Finding the best sprinkler pump for your situation can be a challenge. It doesn’t matter if you’re watering your lawn, a garden, or the roots of numerous trees, every yard could use a sprinkler system pump. They’re relatively affordable and the setup isn’t too difficult either.
If you’re ready to make your life much easier in the realm of outdoor upkeep, then it’s time to start considering which irrigation pump is the best for you.
Our Top Pick:
 |
Although there are several pumps to choose from, most of them are either too expensive or inefficient. It’s no secret that motors can drive up electricity bills. However, that’s not always the case if you get an energy-efficient pump. You can save tons of money and you’ll be getting the cost of the sprinkler system back within a year or two from the savings.
If you’re ready to have the yard you’ve always dreamed of, check out the list below for more information.
Choosing the Best Sprinkler Pump for Your Yard
1. Flotec FP5172 Pump Sprinkler 1.5Hp
Most of us don’t have massive gardens and lawns, but the Flotec FP5172 Pump Sprinkler 1.5HP is a top-rated option for everyone. With 1.5HP, you can run all sorts of sprinklers, waterfalls for fountains, and so on. The company actually claims that it can operate up to 30 sprinklers at one time per pump!
Another great feature is that it uses either 115 or 230 voltage, meaning you can hook it up in nearly any situation. If you have a preexisting sprinkler pump that needs to be replaced, it’ll take less than 30 minutes to finish the installation. They also offer expert installs during certain times of the year if you’re not able to do it yourself.
One of the biggest issues facing modern pumps is that they can overheat or jam up and die too early. If you maintain your sprinkler pump, this won’t be an issue. To make things even easier for you, this pump is made out of hardened fiberglass and plastic. This material is perfect for anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features
- Can be hooked up to wither 115 or 230 voltage
- 1.5HP is enough to power up to 30 sprinklers at one time
- Quick installation instructions
2. 1.6HP Shallow Well Sump Pump by Flyerstoy
Next up on the list is the 1.6HP Shallow Well Sump Pump by Flyerstoy. This pump is great for quickly hooking it up in minutes for an easy assembly. However, don’t let the simple setup fool you. The exterior aluminum housing is tough and designed for harsh weather situations. There’s even an iron handle to pick it up and move it whenever you need to.
Although it’s not usually an option with a lawn sprinkler pump, this Flyerstoy product lets you choose from a few colors. These colors include Blue, Silver, and Red. The colors correspond to specific pump sizes ranging from 0.5 HP all the way to the 1.6 HP that you’re reading about right now.
You might also enjoy the fact that it moves up to 700 gallons of water per hour. As far as lawn irrigation systems are concerned, it’ll be hard to be that! You can water your lawn, the garden, and even a couple of bird baths if you wanted to. It’s also capable of attaching to plenty of adapters, which broadens its usage even more.
Key Features
- Comes in a handful of colors and motor sizes
- Moves up to 700 gallons of water every hour
- Designed with an aluminum housing and an iron handle
3. WAYNE WLS200 2 HP Cast Iron High Volume Lawn Sprinkling Pump
If you want a heavy-duty, long-lasting lawn pump that’ll get the job done every time, this is your go-to. The WAYNE WLS200 2HP Cast Iron High Volume Lawn Sprinkling Pump is a top-notch contender for any lawn. It’s made with the best materials available and it moves up to 4200 gallons of water per hour!
2 HP might be too much for some people, which is why this brand also offers a 1.5 HP option. Either way, you’ll be getting an irreplaceable sprinkler pump for your outdoor system. It hooks up to 240-volt electric outlets for convenience purposes. Although it’s a sprinkler pump, there are dozens of other activities that could use this setup.
The 2-inch intake slows down the pressure to ease up the motor a bit. However, the 1.5-inch return valve increases the pressure going back into the sprinklers, giving you an unparalleled experience for the yard. Overall, it’s a great sprinkler water pump for anyone looking to bring a low-cost, easy configuration to their backyard or front yard.
Key Features
- Choose between 1.5 HP or 2 HP depending on your needs
- Efficient 2-inch to 1.5-inch flow valves
- Standard 240 voltage electrical requirements
4. BACOENG 1.6HP Stainless Booster Pump – Best for the Money
The BACOENG 1.6HP Stainless Booster Pump boasts incredible power that helps it pull water upwards at a max height of 137 feet. For a compact model, you won’t find anything that comes close on the market. Perhaps one of the even better features is that it’s also very budget-friendly for people with smaller yards and fewer sprinklers.
Another great feature that propels this pump so high up on the list is the fact that it comes with a 12V plug. Instead of having to wire it up and check electrical codes and safety, you can plug it right into the wall. Most people wouldn’t even need an adapter fitting, as it sets up on a timer or light switch for manual usage.
