Top Sprinkler & Irrigation in Pomona, California Ranked

A well-designed sprinkler and irrigation system is more than just convenience; it's a critical tool for maintaining a healthy, vibrant landscape while conserving water in our semi-arid climate. These systems use a network of controllers, valves, pipes, and sprinkler heads to deliver water efficiently to different zones of your yard based on specific plant needs. For Pomona homeowners, navigating local water regulations and choosing the right setup can be complex. This guide helps you understand your options, from basic spray systems to smart irrigation technology, so you can make informed decisions about installation, maintenance, and finding qualified local professionals for your project.

Droughtscape

Angeles Crest Hwy, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Droughtscape is a landscaping and outdoor construction company based in Los Angeles, CA. With over 45 years of experience, they specialize in drought and fire-resistant landscape design and installation, hardscaping, irrigation, fencing, artificial turf, and more. Their services cover a wide range of outdoor improvements including interlocking pavers, decks, pergolas, retaining walls, and yard drainage. Droughtscape serves multiple neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, focusing on water-saving and sustainable landscaping solutions that suit various home styles. They emphasize clear communication and quality craftsmanship to provide a smooth project experience.

5.0

87 Reviews

Irrigation Pros

los angeles

Irrigation Pros is a locally owned landscaping company serving Orange County, including Santa Ana, Irvine, Newport Beach, and Mission Viejo. They specialize in sprinkler repair, sod installation, drainage solutions, and artificial turf installation. Their services focus on efficient irrigation systems tailored to the local climate, preventing water waste and yard damage. The company offers top-grade sod and drip irrigation systems designed for sustainability and water savings. Irrigation Pros operates with years of experience in the area and provides 24/7 availability for urgent sprinkler and drainage issues.

4.9

131 Reviews

Excellence landscaping and Maintenance

11312 Buell St, Downey, CA 90241

Excellence Landscaping and Maintenance is a full-service landscaping company based in Los Angeles, CA. They offer a wide range of services including lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, landscape design, tree care, sprinkler installation and repair, yard cleaning, and pressure washing. Their expertise includes customized irrigation systems to keep gardens healthy and vibrant. The company focuses on personalized and meticulous care to transform outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional environments.

5.0

35 Reviews

Paz Landscape & Concrete

6725 Capistrano Way, Riverside, CA 92504

Paz Landscape & Concrete is a landscaping and concrete contractor serving Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding areas. With over twenty years of experience, the company offers a wide range of services including landscape and hardscape design and installation, exterior low voltage lighting, concrete and masonry work, fence and retaining wall construction, and patio design. Their team works closely with clients to create personalized outdoor environments that suit both residential and commercial properties. Paz Landscape & Concrete is known for its skilled crew and organized approach to projects.

5.0

35 Reviews

SoCal Landscape and Trees

2233 Casitas Ave, Altadena, CA 91001

SoCal Landscape and Trees is a landscaping company based in Altadena, serving Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas. They provide a variety of services including tree removal, lot clearing, irrigation design, hardscape design, concrete work, grading, and routine lawn care. The company emphasizes sustainable practices and community restoration, focusing on enhancing the natural beauty of local foothill neighborhoods. One of their key capabilities is custom irrigation design aimed at promoting plant health and water efficiency. SoCal Landscape and Trees is committed to each project with a personal connection to the community.

5.0

34 Reviews

See more providers in Pomona, CA

How Modern Irrigation Systems Work

At its core, an automatic irrigation system is a precisely engineered network designed to replace the hose and sprinkler. The system's "brain" is the controller (or timer), which is programmed with specific watering schedules for different areas of your landscape ¹. This controller sends low-voltage electrical signals to valves, which act as electronically controlled gates. When a valve opens, it allows pressurized water to flow from your main supply through a system of underground piping to the sprinkler heads or drip emitters in a designated zone ^{2 3}.

The concept of zoning, or creating hydrozones, is fundamental to efficiency. This involves grouping plants with similar water needs (like turf grass, drought-tolerant shrubs, or vegetable gardens) on separate valves. This allows you to water a thirsty lawn more frequently than a bed of native plants, preventing both underwatering and wasteful overwatering ¹.

Types of Irrigation Systems for Pomona Homes

Choosing the right type of irrigation depends on your landscape's layout, plant types, and water conservation goals. The three primary systems each have distinct advantages.

Spray Systems utilize fixed-spray heads that pop up to deliver water in a consistent, fan-shaped pattern. They are best suited for smaller, irregularly shaped areas or landscapes with closely spaced plants. Because they apply water quickly, proper scheduling is key to avoiding runoff on Pomona's often clay-heavy soils ⁴.

