Rachio makes smart sprinkler controllers that water your lawn based on local weather, skipping runs automatically when rain is on the way.
The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller replaces your old irrigation timer and connects it to hyperlocal weather data. Its Weather Intelligence Plus feature skips watering before, during and after rain, adjusts for wind and freezes, and shifts schedules seasonally — saving water without you touching a thing. In the Rachio app you build zones with plant and soil types, set flexible schedules, and get notified about leaks or broken heads when paired with the wireless flow meter. Installation is a DIY job that typically takes about 30 minutes.
Rachio controllers are popular with water utilities in dry regions, many of which subsidize them to cut outdoor watering — usually the single biggest residential water draw. The app estimates the gallons you have saved, and you can share limited access with your landscaper or irrigation pro without handing over your account password.
Rachio controllers are one-time purchases with no subscription: the Rachio 3 costs $149.99 for 8 zones and $199.99 for 16 zones, and is frequently discounted. The app, weather intelligence and schedules are all included free. Many water utilities offer rebates that offset part of the purchase price.
Homeowners with in-ground sprinklers who want a greener lawn, lower water bills and no more watering the driveway during a rainstorm. It is one of the few smart home upgrades that can genuinely pay for itself through lower water bills alone.