The 10 Best Shallow Well Pumps of 2023

Photo: Homdox

If you have a well that maintains a high-water level throughout the year, then you don’t have to spend a fortune to acquire a pump. Shallow well pumps can pull water from a depth of about 25 ft. They are powerful enough to fill up your storage tanks in a short time.

These devices come in different varieties from different manufacturers, but we have listed 10 of the best shallow well pumps to help you in the selection process. Let’s get right into it.  

10 Best Shallow Well Pumps – Review 

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Goulds Pump J5S (Best Overall)	High 1050 GPH max flow rate Overload protection with auto-reset Easily serviceable Diaphragm-protected mechanical seal
	2. Superior Pump 94105 (Most Powerful)	Powerful 1 HP motor High 79 PSI maximum pressure Sturdy cast iron construction Thermal motor protection
	3. Burcam 506221P (Best Low-Noise)	Noise-dampening Noryl construction Fan-cooled efficient motor Built-in 0-100 PSI pressure gauge Automatic thermal and overload motor protection
	4. BurCam 506547SS (Best Complete Set)	Pump and pressure tank kit Non-condensing butyl diaphragm Full time running capacitor to eliminate stating wear Thermal and overload protection
	5. Pentair Sta-Rite SND-L (Most Durable)	Sturdy close-grained cast iron body Shielded heavy-duty ball bearings Built-in drain port for winterizing Superiorly insulated motor windings
	6. Red Lion RJS-50-PREM 602206 (Efficient)	Glass-filled thermoplastic impeller and diffuser Built-in capacitor for boosting starting power Rugged cast iron casing 30-50 PSI pressure switch with automatic shut-off
	7. Red Lion PWJET50 (Heavy-Duty)	Heavy-duty cast iron construction Efficient glass-filled impeller and diffuser Built-in capacitor for powerful startups Pressure switch with auto shut off
	8. Acquaer SJC050 (Best Budget)	Affordable Durable cast iron construction Automatic thermal/overload protection Pressure switch with auto shut off
	9. Flotec FP4012-10 (Fiberglass-Reinforced)	Fiberglass reinforced thermoplastic body Dustproof motor cover Strong stainless-steel shaft Heavy-duty ball bearings
	10. Wayne SWS50 (With Thermal Protection)	Thermal pump protection Efficient square flange pump Self-priming with a dedicated priming port Tough cast iron housing

1. Goulds Pump J5S – Best Overall Shallow Well Pump

Photo: Goulds Pump

• Power: 1/2 HP, 115/230 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 63 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 1050 GPH

At the number 1 spot is Goulds Pump’s J5S and this is because it maxes out at a flow rate of 1050 GPH (17.5 GPM) at a discharge pressure of 20 PSI and a suction lift of 5 ft.

Though this reduces gradually to around 8.7 GPM at a well depth of 25 ft., it still gives you a very fast flow rate so that you can fill your tanks in a very short time.

Additionally, the pump has a maximum shut-off pressure of 63 PSI, which means it can handle a relatively long head but it has a 30-50 PSI pressure switch that caps the pressure at 50 PSI to avoid going to the extremes.

An overload protection feature is also built-in to protect the motor from overheating in case the pressure is too high. This resets automatically once the pressure reduces.

Other than that, the unit is easily serviceable because it has a back-pull-out design for quick disassembly without undoing the piping. This is further enhanced by a two-compartment motor, which gives you easy access to the wiring and replaceable parts.

You also get a durable design with a corrosion-resistant electro-coated paint job, corrosion and UV resistant plastic tubing and fittings that FDA compliant, and a diaphragm protected mechanical seal that can never run dry. On the downside, the pump is relatively expensive.

Pros:

• High 1050 GPH max flow rate
• Overload protection with auto-reset
• Easily serviceable
• Corrosion-resistant paint job
• Diaphragm-protected mechanical seal

Cons:

• Expensive

2. Superior Pump 94105 – Most Powerful Shallow Well Pump

Photo: Superior Pump

• Power: 1 HP, 115/230 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 79 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 930 GPH

With a 1 HP motor, Superior Pump’s 94105 is the most powerful shallow well pump in this review. This gives it a high flow rate of up to 930 GPH for quick pumping, as well as a high maximum shut off pressure of 79 PSI.

