As of this week, Rachio has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Rain Bird Corporation and we couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities to grow together.

Rachio will continue to be led by co-founder and CEO Chris Klein and will operate as an independent division of Rain Bird. That means you’ll still get the same Rachio you know today, with the added resources and innovation of a larger organization.

, Rachio’s “innovative products complement Rain Bird’s established expertise in irrigation and water management solutions, creating new opportunities to enhance offerings for customers and communities worldwide.”

For now, nothing changes in your day-to-day experience. The Rachio App will stay the Rachio App and we will continue shipping updates and new features.

This news is so fresh that there isn’t really anything more to say. But as we start combining efforts, you can expect more ways to make your yard smarter and sustainable. We’ll share updates along the way.

Big news: Rachio is now part of Rain Bird!

Tech

We’re excited to introduce you to the Smart Lighting Controller! There are a few new concepts that might need a little explanation, and today we want to walk you through 

Each zone corresponds to the physical wire running to and from your controller. Each controller has a maximum of three zones.

An Area is a virtual combination of zones on a single or multiple controllers. Think of an Area as a grouping of lights.

For instance, if you have two pathway zones in the front yard on one controller and one pathway zone in the backyard on a second controller, you could combine those three zones into one pathway Area.

Once you have defined Areas, you can schedule those just like a regular Zone or Scene.

Much like the feature for indoor lights, a Scene is a pre-defined combination of Zones and brightness levels.

Whereas an Area is more about grouping, a Scene is more about experience. For instance, you could have a “Dinner” scene where pathway lights are at 50% brightness and the lights on your patio are at 100%. Alternatively, you could have a “Sleep” scene where all of your lights are on at 25% brightness or a “Safety” scene where they are all at 100% brightness.

Rachio smart lighting controller mounted on blue exterior home

Everything you need to know about Zones, Areas and Scenes when it comes to Rachio's new Smart Lighting Controller.

Understanding Lighting Zones, Areas and Scenes

With climate stress, rising utility bills, and smarter tech available, homeowners are rethinking how they water their yards. A smart sprinkler controller isn't just convenient. It’s a simple, intelligent upgrade that saves water, time, and money.

Here are the top reasons to make the switch in 2025.

Traditional sprinklers run on timers, watering even when it rains. Smart controllers use real weather data to skip watering when it's not needed. In some regions, this can cut outdoor water use by up to 50 percent.

Smarter watering means fewer surprises on your monthly water bill. By avoiding overwatering and running more efficient schedules, you'll use less water and reduce your payments.

Traveling? Sleeping in? With a smart controller, you can adjust schedules, skip a run, or monitor your system directly from your phone. You're in control, wherever you are.

Tell the system about each zone (soil type, sun exposure, slope, and plant type) and it will automatically adjust how much water is used and when. That means healthier plants and less waste.

Rachio’s Weather Intelligence Plus pulls forecast data from nearby weather stations. Your system automatically adapts based on rain, wind, humidity, and seasonal changes to protect your plants.

Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts & more. Use voice commands, set automations, or connect it to other smart devices for seamless control.

Most homeowners can install a Rachio controller in under 30 minutes. Schedule setup is guided through the app, and if you're replacing an old controller, it's often a direct swap.

Rachio controllers meet EPA standards for water efficiency and performance. That means your system is eligible for 

With precise watering, deeper root growth, and reduced runoff, your yard looks greener and stays healthier. And because the system does the work for you, you can enjoy your yard instead of managing it.

A smart sprinkler controller is one of the most impactful home improvements you can make. Whether you're installing it yourself or bringing in a little help, Rachio makes it easy to water smarter.

Sprinkler watering lawn with the Rachio app

Smart sprinkler controllers have extended the smart home outside. Here's why upgrading to a Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller is beneficial.

Benefits of Using a Smart Sprinkler Controller

Choosing the right irrigation solution is crucial for efficient lawn care. Rachio offers two watering products: the 

 for in-ground irrigation systems and the 

 for above-ground setups. The two products can be used together but not interchangeably, so understanding their differences will help you select the best fit for your yard.

