The average U.S. homeowner spends about $2,736 to install an outdoor misting system. Depending on size and type, most people spend between $1,942 and $3,562.
Outdoor misting systems cost between $1,942 and $3,562 or $2,736 on average. Installing an outdoor misting system is a great way to keep comfortable on those blisteringly hot days, keep bugs at bay, and even keep your plants looking their best. But before you can begin to enjoy all the perks of this type of irrigation system, you need to figure out just how much it will cost and when to hire a sprinkler installation professional.
These are the main factors that will impact the cost to install an outdoor misting system.
Local sprinkler installation professionals will usually charge a flat rate for misting installation, which typically ranges from $200 to $1,000, depending on the system's size and the job's complexity. For a standard 30-nozzle system with a straightforward installation, you can expect to pay between $400 and $700. This pricing averages out to about $50 to $100 per hour.
Compressors with higher water pressure levels typically cost between $800 and $1,000, whereas smaller, lower-pressure compressors range from $60 to $150. The size of the coverage area, the installation height of the tubing and spray heads, and the power required to deliver the cooling mist contribute to the necessary pressure levels. That’s why the size and capacity of the compressor have a big impact on the overall cost of your misting system.
It doesn’t matter if you’re installing your mister over your backyard patio or around your swimming pool; pricing will depend largely on the square footage of your space.
| Square Footage | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 | $200 |
| 100–300 | $300 |
| 300–400 | $400 |
| 400–500 | $500 |
| 500 or more | $700 |
Commercial systems will have a higher overall cost than most residential systems. Commercial systems are ideal for large-scale applications such as livestock facilities, military sites, film productions, oil fields, and outdoor events. If you’re interested in a commercial misting system, it’s best to seek custom quotes directly from manufacturers or licensed distributors.
The type of misting system installed plays a big role in your outdoor misting system cost. Consider these average costs for different types of outdoor misting systems.
Your misting system can do more than just keep you cool; it can also keep those backyard bugs from ruining your day. Mosquito misting systems use insecticide to keep pests at bay. These normally run between $1,000 and $1,800. You can expect to pay a little more to run these types of misters as well, since you’ll have to replenish the insecticides, which can cost between $.50 and $1 per ounce—which seems like a small price to pay if it means a mosquito-free summer!
In addition to misting systems that keep you cool and keep you from bugging out, there are ones designed to make sure your plants are living their best life outside as well. These are known as greenhouse misters, and they can cost between $150 to $1,000 (and sometimes more). These are perfect for all you plant parents out there who want to make sure that your flora and fauna are well cared for during the dog days of summer.
There are several different types of greenhouse misting systems:
Ground application: This is the easiest and least expensive option and is made from a drip tube system that runs on the ground and hooks up to a garden hose.
Container irrigation: This is your middle-of-the-road option and can be moderately difficult and expensive to install because it requires an overhead pipe that connects a water supply with both a hose and adapter.
Perimeter piping: By far the most difficult and expensive option, these systems require piping and sprayers, with multiple different joints and connections.
Consider these ongoing expenses alongside your outdoor misting system cost.
Depending on the size, pressure, and number of nozzles in your misting system, you will see an increase in your water bill. For reference, the average amount of water used by a misting system is around one to two gallons per hour per nozzle. If your misting system requires electricity, this will impact your power bill as well, although most systems are designed to use minimal energy.
The average cost of repairing an outdoor misting system is $490. However, costs can range anywhere from $85 to $3,400, depending on the nature of the repair. Consult a local sprinkler repair professional for pricing information for your type of system and issue.
It’s a good idea to consider investing in regular maintenance and inspections for your outdoor misting system, as well as winterization for your misting system. Ask your sprinkler contractor about maintenance packages offered to help ensure the function and longevity of your misting system.
If you want to DIY your way to one of these popular mister types, you’re likely looking at spending more money (and creating bigger headaches) than if you left the work to the pros. This is because some of these misters will require permits, while others may require the expertise of a licensed pesticide applicator. Consider hiring a local sprinkler installer to tackle this job for you.
While the cooling units themselves only cost around $1,800, you could pay between $600 and $3,200 to purchase one that suits your needs. And that doesn’t even include installation, which may run between $200 and $700.
There are several add-on services your irrigation specialist may offer. Here are a few add-ons to consider with the cost of your outdoor misting system:
Cost to install a sprinkler system: $2,400–$3,200
Rainwater collection system costs: $3,000–$5,000
Wi-Fi and smartphone compatibility costs: $50–$300
You may be considering installing a sprinkler system instead. These types of irrigation systems can run you between $400 to $5,000, but they don’t offer you the same options as misters do. For one, a sprinkler system is a more heavy-duty irrigation system (so, say goodbye to dreams of being cooled down on a balmy afternoon by a gentle spray of water). Instead, these types of systems work best for getting water to a large swath of ground—like your grass.
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Whether your greenhouse needs a mister depends on the plants you grow, as well as your local climate and humidity levels. If you cultivate moisture-loving plants or live in a dry region, a mister could be beneficial. However, in humid areas or for plants sensitive to excess moisture, it might not be necessary and could lead to issues like fungal growth and fungus gnats in your plants.
An outdoor mister can help repel certain bugs like mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. However, not all pesticides can be applied using a misting system. Mosquito treatments are particularly effective when applied this way because the insecticides that are inside of the water droplets dispersed through the area land in the places where mosquitoes (and their larva) are most likely to congregate.
A swimming pool is an excellent way to cool down on a hot summer day, but the moment you step outside of your pool, you start to lose those cool vibes. With an outdoor mister that’s either set on a timer or goes off when you need it most, you’ll be able to enjoy a refreshing mist without having to swim another lap.
