulch or bury it 5 cm deep. Use a pressure reducer to maintain optimal pressure.
- Maintenance: Check pressure weekly, adjust flow for weather changes, and flush end plugs monthly to prevent blockages.
With BluSoak, you can efficiently water your garden while complying with water restrictions and saving money. Follow this guide for setup, care, and tips tailored to Australia's climate.
Automatic Irrigation - Blumat BluSoak System
Parts and Setup Planning
After assessing your garden, it's time to gather the necessary components and calculate the materials you'll need.
Required Parts List
To install your BluSoak system, you’ll need the following:
- BluSoak drip tape (16 mm/5/8″)
- 3 mm and 8 mm tape adapters
- Tape couplers
- End flush plugs
- Tape valves
- Supply tubing (3 mm or 8 mm)
- Drippers
- Pressure reducer (if your water pressure exceeds 70 kPa)
- Flow controllers
Garden Assessment
Start by measuring your garden area in square metres (m²). Ensure the slope is less than 1%, and identify your soil type.
- For surface irrigation: Lay the drip tape directly on the soil and cover it with 5–10 cm of mulch.
- For subsurface irrigation: Bury the tape within the root zone for optimal water delivery.
Materials Calculator
- Determine the total area of your garden in m².
- Plan for 1 metre of drip tape per m², spacing rows 30 cm apart.
- For each line, include:
- One end flush plug
- One adapter
- Additional couplers for any joins
- Flow controllers and drippers based on your setup [3].
irrigation.equipment/guide-to-blumat-blusoak-container-kits
irrigation.equipment/guide-to-blusoak-drip-tape
[3] irrigation.equipment/5-steps-to-configure-an-easysoak-system
Setup Instructions
Once you've gathered all the parts, you're ready to set up your BluSoak system.
Soil Preparation
Start by levelling the planting bed. After that, lay out your drip tape in the desired positions.
Drip Tape Installation
You can install the drip tape in two ways:
- Surface Installation: Lay the tape directly on the level soil and cover it with 5 cm of straw mulch.
- Subsurface Installation: Place the tape 5 cm deep in shallow trenches, then backfill the trenches with soil.
Once the tape is positioned, move on to assembling the supply fittings.
Parts Assembly
Install a pressure reducer to keep the pressure below 70 kPa. Attach the tape to your supply lines using the appropriate 3 mm or 8 mm adapters. Use couplers to ensure secure connections, and add flush plugs at the ends of the lines.
System Testing
Turn on the water supply and ensure the pressure remains below 70 kPa. Check the tape to confirm even water distribution along its length.
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System Care
Regular upkeep ensures your BluSoak system operates efficiently, providing accurate irrigation while conserving water, even across Australia's varying climate conditions.
Water Level Settings
- Check pressure weekly, keeping it below 70 kPa.
- Adjust flow controllers throughout the year, considering:
- Plant growth stages
- Soil moisture levels
- Local weather conditions
- Use a moisture meter to fine-tune water delivery for optimal results.
Weather-Based Maintenance
- Reduce water flow during rainy periods.
- Increase monitoring during heatwaves.
- Clear debris from drip lines after storms.
- Update watering schedules with seasonal shifts.
- Inspect the system after frost to ensure proper operation.
Regular Upkeep
Monthly tasks:
- Flush end plugs to clear sediment.
- Inspect connections for leaks.
- Clean filters and pressure reducers.
- Check drip tape for damage or blockages.
- Ensure water is distributed evenly across all zones.
Quarterly tasks:
- Test pressure at multiple points in the system.
- Clean flow controllers thoroughly.
- Update timer settings to match seasonal needs.
- Check mulch coverage over exposed drip tape.
- Record system performance for future reference [3].
Replace any worn parts promptly to keep the system running effectively. For the best results, book an annual professional inspection through your local Green Genius service centre.
irrigation.equipment/guide-to-blumat-blusoak-container-kits
irrigation.equipment/guide-to-blusoak-drip-tape
[3] irrigation.equipment/5-steps-to-configure-an-easysoak-system
BluSoak for Australian Gardens
Now that we’ve covered maintenance, let’s dive into how BluSoak performs in Australian conditions and how it can help you save water and money.
Why BluSoak Works for Australian Gardens
BluSoak uses a semi-permeable membrane to deliver water directly to the root zone. This reduces evaporation and keeps moisture levels consistent. You can place the tape on the soil under mulch or bury it about 5 cm deep, depending on your local conditions. By pairing BluSoak with controllers and timers, you can adjust watering schedules to match plant growth and hotter weather. Running the system at dawn or dusk helps minimise evaporation.
When used under mulch or buried, BluSoak can reduce water use by up to 50% compared to traditional sprinklers. This not only lowers your water bills but also helps you comply with water restrictions. These savings build on the maintenance tips discussed earlier.
For a hassle-free experience, check out the comprehensive support offered by Green Genius.
Green Genius Support
Green Genius provides expert help at every stage of your BluSoak journey, from planning to upkeep.
Design and Consultation
- Customised layouts designed for your garden’s size, soil type, and plants
- Guidance on optimal drip tape positioning and controller settings
Installation and Maintenance
- Professional installation by certified technicians
- Post-installation testing, calibration, and seasonal adjustments
- Ongoing advice to keep your system running efficiently
Reach out to your local Green Genius centre for tailored advice that suits your garden’s unique needs.
irrigation.equipment/guide-to-blumat-blusoak-container-kits
irrigation.equipment/guide-to-blusoak-drip-tape
Summary
This guide covers everything you need to set up and maintain a low-pressure, semi-permeable BluSoak system that can cut water use by up to 50% in Australian gardens. Space the tape 300 mm apart, lay it on level ground (either on the surface or 50 mm below), and cover with 75 mm of mulch. For efficient irrigation, use timers and flow controllers to adjust for weather conditions. With support from Green Genius for design, installation, and maintenance, your BluSoak system will perform efficiently year-round.
FAQs
How can I calculate the right amount of BluSoak drip tape for my garden?
To determine how much BluSoak drip tape you need, start by measuring the total area of your garden in square metres (m²). Then, consider the layout of your plants and how far apart the rows or beds are spaced. BluSoak drip tape is typically installed along each row of plants, so calculate the total length of rows that require irrigation.
For example, if you have 5 rows of plants, each 10 metres long, you’ll need approximately 50 metres of drip tape. It’s a good idea to add a small buffer to account for corners, overlaps, or unexpected adjustments during installation. Always double-check your measurements to avoid running short.
What are the best practices for maintaining my BluSoak system across different seasons?
To keep your BluSoak system running efficiently throughout the year, regular maintenance is essential. Start by inspecting the system at the change of each season. Check for any blockages, leaks, or wear in the drip tape or connectors, especially after extreme weather conditions.
Clean the system periodically to prevent build-up of debris or algae, which can impact water flow. If your area experiences frosty winters, ensure the system is drained properly to avoid damage from freezing water. During hotter months, monitor for signs of excess evaporation and adjust watering schedules to suit the needs of your plants and the climate.
By performing these simple checks and adjustments, you can ensure your BluSoak system remains effective and reliable year-round.
Can I set up the BluSoak system on my own, or should I hire a professional?
Yes, you can install the BluSoak system yourself, as it is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward. With the help of the provided instructions and guides, most users find the setup process manageable without requiring professional assistance.
However, if you're unsure about any part of the installation or have a more complex irrigation setup, you may want to consult a professional to ensure optimal performance and water efficiency. Taking the time to plan and configure the system correctly will help you get the best results for your garden.