However, the operating pressure is capped at 40 PSI by a built-in pressure switch, which allows you to adjust this between 20 and 40 PSI.

The pump is solidly built using cast iron and it has a tough cast iron seal plate, a tough glass-filled thermoplastic diffuser, and a sturdy thermoplastic impeller.

On the other hand, the motor is thermally protected and has a split capacitor design that is very durable. It can also operate on two voltages (115 and 230V), which means you can use it in the US, UK, and almost every other market.

The only problem is that the pump does not have a self-priming feature. You have to do this manually.

Pros:

• Powerful 1 HP motor
• High 79 PSI maximum pressure
• Sturdy cast iron construction
• Thermal motor protection
• Tough glass-filled thermoplastic diffuser

Cons:

• Requires manual priming

3. Burcam 506221P – Best Low-Noise Shallow Well Pump

Photo: Burcam

• Power: 3/4 HP, 115/230 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 60 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 850 GPH

Burcam’s 506221P has a large body that is built using Noryl material. This suppresses most of the noise to make it run smoothly and very quietly. Additionally, this material is corrosion resistant and this ensures you get clean water that is free from rust contamination.

Since it has a large frame, this Noryl-built body is also easy to prime and the pump has a built-in ejector for self-priming before use. 

This pump is run by an industrial type, dual voltage motor that is fan-cooled for efficient running. Between the pump and motor is a strong stainless-steel mechanical seal that prevents water from getting into the electronics.

Though it can operate at a maximum pressure of 60 PSI, a 30-50 PSI pressure switch is built-in while a 0-100 PSI pressure gauge lets you monitor the pressure level in real-time.

Other features include automatic thermal and overload motor protection for enhanced durability and a full-time run capacitor for providing enough power when starting up. However, the motor is not easy to dismantle for servicing purposes.

Pros:

• Noise-dampening Noryl construction
• Fan-cooled efficient motor
• Strong mechanical seal
• Built-in 0-100 PSI pressure gauge
• Automatic thermal and overload motor protection

Cons:

• Not easily serviceable

4. BurCam 506547SS – Best Complete Shallow Well Pump Set

Photo: BurCam

• Power: 3/4 HP, 115/230 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 65 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 900 GPH

The BurCam 506547SS is very unique because it comes as a complete kit with a stainless-steel pump and a 7-gal tank. The tank holds pressurized water so that the pump does not have to run continuously.

This tank has a butyl diaphragm that eliminates condensation and it keeps the water from making contact with the air. As a result, you should expect no waterlogging and no recharging.

Ideally, this setup is recommended for those without an overhead tank because this pressure tank ensures you get running water before the pump powers on.

That said, the pump is run by an efficient 3/4 HP fan cooled motor, which is fully enclosed for protection purposes. This motor has a durable stainless-steel mechanical seal and a full-time running capacitor to provide enough power when starting up.

Other features include a 30-50 PSI pressure switch, a 0-100 PSI pressure gauge, a built-in ejector for easy priming, and thermal/overload protection. The only problem is that the set is quite expensive.

Pros:

• Pump and pressure tank kit
• Non-condensing butyl diaphragm
• Full time running capacitor to eliminate stating wear
• Thermal and overload protection
• Built-in ejector for easy priming

Cons:

• Quite costly

5. Pentair Sta-Rite SND-L – Most Durable Shallow Well Pump

Photo: Pentair

• Power: 3/4 HP, 115/230 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 70 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 684 GPH

Pentair’s Sta-Rite SND-L is characterized by a heavy-duty design and this can be seen in multiple features. For starters, it has a close-grained cast iron body that is very sturdy. It also has heavy-duty ball bearings that are shielded for smooth running and permanent lubrication.

In addition to this, the pump has a built-in drain port that lets you empty all the water after use to protect it from freezing during winter. The motor windings are also covered in a superior insulation material to prevent corrosion. These enhance its durability.

