Thinking about working with AutoPot USA to upgrade your home grow system? You're not alone. This gravity-fed, self-watering setup has become a hot topic in online grower communities. If you've ever opened up one of the many subreddits on the subject, you'll know there is much to be said about this watering system's pros and cons.
But don't worry. You don't have to scroll through endless comments or forum posts. We've spent the time to find out exactly what people are saying about how the system works — and any issues they've encountered. We've also worked with these systems ourselves, so we have a few AutoPot tips of our own to throw in for good measure.
In this guide, we'll break down the real pros and cons of the AutoPot system — plus share a few hard-earned tips from our own grows to help you succeed.
Quick Review: What Are Autopots?
AutoPots (by AutoPot USA) are innovative, self-watering irrigation systems that simplify plant care by providing consistent water and nutrients without electricity or hand watering. Instead, they operate using a gravity-fed mechanism. They can be scaled to work for all types and operation sizes, from small grow tents to commercial-sized ventures.
The system operates with a few simple yet highly effective components:
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Pots and Trays: Plants are placed in pots that sit over specially designed trays.
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AQUAvalve: This valve controls water flow from a connected reservoir into the tray.
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Reservoir: This component stores a mixture of water and nutrients, which is fed into the system as needed.
Based only on the laws of gravity, water flows from the reservoir into the tray until a predetermined level is reached. As plants absorb water, and the water level dips below this pre-set level, the AquaValve opens to refill the tray.
And that's it. Autopots ensure your plants receive a steady water supply and nutrients without over- or under-watering.
The Pros and Cons of AutoPots
But you aren't here for an AutoPot explainer. You’re here because you are trying to weigh the pros and cons of AutoPots for your own setup.
Are they worth the initial investment? Do they really make life easier? Most importantly, do they produce better yields?
We've been using it for a while now. We've become more familiar with the AutoPots system — including what it excels at and what to look out for.
From the small starter setup to a multi-tent system based on the Autopot XL, we've compiled our experience. Plus, we've also dug into the online grower forums to see what others have found in their own systems. Below, you'll find the real pros and cons of AutoPots, as reported by real growers from their own experiences.
The Benefits of AutoPots
1. True set-it-and-forget-it convenience
AutoPot Tip: Keep your reservoir topped off before heading out of town. Depending on your setup and environment, a single-filled tank can keep your plants hydrated for days or even longer.
AutoPot will make your life easier because there are no timers, and no daily manual watering is required.
Once your system is dialed in, you can literally walk away for days — or even weeks — without worrying about your plants. The gravity-fed AQUAvalve ensures your plants receive moisture only when they need it.
Image credit: AutoPot USA IG
Even for those new to home growing, the hands-off approach helps avoid the common pitfalls of over- or under-watering. It’s also great for people who just don't have time to micromanage their plants day to day, as is usually required for hand watering.
As one grower on THCFarmer put it: "I work full time and go to school full time. [AutoPot] made it possible to grow while maintaining my schedule. Without them, I wouldn't be able to grow at all."
2. Energy-free & protected from power outages
AutoPot Tip: Elevate your reservoir at least six inches above the AQUAvalve to ensure consistent, gravity-fed flow.
Unlike traditional hydroponic or drip systems that rely on pumps, timers, and constant power, AutoPots run on something far more sustainable: gravity. The AQUAvalve system uses zero electricity, allowing water and nutrients to flow power-free.
This not only reduces energy usage but also means fewer components that can fail or need replacing. Plus, the system is never susceptible to power outages. As one user shared on a Reddit AMA with the AutoPot team, "No electricity required. That's the beauty. I've had the power go out multiple times and never worried about my plants drying out."
There is also something to be said about a water system that doesn't rely on pumps and watering timers, allowing for a quieter, more passive growing environment.
And if you're running your grow off-grid or in a greenhouse? It's one less thing to worry about wiring up.
3. Water and nutrient efficient
AutoPot Tip: Still figuring out the initial setup? Here is how to set your AutoPot System up right the first time.
Truly, one of the biggest pros for the AutoPot systems is their incredible water efficiency. Thanks to the bottom-fed AQUAvalve, water is delivered directly to the root zone — only when the plant signals it's ready.
Reliant only on gravity and the science of osmosis, water naturally moves from areas with more moisture into those with less. This means that when your plants absorb water, an AutoPot is designed to move more water into the root zone automatically. That means zero runoff — and no water or nutrient waste.
According to AutoPot's own analysis, this system can cut back on your water and feed use by 50 percent. It conserves resources and promotes healthier root development by avoiding the extremes of overwatering or underwatering.
4. Consistent growth and bigger yields
AutoPot Tip: Integrating AirDomes into the AutoPot setup can further enhance these benefits. AirDomes are devices placed at the bottom of the pots to increase oxygen availability to the root zone, which is crucial for root health and overall plant vigor. Enhanced root oxygenation can lead to more robust growth and improved nutrient uptake.
Because AutoPot uses a self-regulating mechanism for water and nutrient delivery, plants receive optimal hydration and food. You'll still need to dial in the feed schedule via the reservoir, but once that's complete, the daily grind of manual or top feeding is totally eliminated.
