Best Sprinkler Water Pumps for Your Lawn

A sprinkler water pump sometimes called an irrigation pump, is one of the important features of a sprinkler system. Sprinkler pumps help pump water throughout the entire system and especially the sprinkler heads which then throw water into the required areas of your garden and lawn spaces.

There are various different types of sprinkler pumps on the market. They are available in different designs, capacities, efficiencies, and brands. Some brands are better than others and in most cases (not always) the higher price will usually point to the better sprinkler pump. Obviously, a better lawn sprinkler pump will require considerably less maintenance and will last longer than a lower quality sprinkler pump.

There are some key considerations to keep in mind when out shopping for a lawn sprinkler pump that will increase the chances of you getting the best sprinkler pump for your buck with the least amount of legwork. We’ve done our research and worked out all of the things that you’ll need to know before buying – we explain everything in our handy buying guide below. If you already have an idea of what you’re after, then you can scroll straight past and read our unbiased reviews of the best sprinkler pumps you can buy right now.

Best sprinkler pumps: Editor’s Picks

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One of the best all-round sprinkler pumps for irrigation systems is the WAYNE WLS150. It’s is built to give you many years of dependable pumping service. It’s powerful, quiet, and easy to use. It’s hands down our #1 overall sprinkler pumps of the year.


How to buy the best sprinkler pump for you

Sprinkler pumps are designed for using more than 2 sprinklers at one time with a high flow of water at a low pressure. So if you are just going to run one sprinkler on one hose and move the hose around the yard, it’s better to buy a jet pump rather than a sprinkler pump. Because the jet pump will give plenty of pressure and a smaller flow rate that will not hurt the pump.

When choosing a sprinkler pump, consider these following things to get the perfect one that fits your needs:

What size sprinkler pump do you need?

Anytime you are replacing a sprinkler pump or buying a new one, it is best to choose the right size. There are a lot of 2hp pumps in use where a 1/2hp pump is better suited for the job. This can be a complicated business but that is why we are here to help.

To determine the correct sprinkler pump size just look at the number of sprinkler heads you are using. They should tell you how much water and pressure that are required to make the pattern you are looking for.

All sprinkler heads are rated at a specific GPM (gallons per minute), and PSI (pounds per square inch). To know it, just use the manufacturer’s chart.

At different pressures, the sprinkler head and nozzle will consume different amounts of water. For example, at 40 pounds per square inch (PSI) the sprinkler head will use 3.8 gallons per minute (GPM). If your sprinkler pump is rated at 12 GPM (or 720 gallons per hour), it’s the best option for an irrigation system with 3 sprinkler heads.

Assuming you’re using the same exact sprinkler heads, the PSI will stay the same throughout your irrigation system. That means if each head is rated at 40 PSI, and your irrigation has 3 sprinkler heads, you will need a sprinkler pump that rated at 12 GPM (or 720 GPH) and 40 PSI. If your pump is above 40 PSI, you may need a pressure regulator for your system which will typically bring the pressure down to 40. If the pressure is much higher than that, it can weaken your pump and water pipes over time.

How high are you pumping?

Sprinkler pumps have suction lift configurations. A suction lift configuration is a vertical distance that the pump can be above the water source (and be able to draw water). Typically, atmospheric pressure limits vertical suction lift of pumps to 25 feet from water surface. This does not mean that you are limited to 25 feet of pipe, you could use upwards of 200 feet of suction pipe, so long as the liquid source is not lower than 25 feet below the pump center line.

A suction lift configuration is a very important factor to consider when choosing a sprinkler pump especially if you live on a hill and you want to pull water up from the base of the hill. To find out the suction lift configuration of a sprinkler pump, read the pump’s specification. The best sprinkler pumps should provide lift between 20 to 25 feet.

Is the pump self-priming?

A self-priming pump works by using the laws of buoyancy and compression to clear air out of a pumping system automatically, so you don’t have to do it yourself. But it doesn’t mean that they should start up dry! Self-priming pumps need fluid in the casing to get started. Running dry, even for a short while, will cause damage to the mechanical seal, and pump failure.

The best sprinkler pumps should be self-priming. Why? Because if you use a self-priming pump, you’ll never need to re-prime the pump as long as a check or foot valve is installed on the suction pipe. This will save you lots of time and headache.

Where should you place your sprinkler pump?

As mentioned above, a sprinkler pump is defined to have a suction lift of 25 feet or less. That means it cannot be located more than 25 feet above the water source being pumped. If you have to locate your pump more than 25 feet above the water source, consider a different type of pump.