: Homes with existing in-ground sprinkler systems.

Offers remote control and smart scheduling

Includes weather skips and Seasonal Shift to save water & money

Offers zone-specific customization for soil and plant types

: Replaces existing controller; setup typically under 30 minutes

: Any home with outdoor faucets and watering needs, including apartment balconies or homes with existing in-ground irrigation systems

Attaches to outdoor spigots and installs in minutes

Easily set up watering schedules or start a Quick Run via the Rachio App

Supports up to eight valves through a single Wi-Fi Hub to expand your watering

Includes Rain Skip functionality to prevent overwatering

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller and Hose Timer

Rachio offers two watering products: the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller for in-ground irrigation systems and the Rachio Smart Hose Timer for above-ground setups. The two products can be used together but not interchangeably, so understanding their differences will help you select the best fit for your yard.

Rachio Sprinkler Controller vs. Smart Hose Timer: Which One Fits Your Yard?

Rachio’s smart watering schedules have some great features to reduce water waste during varied weather conditions. But during the summer, the issue is often not enough water.

Here is how each schedule type approaches summer weather:

schedules run for a set duration on specific days; they do not increase watering during the summer.

Seasonal Shift is a free feature that can be turned on in your Fixed schedule settings and will increase/decrease watering durations monthly based on historical weather normals. This means longer run times during the summer to help meet increased irrigation demand.

Much like Fixed Schedules with Seasonal Shift, 

 schedules update monthly based on historical weather normals, automatically modifying duration and frequency of your watering schedule.

If your water district enacts watering restrictions, you can set a Flex Monthly schedule to only allow watering on certain days, without having to convert to a Fixed schedule. The algorithm will decide whether or not watering is required on those allowed days (this is the key difference with Fixed).

 schedules look out over a controller’s forecast and take historical data into account to offset the expected evapotranspiration of your plants.

This does increase watering for summer weather by watering more frequently, but not for longer durations. Some users may find that they need to add additional watering time or Quick Runs during exceptionally hot stretches

All schedule types can take advantage of these three Rachio features:

 on a schedule or upcoming run to easily increase/decrease your watering times manually.

Want to get the most out of your water? Make sure the 

feature is enabled. This breaks up long run times, giving water time to soak in and helps avoid runoff.

 to make sure they are still accurate. It’s possible that a neighbor trimmed a tree and your front zone now gets lots of sun instead of being mostly shaded. Or maybe you have updated nozzles with different flow rates.

Understanding Schedules - Here’s your hot weather handbook

Lawn

Plants

Upgrading to a Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller is a simple way to make your irrigation system more efficient and easier to understand. This guide walks you through the typical indoor installation process.

Smartphone for downloading the Rachio App

: Test your system to ensure all the zones are working correctly and then unplug your existing sprinkler controller.

: Take a photo of how the wires are connected to your old controller, then detach them and uninstall the old unit.

: Use provided screws and the mounting template hang the Rachio controller on the wall.

: Referencing the photo of the old controller, attach zone wires to the corresponding terminals.

: Plug in the power cord to the controller and then plug it into the wall. The light bar should light up as the controller boots up.

: Download the Rachio App and create a free account. Follow the setup wizard to get connected to the internet.

: In the app, set up each zone with details like plant type and sun exposure. You can take pictures of each zone for easy reference.

That’s it, you should be all set up and ready to water!

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller installed on a wall paired with app screen

Installing the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller: A Step-by-Step Guide

Homeowners are increasingly turning to smart irrigation controllers to maintain healthy and beautiful landscapes without wasting water. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which features truly matter?

Let’s take a look at the most important capabilities you should look for in a smart irrigation controller.

1. Weather-Based Watering Adjustments (a.k.a. Weather Intelligence)

One of the most essential features in any water-efficient smart controller is weather responsiveness. The best systems don’t just follow a static schedule—they dynamically adjust based on local weather data.

Skips watering if freezing temperatures are expected

Look for controllers that pull data from local weather stations or use hyper-local forecasting to make zone-specific decisions.

