ImoLaza’s ET Master Gen 4 builds on the previous model with a focus on catching problems before they waste water. The big upgrade here is flow meter compatibility and real-time fault alerts. If a sprinkler head breaks or a line gets nicked, the controller sends a notification to your phone. You fix the issue before your water bill spikes or the lawn turns brown.

The system calculates watering schedules based on plant type, soil composition, sprinkler head specs, slope, and sun exposure. That sounds like a lot of inputs, but the setup walks you through each one. The touchscreen display is responsive and stays readable in direct sunlight. Once programmed, it runs on its own. The WiFi connection is stable, and the companion app is straightforward.

One thing to note: the Gen 4 requires a compatible flow meter to use the fault detection feature. That’s an extra purchase. If you skip it, you still get the smart scheduling and remote control, but you lose the alert system that makes this model stand out. For homeowners with larger properties or complex irrigation layouts, the added hardware cost is likely worth it. For a small, simple yard, the previous generation might be a better fit.