It’s much easier for a pump to push water out than it is for it to pull water upward, so it’s best to install your sprinkler pump as close to the water source as possible without risking water-damage to the pump. Also, install the pump in a clean, dry, and ventilated location that provides adequate drainage, room for servicing, and protection from freezing temperatures. Bolt down the pump evenly on a good foundation, preferably concrete, to prevent the development of unnecessary stress.

BEST LAWN SPRINKLER PUMPS AND REVIEWS

1. WAYNE WLS150 1.5 HP Cast Iron High Volume Lawn Sprinkling Pump | Editors’ Choice

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Features:

  • 1-1/2 HP; max. flow rate is 2950 Gallons Per Hour (at 5 feet / 30 PSI); 2750 GPH at 10 feet of discharge lift at 30 PSI.
  • Continuous duty pump has single stage motor
  • Self-priming pump
  • Dual voltage available (115/230), factory wired for 230V with easy conversion switch
  • High-efficiency square flange motor is thermally protected to prevent overheating
  • Rugged cast iron pump housing
  • Can support up to 8-10 sprinkler heads at 100ft.
  • Assembled in the US, with foreign and domestic components.
  • 1-year warranty

One of the best all-round sprinkler pumps for large sprinkler systems is the WAYNE WLS150. It’s is built to give you many years of dependable pumping service. Our expert says it was also very easy to install and wire. It picked up the prime from the well and put out plenty of volumes to run the sprinkler system. And on top of that, it’s a really quiet one – quieter than most of the sprinkler pumps we reviewed.

The WAYNE WLS150 is a cast iron 1.5 HP sprinkler pump that draws high water volume from any water source to your underground or above ground sprinkler system. It also can be used as a portable sprinkler or water transfer pump. With a flow rate up to 2950 gallon per hour at 30 PSI, this pump can support approximately 8-10 sprinkler heads simultaneously.

This sprinkler pump is very easy to install. You can install it in less than 30 minutes. It is factory wired for 230 Volts but can be easily converted to 120 volts. The only negative that we saw was that the cavity for the electrical wiring was small and offset which made feeding the wires a little cumbersome, and the wiring posts didn’t include the nuts to secure the wiring. But overall we would recommend this pump to anyone needing its capacity – best sprinkler pump available.

2. Red Lion RLSP-200 Cast Iron Sprinkler Pump

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Features:

  • 2 HP; max. flow rate is 89 gallons per minute
  • Corrosion and rust resistant
  • Self-priming
  • High-efficiency thermoplastic impeller and diffuser
  • Can be set for use with 115 Volts or 230 Volts
  • 2-year warranty

If your lawn sprinkler system has more than 15 sprinkler heads then you can’t go far wrong with the Red Lion RLSP-200 Sprinkler Pump. This pump is one of the most popular sprinkler pumps in the US market.

Designed for both residential and commercial watering purposes, the Red Lion RLSP-200 self-priming sprinkler pump will turn your irrigation system into a powerhouse. Housed in a rugged cast iron casing with a stable cast iron pump base, this sprinkler pump lifts water up to 25’ and has a dual voltage 115/230 volts motor for versatile use.

This pump has low noise and easy to install. It holds a great prime and you can prime it in just a single try. We don’t think we’ve ever primed a pump as easy as we did this one. It has a compact design that fits in most space. Its plug and use design is super-convenient, while its voltage selector works with most electric outlets. The only problem is the price, it’s more expensive than most comparable pumps. But overall, the Red Lion RLSP-200 is one of the best sprinkler pumps on the market. You will be very pleased with its operation.

3. WAYNE PLS100 1 HP Portable Stainless Steel Lawn Sprinkler Pump | Best for Small Lawns

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Features:

  • 1 HP; max. flow rate is 720 Gallons Per Hour; 520 GPH at 10 feet of discharge lift
  • Lift water as high as 25 feet and discharge pressures from 35 to 50 PSI
  • Continuous duty pump
  • 1-inch NPT suction and discharge threads, 3/4 inch garden hose adapter included
  • 120V totally enclosed, fan-cooled continuous-duty motor
  • Stainless steel pump housing for durability and corrosion resistance
  • Durable impeller
  • 1-year warranty

For small sprinkler systems, the WAYNE PLS100 1 HP is the one to go for. At just 720 gallons per hour max flow rate, it’s the best option for supplying 2 or 3 sprinklers. A number of heads will vary depending on the distance that the water has to travel. With 75 feet of garden hose, this sprinkler booster pump can operate 3 sprinkler heads.