Other than that, the unit is fitted with a precision-molded reinforced polypropylene diffuser, which handles more air for faster priming. 

You also get a maximum shut-off pressure of 70 PSI and a pressure switch with adjustment settings from 30-50 PSI. On the downside, the pump is expensive and it does not come with a pressure gauge.

Pros:

• Sturdy close-grained cast iron body
• Shielded heavy-duty ball bearings
• Built-in drain port for winterizing
• Superiorly insulated motor windings
• Precision-molded polypropylene diffuser for faster priming

Cons:

• Quite expensive
• Pressure gauge not included

6. Red Lion RJS-50-PREM 602206 – Efficient Shallow Well Pump

Photo: Red Lion

• Power: 1/2 HP, 115/230 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 50 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 720 GPH

With a glass-filled thermoplastic impeller and diffuser, Red Lion’s 602206 is designed to be very efficient in terms of water flow. This can be seen in its flow rate, in which it delivers 720 GPH with only a 0.5 HP motor.

That said, the motor is a heavy-duty dual voltage (115/230V) type that is very durable and it has a built-in capacitor to provide enough starting power. Together with the pump, the entire unit has a rugged cast iron casing that is tough and very durable.

Other features include a factory pre-set pressure switch with a range of 30-50 PSI and automatic shut off when the pressure goes above or below these limits. However, the motor lacks thermal and overload protection for safety purposes.

Pros:

• Glass-filled thermoplastic impeller and diffuser
• Built-in capacitor for boosting starting power
• Rugged cast iron casing
• Factory pre-set pressure switch with automatic shut-off

Cons:

• No thermal or overload protection

7. Red Lion PWJET50 – Heavy-Duty Shallow Well Pump

Photo: Red Lion

• Power: 1/2 HP, 115/230 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 63 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 588 GPH

Just like its sibling (Red Lion 602206), the PWJET50 is built using cast iron that is rust and corrosion-resistant. This gives it a durable, heavy-duty design. Similarly, it also has a glass-filled impeller and diffuser, which are meant to enhance the flow rate efficiency.

Apart from that, the motor has a voltage selector that lets you switch between 115V and 230V, depending on if you are in the US or not. It also has a capacitor built-in for boosting the starting power.

More features include a 30-50 pressure switch with auto shut off, a standard 1.25-in female NPT intake, and a 1-in female NPT discharge. However, there is no thermal or overload protection built-in.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty cast iron construction
• Efficient glass-filled impeller and diffuser
• Built-in capacitor for powerful startups
• Pressure switch with auto shut off

Cons:

• No thermal or overload protection

8. Acquaer SJC050 – Best Budget Shallow Well Pump

Photo: Acquaer

• Power: 1/2 HP, 115/230 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 50 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 710 GPH

If you are on a tight budget, Acquaer’s SJC050 is a good option to buy because it falls within the affordable category. Despite this, it offers very decent performance because it is run by a 0.5 HP motor and provides a max flow rate of 710 GPH. This is quite high.

The pump also has a durable cast iron construction and this includes the volute. This makes it very tough and durable.

A built-in automatic thermal/overload protector safeguards the motor from overheating while a factory pre-set pressure switch with auto shut off runs the pump automatically between the range of 30 – 50 PSI.

You also ger dual voltage adjustment (115/230V), with the factory preset being 230V. The only problem is that the max pressure rating is quite low (50 PSI). This means it can only handle a lower head.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Durable cast iron construction
• Automatic thermal/overload protection
• Pressure switch with auto shut off

Cons:

• Low max pressure rating

9. Flotec FP4012-10 – Fiberglass-Reinforced Shallow Well Pump

Photo: Flotec

• Power: 1/2 HP, 115/230 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 77 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 480 GPH

Flotec’s FP4012-10 is characterized by a fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic body, corrosion-resistant and handles sandy water without deterioration.

Furthermore, it has a dustproof cover that protects all the electrical components from dust and insects. Overall, these features give the unit a very durable design.

That aside, the pump can withstand a case pressure of up to 77 PSI, which basically means it has a higher resistance to breaking down even when handling a longer head.