Rotor Systems employ heads that rotate streams of water back and forth, covering larger radii. They are the standard for irrigating big, open turf areas like lawns. Rotors apply water at a slower rate than spray heads, allowing for better water penetration and reducing the chance of puddling and runoff ⁴.

Drip Irrigation is the most water-efficient method for non-turf areas. This system uses a network of tubing with emitters that deliver water slowly and directly to the root zone of individual plants, such as in garden beds, around trees, or in shrub borders. It minimizes evaporation and weed growth, making it an excellent choice for complying with California's emphasis on water conservation ⁴.

Smart Irrigation & Water-Saving Technology

Modern irrigation technology has evolved far beyond simple timers. Smart irrigation controllers can connect to Wi-Fi and use local weather data or on-site soil moisture sensors to automatically adjust watering schedules. They can skip a cycle after a rainstorm or increase watering duration during a heat wave, optimizing water use without any manual intervention ⁴. These systems are a powerful tool for meeting the efficiency standards required by local codes.

Other components that enhance efficiency include rain shut-off devices, high-efficiency nozzles that reduce misting and drift, and pressure-regulating valves that ensure each head operates at its ideal pressure (typically 30-50 psi) for uniform coverage ^{1 5}.

Designing an Efficient System for Your Property

A successful irrigation design starts with a detailed plan. Key factors that local professionals will assess include:

• Water Pressure (PSI): This is crucial. Pressure that is too high can cause misting and uneven coverage, while pressure that is too low won't operate the heads properly. Most residential systems are designed for 30-50 psi ^{1 5}.
• Yard Size & Shape: The total square footage and complexity of your landscape determine the number of zones, the length of piping, and the type and quantity of heads needed.
• Plant Types & Hydrozoning: As mentioned, separating plants by water requirement is the cornerstone of an efficient design. A typical plan might have separate zones for front lawn, backyard lawn, sun-loving shrubs, and shade plants.
• Sun Exposure & Slope: Areas in full sun need more water than shaded areas. Slopes require special attention, often using drip irrigation or cycle-and-soak programming to prevent water from running off before it can soak in.

Understanding Installation and Repair Costs

Investing in a new irrigation system or repairing an existing one involves various cost factors. For a new sprinkler system installation in Pomona, costs are typically broken down by zone. The first zone may cost between $500 and $1,000, with each additional zone adding roughly $1,000 or more in materials and labor ⁶. A basic system with 1-2 zones might range from $500 to $2,000, while an average-sized yard with 3-4 zones often falls between $2,500 and $7,500 ⁷. Complex properties or those integrating advanced smart technology can exceed $10,000 ^{7 8}.

Repair costs are generally lower but vary widely based on the issue. A simple fix like replacing a sprinkler head or adjusting a controller might cost around $80. Repairs that require digging to access and fix broken pipes or valves can range from $200 to $490 or more ⁸. Regular maintenance, like a seasonal start-up and winterization, can help avoid these more expensive repairs.

Pomona's Water Regulations and Best Practices

California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) sets the standard for water conservation in new and renovated landscapes, and Pomona adheres to these guidelines ⁹. The ordinance influences system design by requiring efficient components, proper hydrozoning, and often the inclusion of smart controllers or moisture sensors ¹⁰. Always check with local water providers for any specific watering days or restrictions.

Regardless of the system, watering timing is a critical best practice. The ideal window is early in the morning, between 2 AM and 6 AM. This minimizes water loss from evaporation and wind, and allows foliage to dry during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases ¹¹. Seasonal adjustment is also key:

• Summer: Watering every other day may be necessary.
• Spring/Fall: Reduce frequency to up to 3 times per week.
• Winter: Water once a week or less, often focusing only on trees and shrubs ^{11 12}.

Maintaining Your Irrigation System

Routine maintenance ensures efficiency and longevity. This includes:

• Seasonal Start-Up/Winterization: Blowing out the system with compressed air in the fall to prevent frozen, burst pipes, and reactivating it in the spring.
• Monthly Checks: Walking each zone while it runs to look for broken, clogged, or misaligned heads, and checking for leaks or soggy spots that indicate a broken pipe.
• Controller Updates: Adjusting the watering schedule at least seasonally, and updating the time after a power outage.
• Professional Audit: Having a professional perform an irrigation audit every few years to check distribution uniformity and pressure can reveal inefficiencies you might miss.

Frequently asked questions

Sources