The WAYNE’s PLS100 1 HP is made of durable stainless steel. It’s a great pump for years of service and reliability. It has a convenient carrying handle for easy transport and install. Like 2 options above, this pump is self-priming, which means you only need to prime it once! This means less time to get going after the initial setup.

This pump generates suction lift of up to 20 feet, and can be attached up to 200 feet of garden hose and pushing the water up a 30-degree hill and delivers enough water pressure to water the entire front yard without having to move the sprinkler. We were impressed how much water this little pump puts out! The pump does get hot, so make sure it isn’t touching anything.

4. Flotec FP5172 1.5 HP Self-Priming High Capacity Sprinkler Pump

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Features:

  • 1.5 HP; max. flow rate is 67 gallons per minute
  • Superior performance at depths to water of 20 feet or less
  • Delivers 115/230 motor voltage
  • Self-priming, corrosion-resistant
  • Constructed of rugged, heavy-duty fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic
  • 1-year warranty

The highest corrosion-resistance is what you will get when you install the Flotec FP5172 sprinkler pump. This sprinkler pump is a pump uniquely crafted with durable, long-lasting and super heavy-duty thermoplastic that is fiberglass-reinforced for even more extra strength.

The Flotec FP5172 offers a horsepower of 1.5, a flow of 10-foot life and 30 PSI which gives 45 GPM, and a maximum life of 25 feet. It comes with a high-torque A.O.Smith motor – one of the highest-quality electric motors for pumps on the market. The pump can powerfully pump up to 67 gallons per minutes that is best for supplying an irrigation system of 12-15 sprinkler heads.

This sprinkler pump is affordable, lightweight, and easy to install. However, it is loud. In fact, many user reviews complain about the sound.

5. Homdox 1.6HP Booster Lawn Sprinkling Pump 

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Features:

  • 1200W/1.6 HP, 115V/60Hz
  • Max Suction Height: 23 feet; Max Height: 137 Feet
  • 66 PSI water pressure makes this water pump perfect for irrigation or water transport.
  • 700 Gallon Per Hour rating tackles any draining job at a fraction of the time
  • 1-year warranty

If you’re looking for a cheap, portable sprinkler pump that is designed for a small irrigation system, then this portable booster pump from Homdox gets our pick. It’s a booster pump but it can work as a sprinkling pump or a pump for irrigation and water transportation and let it meet your expectations. It’s one of the cheapest pumps for garden irrigation and water supply with a very good quality that you can buy.

The Homdox 1.6 HP is designed for the supply of fresh water to rural homes, farms, and cabins, etc. The front part of the machine is made of stainless steel while whole body sturdy cast iron. Portable design brings max convenience and comfort. Both the size of inlet and outlet are 1 inch.

This self-priming pump provides good flow and adequately waters the lawn. With a flow rate of 700 gallons per hour, it is sufficient to drive 3 sprinkler heads. The pump offers superior performance to 23 feet depth of water at 66 PSI (max suction height is 23 feet).

Unfortunately, the Homdox pump’s noise is relatively intrusive. And even worse, it runs extremely hot. However, this sprinkler pump comes with a very good price and pumps water quickly. Still, it’s a decent option if you’re looking for an inexpensive solution for water supply.

6. Goulds GT15 IRRI-GATOR Self-Priming Pump

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Features:

  • 1.5 HP/230V only; max. flow rate is 64 gallons per minute; 520 GPH at 10 feet of discharge lift
  • Self-Priming pump
  • Pump design prevents the seal from running dry
  • Built-in overload with automatic reset
  • FDA Compliant Impeller

This expensive centrifugal pump is one of the top-rated pumps for sprinkler systems on Amazon and it’s easy to see why. It is a quiet pump, pump chamber hold quite a bit of water. So once the pump is primed, filled with water, 2-3 days later no additional priming is needed if the water level drops below the end of the suction pipe.

With Goulds Gt15, you get a durable outdoor accessory with a fade proof blue theme. Its pull-out design is easy to install. It also maintenance-free and has a long-lasting motor that never disappoints over the years. Its cast iron body is also durable, while its unique bolt down diffuser secures it well on most surfaces.

This pump is quiet, does a good job of running a sprinkler system of 15 to 20 sprinkler heads. It’s heavy but very easy to install and delivers a great volume of water. However, it has a big problem – the pump’s motor is 230 volts only. That means it cannot be converted to 120 volts itself. If you live in the USA, you will need a 115/230V converter. The 115V/230V converters for pumps are not cheap, around $50 to $100 for a 2000 watt unit.

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