It's that magical time of year when the sun shines, the grass grows and flowers bloom. It's almost time for almost perfect weather. Spring generally also brings a lot of showers. However, it won't be long before it's the dog days of summer, where it's 35 degrees, full sun and not a drop of rain in sight. However, in general I am against professionally installed irrigation systems because of the maintenance. I have long enjoyed the Eve Aqua, a way to quickly deploy a maintenance-free and HomeKit-compatible sprinkler system. HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework. I have found this product to be a lifesaver when you go on vacation and no one is there to check on and water your plants. No matter how hot the summers get here in the southern US, a week without rain or water can take plants from healthy to bad. How does it work? Unlike a professionally installed irrigation system, this product sits between your outdoor tap and hose. You leave the tap on and then the schedule is turned on; it makes the water flow. It is ideal for temporary water situations (holidays, weeks without rain according to the forecast, etc.). I used it last fall after I had overseeded my lawn and had to water it several times a day for two weeks. Side note: it rained exactly zero times in those two weeks. Eve Aqua requires two AA batteries. Eve said the batteries should last an entire watering season. When unpacking, you will see the included batteries in the box, along with some accessories to connect Eve Aqua to your outdoor tap. Then you slide the bottom part of the device out to insert the batteries and then slide it back in. The only thing I would like to see in a future revision of this product is a move to USB-C charging and a built-in battery. Once you turn it on and turn it on, you'll want to scan the HomeKit code. Since Eve Aqua is intended to be left outdoors, I recommend that you keep a copy of the code in Apple Notes or a Homepass app. Depending on the production date of your device, you may need to apply a firmware update in the Eve app. I usually don't particularly appreciate installing third-party apps for smart home products, but the Eve app is worth it because it unlocks some nice automations. Eve Aqua works with a standard 3/4-inch tap, but an adapter for a smaller hose is also included. If you are having problems with water leaking from the top, you can use the extra sealing ring that Eve included in the box. Once it's connected to your faucet, turn on the water from the faucet and you're ready to start. This is not a permanent installation, so you will need to run your hose and place your sprinkler wherever you want, in the garden, flower beds, etc. Using Eve Aqua in HomeKit One of the easiest ways to use the product is by tap on the icon in the Home app. The device opens the tap and starts dispensing water. The icon will change to 'active' status to indicate that water is flowing. When you're done, tap the icon to stop watering. If this is as far as you want to take the product, you can stop here. You can then start watering. The automations are also very powerful in the Eve app. In the Eve app, search for your Eve Aqua in your device list and look for a scheduling section. In general, early morning or late evening is the best time to water. You can create a schedule that starts every morning at 6:00 AM and runs for a preset time. For whatever reason, Eve Aqua scheduling is not available in HomeKit. Finish with Eve Aqua Even if you only used the Eve Aqua during your holiday, it is worth it. There is minimal installation/maintenance. You also don't have to worry about the ongoing maintenance aspects of a permanent irrigation system. It's a one-time purchase and you can build your own system for the warm summer months. You can buy the Eve Aqua from Amazon or the Eve Store. FTC: We use monetized auto-affiliate links. More.