What Is a Toro 570 Series Spray Nozzle (GPM Chart)
A Toro 570 Series MPR spray nozzle is a fixed irrigation nozzle that sends water over a set arc and radius. At 30 psi of dynamic pressure, its full-circle-equivalent flow is 0.50 to 1.50 gallons per minute (GPM), depending on radius. Use the chart for this MPR nozzle family only; other Toro nozzles can have different flow rates.
Smart irrigation controls can make watering easier, but they cannot tell you what every part in a sprinkler system does. If a manual mentions a 570 MPR nozzle or gives a GPM chart, the key is to match the chart to the correct nozzle, arc, and operating pressure. A flow number taken out of that context can lead to poor coverage or an overloaded zone.
In my equipment teaching, I’ve found that “GPM” often sounds more complicated than it is: it means how many gallons pass through a nozzle in one minute. The chart below gives a useful starting point, then shows what to check before you install or replace a nozzle.
Toro 570 Nozzle Identification, Compatibility & Safety Setup
A Toro 570 Series spray nozzle controls how water leaves a compatible spray head. The nozzle’s radius describes its approximate reach, while its arc describes the part of a circle it waters. The chart in this guide applies to Toro 570 Series MPR nozzles at the stated pressure, not every nozzle that fits a 570Z body.
A 570Z is a pop-up sprinkler body. It raises the nozzle above the ground when the zone runs, but the body and nozzle are separate parts. A compatible nozzle may fit a 570Z body without sharing the same flow chart as a Toro 570 MPR nozzle.
MPR means matched precipitation rate. Compatible MPR nozzles are designed to apply water at similar rates across their intended arcs and radii. It does not mean every nozzle uses the same GPM. A larger-radius nozzle can use more total water while still being designed to match the application rate of a smaller one.
Before choosing a replacement, check:
- The nozzle marking or label, including its radius and intended arc.
- Whether it is a 570 MPR nozzle, rather than a standard spray or rotary nozzle.
- That the nozzle is compatible with the sprinkler body.
- The head spacing and the coverage needed for the area.
- The pressure available while the zone is running.
Shut off the zone before removing a nozzle. If you need to dig, locate buried utilities first. Keep people clear during a test run, since the pop-up heads and spray can be hard to see from a distance.
GPM Chart, Pressure Checks & Field Coverage Adjustment
This chart gives the nominal full-circle-equivalent flow for the listed Toro 570 Series MPR nozzle sizes at 30 psi dynamic pressure. Dynamic pressure is pressure measured while the irrigation zone is operating. Use these figures to estimate zone demand, not as a guarantee of flow at another pressure.
| Nominal radius | Typical nozzle color | Full-circle-equivalent flow at 30 psi |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | Brown | 0.50 GPM |
| 10 ft | Green | 0.75 GPM |
| 12 ft | Blue | 1.00 GPM |
| 15 ft | Black | 1.50 GPM |
The radius is an approximate design reach, not a promise that water will land exactly that far from the head. Pressure, wind, nozzle condition, and layout can all affect real coverage.
The flow column is a full-circle equivalent. A quarter-circle or half-circle version has lower total flow than the full-circle equivalent, but do not work out its exact GPM from the arc alone. Use the chart for the exact nozzle and arc. MPR matching concerns the precipitation rate across compatible arcs and radii, not identical GPM.
Check pressure and total zone demand
Use the chart’s 30 psi reference only when the nozzle has about 30 psi of dynamic pressure. A static pressure reading, taken while water is not flowing, does not show what the nozzle receives during operation. If coverage seems wrong, measure pressure while the zone runs, near the sprinkler if possible.
For a rough field estimate, flow changes with pressure according to:
Q₂ ≈ Q₁ × √(P₂/P₁)
Here, Q is flow and P is pressure. For example, if a nozzle’s reference flow is 1.00 GPM at 30 psi, the estimate at 40 psi is about 1.15 GPM. This is only an estimate. It does not replace Toro’s nozzle-specific chart or account for every system condition.
Add the flows of all heads that operate together to estimate zone demand. Compare that total with the dynamic flow your water supply can provide. If the zone has more demand than the supply can support, pressure may fall and coverage may suffer.
Illustrative installation scenarios: These examples use chart values and simple addition. They are not measurements from a particular property.
| Heads operating together | Chart-based estimate at 30 psi | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Four 12 ft, full-circle-equivalent nozzles | 4 × 1.00 = 4.00 GPM | Confirm the zone can supply about 4.00 GPM at working pressure. |
| Six 10 ft, full-circle-equivalent nozzles | 6 × 0.75 = 4.50 GPM | Compare the estimate with available dynamic flow. |
| Four 15 ft, full-circle-equivalent nozzles | 4 × 1.50 = 6.00 GPM | Check pressure and zone capacity before changing nozzle size. |
For quarter- or half-circle heads, find each exact nozzle and arc in the appropriate chart before totaling flow. Do not use the full-circle figures above as though they were the exact flow for every arc.
Adjust coverage without guessing
Start by checking whether each head pops up fully and sprays in its intended direction. Look for head-to-head coverage, which means one sprinkler’s spray reaches the next sprinkler’s area. Also watch for overspray onto paths or buildings, leaks, and water running off the soil.