If you don’t want to plug it up with a light switch, there’s an on/off button directly on the pump. You can start or stop it at any time of the day for various purposes. The exterior stainless steel shell lasts long through the sun, rain, and snow. Always make sure you wipe it down after heavy rain and protect it during extra sunny days.
Key Features
- Comes with an on/off switch, or you can plug it into a timer on the wall
- Perfect for small yards and sprinkler systems
- Works with a well or a water tank for quick connectivity
5. GOULDS Pumps GT15 IRRI-Gator
Another fantastic 1.5 HP option is the GOULDS Pumps GT15 IRRI-Gator. It’s coated with a protecting layer that keeps it safe from direct sunlight, but the company also sells a shell if you want to prevent further damage. Much like the previous entry on the list, the pressure is optimized thanks to the reduction from the intake to the return size.
It’s also good in temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it ideal for almost any outdoor scenario. The cast iron body adds tons of weight to the build, but it’s worth it since cast iron won’t bend or break. With regular upkeep, you should see little to no rust, corrosion, or other damage any time soon.
Pushing 20 to 40 PSI, this sprinkler system pump is one of the best around. It won’t use too much water, but the pressure will be perfect for broad areas. Depending on the size of the connections that you use, you can reduce or increase the PSI tremendously. This makes it one of the only few options that give you the choice right upfront.
Key Features
- Made out of high-quality cast iron throughout the pump
- Designed for optimal PSI depending on your adapters
- Works well for small and medium yards
6. Red Lion Self-Priming Sprinkler Pump
Not all water pumps are created with the same intent. The Red Lion Self-Priming Sprinkler Pump is designed with convenience in mind, giving you a product that you can rely on without spending too much time maintaining and operating it. You can choose either 1 HP or 1.5 HP to get your gardening situation setup.
It’s made out of a cast iron housing, which prevents it from heating up too much. The cast iron is also a great addition because it’s as tough as they come, giving you peace of mind that it won’t break from regular wear and tear. The thermoplastic impeller and diffuser help save you money in the long run by increasing revolutions and reducing its energy output.
The simple setup process is another reason that this Red Lion Self-Priming Pump is on the list. All you need is some Teflon, silicone sealer, and the adapter fittings to lock it into place. This will give you a solid seal that can be adjusted whenever you need it without having to call the local plumber for the job.
Key Features
- Made in two models; 1.5 HP and 1 HP
- Crafted with cast iron for longevity and durability
- Self-priming to get you the quickest, most efficient results available
7. Simer Portable Utility Sprinkler Pump
Last but certainly not least on the list is the Simer Portable Utility Sprinkler Pump. We don’t all want to have a built-in pump for lawn irrigation, especially since some lawns only need the help every once in a while. However, this pump is the best irrigation pump on the list for people who want to move it from the front to the backyard whenever they’d like.
This lightweight portable sprinkler pump comes with a handle on the top to help you carry it around. Traditionally speaking, most booster pumps don’t have any other way to bring them from place to place. This leads to you carrying a heavy, awkward feeling, incredibly hot pump without a handle! That won’t be the case with this pump.
The stainless steel exterior shell is another well-trusted feature that prevents corrosion. If you take care of it correctly, rust will be a thing of the past. You’ll also like the 1” hose inserts that let you use adapters. This setup helps you use nearly any fitting that you want to lower or raise the pressure.
Key Features
- Comes with a built-in handle for easy carrying
- Made out of durable stainless steel to prevent corrosion
- Easy to set up, and you can move it from place to place
How to Pick Out Lawn Irrigation Pumps
There are thousands of choices to pick from across the internet when it comes to lawn irrigation pumps. They range from high-quality to low-quality, cast iron to stainless steel, and 0.25 HP to 3 HP. Truthfully, every pump has its place, but how do you know which one is right for you? Now that you’ve seen all of the best sprinkler pumps around, let’s narrow down the selection even more. Follow the questions and tips below for further guidance and get your lawn and garden back to the way you’ve pictured it!
How big of a sprinkler pump do I need?
When referring to the size of a sprinkler pump, most people are talking about the horsepower, not the actual dimensions. Bigger horsepower translates to faster water movement in larger quantities, resulting in much more water flow.
If you have over a dozen sprinklers and other water features like a fountain, a bird bath, or a mister, then it might be a good idea to opt for a 1.5 HP pump. On the other hand, people with smaller lawns or fewer sprinklers can usually be fine with a 0.5 HP to 1 HP. Keep in mind that a higher HP also means higher pressure as well. You might have fewer sprinklers, but a higher horsepower could be necessary to make them reach across a larger lawn.