More features include a strong stainless-steel shaft, durable insulated motor windings, a mechanical shaft seal to keep water from seeping to the motor, and heavy-duty ball bearings for smooth running.

However, the pump is quite slow because it has a relatively low flow rate of 480 GPH.

Pros:

• Corrosion-resistant fiberglass reinforced thermoplastic body
• Dustproof motor cover
• Strong stainless-steel shaft
• Heavy-duty ball bearings
• Durable insulated motor windings

Cons:

• Slow flow rate

10. Wayne SWS50 – Shallow Well Pump with Thermal Protection

Photo: Wayne

• Power: 1/2 HP, 120/240 V
• Well Depth: Up to 25 ft.
• Max Pressure: 50 PSI
• Flow Rate: Up to 375 GPH

Rounding up the list is Wayne’s SWS50 and this model is fitted with a thermally protected 0.5 HP motor. This feature prevents the motor from overheating, thereby enhancing its durability.

That said, the motor is an efficient square flange type with dual voltage (120/240V) settings. It is factory set at 240V and you need to switch this to 120V first before use in the US. This is simply done using the quick-change voltage selection switch.

The pump can handle a maximum pressure of 50 PSI and it comes with a factory preset 30-50 PSI pressure switch for automated control. Other features include a self-priming mechanism with a dedicated priming port for volute filling and a tough cast iron housing.

On the downside, the unit has a very slow 375 GPH flow rate.

Pros:

• Thermal pump protection
• Efficient square flange pump
• Self-priming with a dedicated priming port
• Tough cast iron housing

Cons:

• Slow flow rate

How to Buy the Best Shallow Well Pump

Photo: Red Lion

1. Power

Measured in horsepower, this factor determines the pump’s drive or torque in pushing up the water. It is directly linked to the flow rate, in which the higher the HP, the faster the flow rate, though other factors might vary the flow rate.

However, a higher HP rating also means more energy consumption. Therefore, you need to strike a balance between the HP rating and the flow rate. With that in mind, Goulds Pump’s J5S takes the top spot because it has a 0.5 HP motor and a very fast 1050 GPH flow rate.

2. Well Depth

This is one of the most important factors to consider because a pump can only work within its well depth limit. Most shallow well pumps are rated at a depth of 25 ft. and therefore, if your well exceeds this, look for a deep well pump.

3. Pressure

Pressure is basically a measure of how much resistance the pump can handle when considering the head.

Though these pumps come with pressure switches that are preset to turn off the pump at a certain pressure (usually 50 PSI), a higher max pressure rating means the pump is powerful enough to handle a longer head. 

That said, the head is the height above the suction inlet and the higher it is, the higher the water pressure that is pressing down on the pump’s impeller. Therefore, if you are pumping water to a very high storage tank, look for high max pressure and a high setting on the pressure switch.

4. Flow Rate

Given in gallons per minute or per hour, this factor determines how quick the pump is. The one given for each pump is under ideal conditions where the suction (well depth) is at about 0-5 ft. while the discharge pressure (head) is very low.

These two factors determine the flow rate and it decreases the deeper the water level is in the well and the higher the discharge pressure. That said, the ideal rating given for each product should act as a guide and any rating above 700 GPH is good enough. 

5. Materials

Pumps built using cast iron are very durable because this material is very sturdy. Others are built using softer materials such as Noryl, which helps to dampen the noise for quiet running. There are also fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic pumps, which are more resistant to corrosion.

Each material has different beneficial properties and thus, you should buy depending on what you need most. For instance, if your well water is very sandy, Flotec’s FP4012-10 is the best option due to its corrosion-resistant fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic construction.

Conclusion

All in all, there are different types of shallow well pumps but Goulds Pump’s J5S takes the overall best spot though because it has a very fast flow rate and is easily serviceable.

However, if you want to install the pump close to your house, Burcam’s 506221P is the best shallow well pump to buy because of its low noise performance.

On the other hand, if you don’t have an overhead tank, buy the BurCam’s 506547SS because it has a 7-gal pressure tank.