2. Zone Customization by Soil, Plant Type & Sun Exposure

Every yard is unique. Watering needs vary based on:

Soil composition (e.g., clay retains water longer than sandy soil)


Plant type (grass vs. shrubs vs. native perennials)


Sun exposure (full sun zones need more frequent watering)



A smart controller that allows per-zone customization ensures you’re only watering what needs it, when it needs it.

3. Smart Scheduling and Seasonal Adjustments

A truly efficient controller adapts to changing seasons automatically. In the spring and fall, your lawn typically needs far less water than in peak summer.

Automatic seasonal shift (increase or decrease water based on historical weather data)


Dynamic scheduling modes (e.g., fixed, flexible, hybrid)


Personal weather station integrations (Rachio works with Tempest weather stations seamlessly)



These features ensure you're not stuck manually tweaking schedules every few weeks.

Runoff is a major contributor to water waste, especially on slopes or compacted soil.

 irrigation controllers use a feature called cycle and soak to break longer watering sessions into shorter bursts, allowing water to absorb fully before the next cycle. This improves absorption, prevents puddling, and conserves water.

Water-efficient irrigation isn’t just about automation—it’s also about insight and responsiveness. A well-designed mobile app makes it easy to:

See when and how much your lawn was watered


Some apps even offer savings reports, helping you visualize your environmental and cost impact.

When selecting a smart irrigation controller with water efficiency in mind, prioritize:

Rachio smart sprinkler controller efficiently watering lawn via app

What Features Should You Look for in a Smart Irrigation Controller for Watering Efficiency

What Features Should You Look for in a Smart Irrigation Controller to Ensure Water Efficiency?

Summer is right around the corner, and that means more time outdoors, greener grass underfoot, and—if you're not careful—a spike in your water bill. The good news? With Rachio's smart irrigation systems, you can keep your lawn lush and green all summer long while conserving water and saving money.

Whether you're a seasoned lawn care enthusiast or a new homeowner looking to simplify your outdoor maintenance, this guide will help you prep your yard the smart way using Rachio’s smart sprinkler controller and app-based features.

Start by testing the soil with a MySoil Test Kit. This will provide you data on the nutrient levels of your yard so that you can apply the right type of fertilizer. No more guesswork, just data-driven decisions.

Step 2: Automate Efficient Watering Schedules

Rachio's smart sprinkler controller allows you to automate a seasonally optimized watering plan with just a few taps.

Water early in the morning (before sunrise) to reduce evaporation


Upgrade to efficient rotary nozzles for deep, slower watering


Adjust zone run times for sun-exposed areas vs. shaded ones

Step 3: Monitor and Adapt Using the Rachio App

With the Rachio App, you’ll always have your lawn in your pocket:

Get recommendations for seasonal adjustments


Pause or skip watering during local restrictions or unexpected storms



Unlike traditional systems, Rachio gives you full visibility and control over your watering.

Step 4: Level Up with Sustainable Landscaping

Summer prep is the perfect time to rethink how your landscaping supports long-term sustainability.

Mulch garden beds to reduce soil moisture loss.


Choose drought-resistant plants like native grasses and ornamental perennials.


Use Rachio’s Smart Hose Timer for flexible irrigation in garden beds and flower pots.



A well-prepared lawn is a happy lawn and Rachio makes it effortless to achieve. With the power of smart home irrigation, you can enjoy a vibrant yard this summer without the hassle, guesswork, or water waste.

Summer backyard setting of green grass surrounding a swimming pool

With Rachio's smart irrigation systems, you can keep your lawn lush and green all summer long while conserving water and saving money.

Preparing Your Yard for Summer with Rachio

When it comes to keeping your lawn healthy and green, water is a key component to success. How and when you water make a huge difference. From setting up zones to figuring out the best time to water your lawn, many homeowners are searching for smart, water-efficient answers.

As the smart watering leader, Rachio takes the guesswork out of irrigation. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common questions homeowners have about watering, as well as how you can solve them with Rachio’s smart watering features.