This optimal delivery has consistently translated into bigger, better yields, according to AutoPot users — including at Happy Hydro. A discussion on the r/Autopot subreddit highlighted that, on average, using an AirDome with the right substrate blend can reliably boost yields by around 30 percent.
Need more convincing? Redditor XCHDave confirmed that even on his very first run with the Autopot XL, "they're the biggest plants I've ever grown." Another user reported, "It has produced more flower than top feeding in my case."
5. Scalable and modular
AutoPot Tip: Planning to expand? Size up your reservoir early — a larger tank supports more pots and reduces how often you need to refill. One 25-gallon tank can easily support 10–12 plants (depending on your setup).
Whether growing two plants in a closet or running a full-scale commercial grow, AutoPot is designed to grow with you. The modular layout makes it incredibly easy to start small and scale up — just add more pots, connect them to your reservoir, and you're ready to grow.
Image credit: AutoPot USA IG
Each pot operates independently using its own AQUAvalve, which means — depending on your setup — plants of different sizes, strains, or growth stages can all coexist within the same system.
The beauty of AutoPot is that it works for the home grower, starting off with a 4x4 Grow Tent, but also for the commercial grower. AutoPot USA has several major commercial growers on their client list, some of which are rocking 2,000 pot systems.
The Cons of AutoPot Systems (& How To Avoid Them)
As most growers know, no matter what watering system you integrate into your operation, no system is perfect. AutoPot may have a huge fan base, but the system has a few nuances you'll need to navigate, especially as you set it up for the first time.
But what we love about the system is that these cons are almost always manageable, especially with the right know-how (sourced, of course, from the excellent online AutoPot community).
1. Initial setup cost is higher than a DIY system
AutoPot Tip: If you’re trying to decide between two low-maintenance systems, Blumats vs. AutoPots, we've already compared and contrasted the differences here.
One of the first comments people tend to have about the AutoPot system is that it’s pricey. If you have been lurking in grower communities and forums for any time, you know that building a cheap DIY setup is one of the biggest flexes. People love to boast about building out their setup for less than $30 (how on earth this is possible, we'll never understand).
AutoPot USA never claimed to be this level of cheap. But, unlike the guy on Reddit building out a Home Depot special, AutoPot is tried, tested, and proven. Plus, you don't need to head to the store for a long list of plumbing parts and download a blueprint from the internet to put it all together.
A single AutoPot system (reservoir included) costs $80.99. But the more pots you add, the cheaper it gets. For example, a 4-pot system is $228.95 ($57 per pot).
So, no, you won't be able to set up an entire DWC system for $30, but AutoPot will eliminate the need for timers, pumps, and daily watering — tools and labor that add up over time. Arguably, you're not just buying a watering system but buying back your time.
As one grower on THCFarmer put it: "It felt pricey at first, but halfway through the grow I realized I wasn't hand-watering, wasn't flushing runoff, and everything was healthy. Worth every penny."
2. Maintenance requirements
AutoPot Tip: Add a simple inline filter between your reservoir and tubing to catch debris before it reaches your AQUAvalves. It’s an easy upgrade that keeps your system flowing smoothly — especially if you’re using organic nutrients or additives.
AutoPots are famously low-maintenance, but that doesn't mean they're no maintenance. Because truly, what system requires no maintenance?
The AutoPot system runs continuously and passively, so a little routine care goes a long way. Over time, nutrient residue, organic particles, or algae can build up in the reservoir or tubing. Left unchecked, that buildup can slow water flow or block your AQUAvalves.
The good news? These issues are easy to prevent with a few simple habits. For starters, r/Autopot AMA (the AutoPot USA Sales Director) recommended that you "Clean the reservoir between runs. Check the AQUAvalves for blockages. Use filters, especially if you're running organics."
Here is some helpful insight about how to maintain the AquaVALVE in particular:
3. Flushing Can Be a Hassle
AutoPot Tip: Flush your system between grows using a mix of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide and RO water. This helps break down salts, sterilize the lines, and keep everything flowing freely.
One of the most common concerns among new AutoPot users is this: "How do I flush my system if there's a problem?"
Because AutoPot is a closed, bottom-feeding system, it pulls water upward through capillary action. Over time, especially with salt-based nutrients, residues accumulate in the top layer of your growing medium. That means a traditional top-down flush can push that concentrated salt straight down into your plant's root zone — exactly what you don't want.
If you're using salt-heavy nutrients, flush manually before turning on your AutoPot, and be proactive with reservoir maintenance throughout your grow.
In Our Experience: The AutoPot System is Worth Every Penny
Simple, scalable, and efficient, an AutoPot system is one of the best options for the home grower who wants to reduce much of the daily manual workload.
While no system is without its quirks, from our experience, its benefits far outweigh the learning curve — especially once the system is dialed in. AutoPot allows growers to focus less on daily maintenance and even take a vacation here and there during the grow.
Yes, the initial investment is higher than a DIY drip system. Yes, there's a bit of a setup and cleaning involved, but AutoPot gives growers more freedom and reliability than many other systems.
So, if you're ready to grow smarter — not harder — this year, AutoPots might just be the best upgrade you can make to your garden.
