Better irrigation isn’t “more water” — it’s the right water, in the right place, at the right time.
In San Antonio and the Hill Country edge, heat, limestone-heavy soils, and fast weather swings can make landscapes feel unpredictable. A professionally planned irrigation system installation helps stabilize plant health, protect your investment in sod and landscaping, and reduce waste from overspray, runoff, and misting. This guide breaks down what a quality sprinkler system looks like, what local rules can affect installations, and how to plan a setup that stays efficient year after year.
Written for
Homeowners and property managers in San Antonio, Stone Oak, Fair Oaks, and The Dominion who want reliable performance, clean curb appeal, and fewer irrigation headaches.
Local reality check
San Antonio-area landscapes often mix turf, native beds, shaded pockets, and high-heat zones. One “one-size” watering schedule rarely works across the whole yard.
Goal
A system designed to meet plant needs first, then tuned to conserve water and prevent common failures (leaks, low pressure, poor coverage, and soggy spots).
What “good” irrigation system installation actually includes
A high-performing sprinkler system is less about the brand of controller and more about design, zoning, and installation quality. Here’s what matters most:
1) Smart zoning (hydrozones)
Turf, foundation beds, native beds, and shaded areas should be on separate zones. Mixing them forces you to overwater something (usually beds) just to keep turf alive. Smart zones also make seasonal adjustments easier.
2) Head-to-head coverage
Sprinkler heads should be laid out so spray reaches from one head to the next. This helps avoid “green rings” and dry triangles, and reduces the temptation to run longer cycles that cause runoff.
3) Matched precipitation
Different nozzles apply water at different rates. When zones use mismatched heads/nozzles, you’ll see soggy sections and stressed sections in the same zone. A quality install accounts for consistent application rates.
4) Pressure & flow management
Too much pressure increases misting and drift; too little pressure causes poor coverage. Proper sizing of valves, pipe, and zone grouping prevents constant “chasing problems” later.
Permits, plans, and backflow: what San Antonio-area property owners should know
Irrigation isn’t just a “yard project” — it connects to your water supply, so there are safety and compliance considerations.
Important local update for SAWS customers
SAWS indicates that beginning January 1, 2025, an irrigation plan must be submitted to SAWS for every newly installed irrigation system within the SAWS service area (residential and commercial), as part of their Irrigation Plan Review Program. (saws.org)
Backflow prevention protects your drinking water
Backflow prevention devices help prevent contaminated water (fertilizers, soil water, standing water) from flowing backward into the potable water system. SAWS runs a Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program and notes annual testing requirements for these devices. (saws.org)
Texas licensing rules can apply to installation work
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) outlines licensing/role requirements for landscape irrigators and irrigation technicians, including who may connect a system to a water supply and under what supervision. (tceq.texas.gov)
Practical tip: If your property uses or may use fertilizer injection or other chemicals through the irrigation system, TCEQ notes that specific backflow requirements can apply (for example, reduced pressure assemblies in certain chemical injection scenarios). (tceq.texas.gov)
A practical design checklist (before a trench is ever dug)
Whether you’re adding irrigation to a new landscape design or retrofitting an older yard, these steps help you avoid the most common outcomes: patchy turf, constant repairs, and high water bills.
Step 1: Map “sun zones” and plant needs
Mark full-sun turf, shaded turf, foundation beds, and native beds. Irrigation works best when each area can be scheduled independently.
Step 2: Confirm water source, pressure, and meter constraints
Your available flow/pressure influences how many heads can run per zone and what types of heads/nozzles will perform best.
Step 3: Choose the right delivery method per area
Turf typically performs best with spray or rotor zones designed for uniform coverage. Beds often do better with drip irrigation (less overspray on fences, windows, and walls).
Step 4: Plan for maintenance access
Valve boxes should be reachable without digging up landscaping later, and heads should be placed to reduce breakage from mowing and edging.
Did you know? Quick irrigation facts that save water and frustration
Backflow testing matters
SAWS states annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies is required by city ordinance and state regulations. (saws.org)
Plans can be required
Within SAWS’ service area, new systems require plan submission starting Jan. 1, 2025. (saws.org)
Not all zones should run equally
Native beds and established shrubs often need less frequent watering than turf, especially once roots are mature.
Optional comparison table: spray vs. rotor vs. drip (what fits your yard?)
| Irrigation Type | Best For | Pros | Watch-Outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spray | Small turf areas, tight spaces | Good coverage when designed well; flexible patterns | Higher misting if pressure is too high; more runoff if runtime is too long |
| Rotor | Larger turf zones | Often more efficient on large areas; less misting | Needs adequate pressure/spacing; poor design causes striping |
| Drip | Beds, shrubs, trees, foundations | Targets roots; reduces overspray and evaporation | Needs filtration and periodic checks; can clog if neglected |
Local angle: San Antonio watering efficiency tips that pay off fast
A few San Antonio-specific planning decisions can noticeably improve irrigation performance:
Use natives where you can
Texas-adapted plantings can reduce irrigation demand once established. If you’re building or refreshing beds, consider a plant palette designed for our climate.
Pair irrigation with the right ground cover
Mulch and gravel reduce evaporation and help stabilize soil moisture. If you’re planning a refresh, getting quantities right avoids over-ordering.
Protect the investment with backflow planning
When the backflow device is accessible and installed correctly, testing and compliance are less of a hassle.
If you manage a large commercial property, note that SAWS includes an Annual Irrigation Checkup requirement for certain large properties with in-ground irrigation, with submissions due by May 1 each year (separate from backflow testing). (saws.org)
Ready for irrigation that waters evenly and stays compliant?
Blades of Glory Landscaping designs and installs irrigation systems across San Antonio and surrounding areas — with practical zone planning, clean installation, and support that fits real maintenance needs (not just the install day).
Request an Irrigation Quote
Serving San Antonio, Boerne, Stone Oak, Shavano Park, Rogers Ranch, and The Dominion.
FAQ: Irrigation system installation in San Antonio
Do I need to submit irrigation plans in San Antonio?
If you’re in the SAWS service area, SAWS states that starting January 1, 2025, irrigation plans must be submitted to SAWS for every newly installed irrigation system (residential and commercial), with additional routing for certain commercial projects inside city limits/ETJ. (saws.org)
What is a backflow preventer and why does it matter?
Backflow prevention devices help keep contaminants from entering potable water lines if pressure changes cause water to reverse direction. SAWS explains these programs and requirements as part of their cross-connection control efforts. (saws.org)
Is backflow testing required every year?
SAWS states annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies is required by City of San Antonio ordinance and state regulations, and that irrigation backflow testing must be performed by a licensed tester. (saws.org)
Should I water turf and landscape beds on the same zone?
It’s usually better to separate them. Turf often needs different runtimes and frequency than shrubs or natives. Separate zones prevent chronic overwatering in beds and help reduce fungus and root stress.
When should I consider upgrading instead of repairing?
If your yard has ongoing dry spots despite repairs, frequent leaks, outdated heads/nozzles, or a controller that can’t manage zones efficiently, an upgrade (or partial rebuild) may cost less long-term than repeated fixes.
Glossary (quick definitions)
Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA)
A device installed on a water line to prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the potable water system.
Hydrozoning
Grouping plants with similar water needs on the same irrigation zone so you can water efficiently.
Head-to-head coverage
A layout principle where spray from one head reaches the next head, improving uniformity and reducing dry spots.
Matched precipitation
Using compatible heads/nozzles so water is applied at a similar rate across a zone for more even watering.
Want a professional look beyond irrigation? Explore outdoor lighting and hardscaping to elevate curb appeal while your irrigation keeps everything thriving.