When Is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn?

Let’s settle this one: the best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, before sunrise. This allows water to soak in before it can evaporate during the heat of the day. Rachio schedules can automatically adjust your watering time based on your local sunrise time.

And if you live in a water district with restrictions, they may specify the hours in which you are allowed to water. Rachio Fixed Schedules can help you meet those requirements.

The answer depends on your lawn’s soil, sun exposure, and sprinkler type. This is the type of information we ask you for when you set up a zone in the Rachio App so that we can provide a custom schedule recommendation.

Watering Your Lawn in Summer: Do’s and Don'ts

Hot weather and sun exposure increases evaporation and lawn stress. Rachio automatically compensates for this by increasing watering frequency based on the time of the year.

If you opt for a Fixed Schedule, this feature is called Seasonal Shift and it increases and decreases your watering time throughout the year based on historical weather data. Flex schedules have similar features that match the temperature curve of the seasons.

Signs of an Overwatered Lawn (And How to Recover)

Overwatering is more common than you think—and Rachio helps prevent it. Here’s how to spot an issue:

Rachio’s Cycle & Soak feature breaks long run times into smaller pieces, helping reduce puddling and runoff. For instance, if you have a 30-minute run time with traditional nozzles, it may break it into two 15-minute runs.

We also recommend using efficient rotary nozzles that water slower over increased run times to ultimately use less water.

Water-Efficient Lawn Care Starts With Smart Tech

“Grass turning yellow after watering”


You’re not alone. These early-stage questions are common — and they’re exactly what Rachio’s Smart Irrigation System is designed to solve. Our goal? A lush lawn with less waste.

Key Rachio Features for Water-Efficient Lawn Care:

 that use the best plant science to keep your yard healthy

Smart Scheduling Tips for a Healthier Lawn with Rachio

Mastering Lawn Watering: Smart Scheduling Tips for a Healthier Lawn with Rachio

Rachio’s watering controllers make irrigation simple, efficient, and eco-friendly.

Here’s why Rachio stands out as the leader in the smart irrigation market.

Rachio’s systems use local weather data to automatically adjust watering schedules. We also take plant type, soil type, sun exposure and other variables into account to prevent over or under-watering.

And if you’re curious, Rachio holds several patents, here’s the one that started everything: 

 is a breeze. Replace your old controller with your new Rachio, noting which wires go in which zones (a photo helps). Then set up your zones and schedule in the Rachio App. This usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Rachio’s highly-rated mobile app (iOS and Android) provides complete control over your irrigation system from anywhere. Adjust schedules, monitor your watering times, and receive instant updates all from your smartphone.

Rachio's products are designed with conservation in mind. Save water with weather skips, Seasonal Shift, Cycle & Soak, and more!

With Rachio, you can customize watering zones based on the specific needs of different areas in your yard. This tailored approach prevents waste and promotes healthy plant growth.

Rachio integrates with various smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home and more, enhancing the overall smart home ecosystem.

Many local water authorities offer rebates for installing certified smart irrigation systems like Rachio, making it not only an environmentally sound choice but also a financially savvy one. Check for rebate availability at rachio.com/rebates.

Rachio is renowned for its exceptional customer service. From installation assistance to troubleshooting, Rachio’s support team is readily available to ensure a smooth experience.

Rachio products are built to last, designed with durability and reliability in mind. Many of our first-generation controllers are more than 10 years old and still working great!

Rachio has consistently received high marks from users for its effectiveness in reducing water usage and improving garden health, evidenced by numerous positive reviews and testimonials. They have also been named the best Smart Sprinkler Controller by Wirecutter for several years in a row.

Rachio smart watering devices and lighting controller

Discover why Rachio is the go-to choice for responsible irrigation. From advanced weather intelligence to reliable hardware and software, learn how Rachio can transform your watering habits.

10 Reasons Why Rachio is the Leader in Smart Irrigation

Wondering about the best time to water your lawn? Or how long and how often you should water? You're not alone—these are some of the most common lawn care questions. The good news: getting it right is simpler than you think.

