Why sprinkler zones matter before sod
New sod needs even coverage. If one zone is overloaded, heads spray weakly and corners dry out. If one zone mixes rotors and sprays badly, the lawn can receive uneven water even when the controller looks correct.
What a professional still checks
A real design uses measured gallons per minute, pressure, head spacing, valves, pipe size, backflow requirements, and local rules. This planner is a conversation starter, not an engineering drawing.
Assumptions, units and limits (contractor reviewed)
Input is turf square footage only. Planning math assumes about 120 sq ft per spray head, 260 per rotor, and 180 for mixed layouts, with 4 to 6 heads per zone by pressure and a 1.0 to 1.35 complexity multiplier. Valid range is 50 to 100,000 sq ft; anything outside shows a check-your-measurement message. Results link to irrigation installation review, not a final design.