If a radius seems short, check dynamic pressure and zone demand before fitting a larger-flow nozzle. Low pressure or undersized piping can reduce reach and leave dry spots. A larger-flow nozzle may increase zone demand and make the pressure problem worse. Excessive or unstable pressure can cause fine mist and wind drift, which can also reduce even watering.
Nozzle Cleaning, Inspection & Irrigation-System Troubleshooting
A clogged nozzle or filter can disrupt the spray pattern and reduce flow. Dirt, wear, leaks, and pressure problems can create similar symptoms, so inspect the nozzle and system before changing sizes. Shut off the zone before taking parts apart, then test the system again after cleaning or replacement.
Use this practical sequence:
- Prepare. Turn off the irrigation zone. Confirm the nozzle label, radius, arc, and body compatibility. Note the head spacing and local pressure. Locate buried utilities before digging, and keep people clear during testing.
- Remove and flush. Remove the nozzle and filter if the design calls for it. Briefly flush the lateral, the pipe that feeds the sprinkler, to clear loose debris. Keep the area clear while water runs.
- Install. Fit the correct nozzle and filter, then seat the parts securely. Do not force them or cross-thread components. If a part does not fit as expected, stop and check its type and compatibility.
- Test. Run the zone. Check that the head pops up, the spray pattern is clear, and the arc and aim suit the area. Look for leaks, overspray, runoff, and dry spots.
- Diagnose and record. If coverage is still poor, measure dynamic pressure near the head and check total zone demand. Turn off the zone before further disassembly. Clean or replace a clogged nozzle or filter, inspect the riser and seal, then retest. Record the nozzle, arc, pressure, and measured zone flow.
A simple scenario helps separate symptoms. If one head has a broken or uneven pattern while nearby heads look normal, inspect that nozzle and filter first. If several heads have shortened reach, check zone pressure and total demand before replacing nozzles. The same symptom can have different causes, so test rather than assume.
Seasonal Shutdown, Freeze Protection & Restart Checks
A spray nozzle is only one part of an irrigation system, so winter care depends on the full system and local conditions. Freezing water in irrigation lines can cause damage. Follow the system maker’s shutdown guidance and local frost needs; do not assume that removing a nozzle alone protects the pipes.
Before seasonal shutdown, turn off the system as directed and use the proper drain or winterization method for the installed equipment. If the system uses compressed air, follow its manufacturer’s instructions and keep clear of sprinkler heads; improper use can damage components. When restarting, inspect for leaks and check nozzle patterns and pressure while the zone runs.
Keep a simple record of each 570 MPR nozzle’s radius, arc, and zone. That makes it easier to restore the same setup after service. If a head’s coverage changes after restart, check for debris, damage, or pressure changes before selecting a different nozzle.
Conclusion: The Toro 570 MPR GPM chart is useful when you match its nozzle family, arc, and 30 psi dynamic-pressure reference. Add the flows of heads that run together, then compare that demand with the supply available while the zone operates. If coverage is poor, check pressure, clogging, and layout before increasing nozzle flow.
FAQ: Toro 570 MPR Nozzle Flow and Use
These quick answers explain how to read the chart and avoid common selection errors. The figures apply only to the listed Toro 570 Series MPR nozzles at the stated reference pressure; use the exact nozzle-and-arc chart when choosing a replacement or calculating zone flow.
What does GPM mean on a Toro 570 nozzle chart?
GPM means gallons per minute. It describes the amount of water that flows through a nozzle in one minute under the chart’s stated conditions.
How much water does a 12 ft Toro 570 MPR nozzle use?
The chart’s full-circle-equivalent flow is 1.00 GPM at 30 psi dynamic pressure. Check the exact nozzle arc for its actual listed flow.
What pressure is the Toro 570 MPR GPM chart based on?
The reference is 30 psi of dynamic pressure at the nozzle. Dynamic pressure is measured while the irrigation zone is running.
Does every Toro 570 nozzle use the same chart?
No. This chart is for the specified 570 Series MPR nozzles. Standard spray and rotary nozzle families may have different flow rates and charts.
Does a 570Z body determine the nozzle’s GPM?
No. The 570Z is a pop-up body. The compatible nozzle installed in it determines the spray pattern and flow.
Do quarter-circle and half-circle nozzles use the full-circle GPM?
No. Their total flow is lower than the full-circle equivalent. Use the chart for the exact nozzle and arc rather than assuming a value from radius alone.
Why is my sprinkler reach shorter than the listed radius?
Low dynamic pressure, high zone demand, a clog, wind, or system layout can affect reach. Check pressure while the zone runs and inspect the nozzle before changing its size.
Can I install a larger-flow nozzle to fix dry spots?
Not without checking pressure, zone capacity, and matched precipitation first. More flow can overload a zone and make coverage worse.
How do I estimate total zone flow?
Add the chart flows for all heads operating together. Use exact arc-specific flows, and compare the total with the supply’s available dynamic flow.
When should I clean or replace a 570 MPR nozzle?
Inspect it if the spray is uneven, blocked, or visibly damaged. Turn off the zone before disassembly, clean or replace the nozzle or filter as needed, then retest.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Evan Bradley. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