Early morning is the ideal time—typically between 4 and 9 AM. This minimizes evaporation and helps your grass absorb water effectively. But setting your alarm to water the grass? Not ideal. Thankfully, there's an easier way.

Most lawns benefit from deep, infrequent watering. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This encourages deep root growth, creating a healthier, drought-resistant lawn.

But every lawn is unique. Soil type, climate, and grass species matter—a lot. That's why a one-size-fits-all schedule rarely works perfectly.

Smart Schedules: Let Rachio Handle It Automatically

Rachio’s Smart Schedules automatically adjust watering times, durations, and frequency based on your lawn’s specific needs and real-time conditions, so you don't have to.

 Automatically updates your watering schedule monthly, accounting for seasonal weather changes, local climate data, and specific lawn characteristics.

 Provides automatic weather adjustments while maintaining your preferred watering days and times—perfect for adhering to local watering restrictions or your personal schedule.

 Skips watering during rain, wind, or freeze conditions to prevent unnecessary watering and keep your lawn healthier.

 Automatically adjusts watering for each zone based on soil type, sun exposure, slope, and vegetation type, ensuring each part of your lawn gets exactly what it needs.

 Easily manage your watering from anywhere. Make changes instantly or simply rely on Rachio's automated precision.

 Automatically adjusts watering schedules as weather and climate conditions change throughout the year, ensuring your lawn stays healthy in every season.

 By watering exactly when your lawn needs it, Rachio controllers reduce water waste.

 Automatically adjusts watering times based on real-time weather updates, so your lawn gets just the right amount of moisture—no more, no less.

 Manage your watering from anywhere through the Rachio app. Adjust schedules easily, or set it and forget it.

Simplify your lawn care and enjoy a healthier, greener lawn—without the guesswork.

Example watering view in Rachio app and green grass with sprinklers on.

Watering your lawn correctly shouldn’t be a guessing game. Let Rachio simplify your schedule.

The Smart Way to Water Your Lawn: Timing, Duration, and Frequency Simplified

Tools

It’s 2024, and just about everyone has welcomed a smart device or two (or 20!) into their home. Modern tech like daily Alexa weather reports and automated lighting have given us a level of convenience that was once the stuff of dreams!

The future of smart home is right outside your door

While smart home products continue to find their way into each room of the house, most homeowners have only just begun to include their yard and outdoor spaces in the mix. But there’s real potential for 

 products to automate tasks, save you time, and even save you water!

, smart yard products can help you get the landscape you’ve been dreaming of with a lot less time and effort.

 that can save you time, money, and more.

 are great for secure package receiving (goodbye porch pirates!)

 have features like unhealthy air alerts and air quality forecasts

 and doorbells) keep an eye on your home and your loved ones

, and audio equipment are specifically designed with weather resistance in mind for outdoor use 

Automatic bird feeders with identification features

 can keep you abreast of all the feathered friends visiting your yard with delightful video clips and notifications

 can automate your indoor plant care and bring greenery to any room in your home 

 take the brunt of pool maintenance so you can relax poolside

Sprinkler controllers and smart hose timers

 automatically water your plants the right amount, whether you're away from home or just hanging in the hammock

For more great smart yard products, visit 

A truly smart yard doesn’t just boast clever tech and voice control; it also uses that technology for good by saving water where possible. 

Watering efficiently and without waste should be a priority for every homeowner, regardless of where you live or what water challenges you might face. All of the products below use innovation to make the most of the water used in your yard. A mix of high-tech 

There's some real potential for smart yard products to automate tasks, save you time, and even save you water!

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Topics

Tools Articles

The Smart Way to Water Your Lawn: Timing, Duration, and Frequency Simplified

What Is a Smart Yard?

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Updated Scheduling for Smart Hose Timer

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Why Aerate Your Lawn? Soil Compaction!

Spring project ideas for your outdoor spaces

Voice Control for Smart Hose Timer is here!

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What Sets Rachio Apart

Outdoor Spring Prep Checklist

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