Ok Now you're opening a can of worms! Irrigation is what I do at work, I am a bit short on time this morning, But I can answer you're questions in the next couple days.
Pop ups are by far the way to go, if installed correctly you shouldn't hit them with the mower nearly ever, and are very cost effective if you do it yourself.
By any chance can you bring up like a google earth pic of you're yard so I can get an idea of the area you are wanting to water?
