Eve Aqua has a single onboard button, which starts or stops the flow of water at a touch. Touch it once and the valve will open. Eve Aqua will then shut off the flow of water automatically after a set duration, which you can customize in the Eve app – a really easy way to water your lawn without wasting precious water. Eve Aqua is also equipped with HomeKit technology, plus enough memory to store sophisticated schedules. This means you can start watering using your iPhone or by asking Siri – and if you've got a home hub, you can even do so while on vacation. You can also go one step further and use the Eve app to add schedules which are then stored on Eve Aqua – you've then got yourself a fully automated irrigation system.

The latest generation of Eve Aqua supports Bluetooth and Thread, and joins your Thread network automatically. Thread makes your smart home network more responsive, robust, and increases its reach – the only thing else you need is HomePod mini. You can even add Thread support to your latest-generation Eve Aqua simply by updating the accessory’s firmware. Discover if your Eve Aqua can support Thread by visiting www.evehome.com/identify.

Fit and get ready for use

You can fit Eve Aqua to virtually any regular outdoor faucet. Just ensure you screw the accessory all the way on to the faucet using your fingers and that it is fitted securely to prevent leaks. 

To insert or change the batteries, use your thumbs to push down gently on the ribbed surface on the bottom of Eve Aqua and then slide the cover forward. The ribbon makes it easy to remove the batteries – just wrap it around them and tuck it fully into the compartment before closing the cover. If you leave it dangling outside, it can cause moisture to enter the housing and the battery compartment. Watch the installation video.

At the end of the gardening season, protect Eve Aqua, as you would do for most non-fixed irrigation products, against frost to avoid damage being caused to the moving parts, seals and fixings. It's best to unscrew Eve Aqua from the faucet, give the accessory a clean, open the valve, remove the batteries and allow everything to dry out nicely before putting it away for the winter.

With a standard thread, hose connector and ability to withstand a wide water-pressure range (anywhere between 1 bar/14.5 psi to 5 bar/72.5 psi), Eve Aqua is perfect for use with all regular irrigation systems. You can also fit it to a twin-tap connector, among other types of multi-channel distributors. With this setup, Eve Aqua is always supplied with water – and you still have one outlet free to hook up your regular hose. The possibilities truly are endless. Keep reading for further examples, such as how you can use a Gardena multi-channel distributor or even a micro-drip system for your patio plants with Eve Aqua.

Default Duration and Schedules

Eve Aqua is categorized as a "Sprinkler" within HomeKit. This means that the Home app offers a large virtual switch that allows you to choose between "Running" and "Off" as well as select the default run time in the settings. The duration you select determines how long the sprinkler runs for when you press the button on Eve Aqua, tap the switch in the app to set it to "Running" or ask Siri to start watering. You can also set this value using the Eve app or even by asking Siri, such as by saying "Set Sprinkler to 10 minutes".

Take practicality and ease of use to a whole new level by using schedules, as they allow Eve Aqua to operate autonomously with no manual intervention required on your part and no need for your iPhone or home hub to be nearby. You simply add them in the Eve app and send them to Eve Aqua where they're stored. This means that Eve Aqua always runs the schedule autonomously. The big advantage: your Eve Aqua will turn on and off automatically independently of a network or internet connection. 

In the detail view of Eve Aqua, tap the gear icon on the bottom right of the Schedule segment. Now add a program and then select which days of the week you want it to run. Following that, add up to seven watering times (for further details, see our blogpost "Automatic multi-zone lawn and flowerbed irrigation made easy"). Here are three examples for a range of scenarios:

Increase the reach of Eve Aqua

Add HomePod mini to your home and your Thread-enabled Eve Aqua (2nd generation) will be able to communicate via Thread – the mesh network that reaches even the farthest corners of your abode. This happens automatically without you needing to configure anything. Simply position a Full Thread Device, such as Eve Energy, as close as possible to your Eve Aqua. The Eve Energy accessory will then act as a router node and relay data packets from Eve Aqua.

To view the structure of your Thread network and see where you can make improvements, simply go to the Settings area of the Eve app and tap Thread Network. Among other things, you’ll be able to tell which node Eve Aqua uses to communicate and whether you can further improve the stability and reach of your network and accessories by using an additional router node – such as by adding one more Eve Energy or moving one to a better location.

And the features keep on coming... 

To fine-tune the Estimated Consumption measurement in the detail view of Eve Aqua, enter as accurate a value as possible in the Eve app under Settings > Accessories > [Eve Aqua] > Flow Rate. To calculate your flow rate, use a water meter. Alternatively, the easiest way is to take a bucket or container (whose volume you know) and time how long it takes to fill it with water output by all the components of your irrigation system. Then simply divide the volume by the time it took. 

The Child Lock is another key feature in the accessory settings. Once turned on, it disables the button on the front of Eve Aqua so nobody can go playing practical jokes with your sprinkler.