New sprinkler (irrigation) system

[BHA1]

I am having an irrigation system installed this summer, and meeting with the guy tonight.

My biggest concern is winterizing. I know there are really two options, and don't really like either:

1) Blow out the pipes. Don't want to pay him to come back every year and blow out the pipes, nor do I want to drag my compressor out and mess with opening and closing relays/valves to get the water out.

2)Self draining heads (forget the actual name). I hear these eliminate having to blow out the pipes, but the drains clog up after a few years and they waste a lot of water.

Are there any new developments in irrigation systems that fix the winterization problem? I don't want to have a system installed, then find out there is new pipe that doesn't freeze and crack for example.

Are there any new developments in the last few years (even other than for draining) that I should ask about? I know a rain sensor makes sense (not just one that stops the system if it rains, but one that doesn't water if it has rained in the last x number of days). Any other new stuff I should get installed??

Thanks!

[mlc2000]

There's no new developments.

Blowing out the system is only about $75.

Negotiate the first year's opening and closing into the deal, thats what i did.

If u have a water softener, make sure they tap into the water line BEFORE the water softener.