For people who are unsure of which size they need, it’s always a better idea to have too much HP than too little. You don’t want to end up with a half-watered lawn and dying flowers! Too much HP can be treated with larger adapter fittings, which we’ll talk about in a little bit.
How long does an irrigation pump last?
The lifespan of an irrigation pump usually depends on the company who made it, how well the owner takes care of it, and the conditions present during its lifetime. For example, cheaper companies obviously make cheaper products. Don’t worry though, as there aren’t any cheap brands on the list above.
Taking care of your irrigation pump means that you should protect it from the weather. There are plastic and metal guards that help shade your pump from direct sunlight, or you could put it in a pump house. Rain and sun can quickly rip apart the exterior and rust out the interior, leading to costly bills and constant replacements.
To answer the question directly; Irrigation pumps usually last between five to eight years. However, humid areas and places with high salinity in the air can reduce the lifespan to two to four years. Again, it’s all about how well you maintain and clean the sprinkler pump!
What is a sprinkler pump?
A sprinkler pump is a small pump that uses a tiny motor to provide the power for sprinklers, fountains, and other water features to operate. They’re usually fairly small in size, and they can be hooked up in less than an hour. Some of them are portable, while others are held down in place for the long haul. If you have a handful of sprinklers that always reduce your house’s water pressure when they turn on, a sprinkler pump is the best way to increase the pressure back to normal.
What materials should an irrigation pump be made out of?
Irrigation pumps need to be durable, which means they need to be made out of tough materials. In most instances, cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum should be your go-to choices. However, other metals occasionally get the trick done, as does fiberglass and thermoplastic. You should make your choice based off of the area you live in and the elements that the pump is likely to endure.
Fiberglass and thermoplastic create a great heat barrier, which works well in hotter climates. On the other hand, stainless steel prevents corrosion from excess rain and salinity in the air. Aluminum is lightweight and durable, while cast iron is incredibly heavy but it can take a serious beating without showing any signs of slowing down. The choice is ultimately up to you and your personal preferences.
Should you get a stationary or portable lawn booster pump?
As you’ve probably read on the list above, you can get a stationary or portable booster pump for your lawn. They both have their own benefits which are perfect for various situations, so don’t skip over this step. You also shouldn’t choose one of the other just because it’s easier. You’re trying to get the best solution that saves you money in the long run!
Stationary booster pumps are usually more durable, and they last a bit longer than their portable counterparts. Since they last longer, they’re also a bit more costly. You’ll notice that they typically come with a higher water pressure, longer-lasting internal parts, and a high-rated motor.
On the other hand, portable booster pumps for your lawn are a fantastic option if you want to use them in your backyard and front yard without having to buy two of them. If you don’t need to set up a timer or an on/off switch, you can hook them up to a 12V outlet and start it up in only a few minutes. Some portable pumps even come with a carrying handle to save you the pain of having to carry a flaming hot motor with your bare hands.
To wrap it all up, portable pumps are convenient, budget-friendly, and good for multiple places. Stationary booster pumps last longer, they’re much more durable, and they can move more water and operate more features all at once.
How do you set up a lawn irrigation pump on a timer?
Setting up a 12V lawn irrigation pump to a timer is fairly simple. If you have a timer that plugs into the same socket, you can make anything plugged into the other end of the same socket run off of the timer. Set it for whatever time of day you water your sprinklers and other water features to run, and you’ll be good to go. On a side note, make sure you don’t water the lawn too much, as it can cause flooding and other issues.
In order to hook up an irrigation pump with wires to a timer, it can be a little bit trickier. If you have a 120/240 volt timer in the electrical box that it’s hooking to, you can set the timer up via dog ears, metal time setters, and so on. They have different names, but it all means that same thing. If you’re not familiar with electrical settings, then you should always contact an electrician or a friend that knows how to deal with it all. Getting shocked is never fun!
Wired irrigation pumps are always stationary, but you won’t have to deal with them if you go for a portable pump. This could be seen as a benefit or a con since wired pumps almost never come unplugged on accident like 12V corded pumps can.
What do the different adapter fittings do for a sprinkler system pump?
Using adapters on your sprinkler system pump changes the pressure that moves through the pump. Smaller fittings increase the pressure since more water has to flow through a smaller area. On the contrary, larger fittings reduce pressure. This can be useful if you’re trying to decrease the impact of sprinklers directly hitting flowers, fountains, and so on. You might also need to use adapter fittings if your current hoses don’t fit into the new pump you’re buying. It’s a quick fix that lasts a while and doesn’t cost too much at all. It’s best to test out the factory fittings that you receive with the pump, then decide if you want more or less pressure after the initial test.