The Simple Pump hand pump can lift water from a maximum static water level of 325 feet when pumping to ground level at ambient pressure. This makes it the deepest-pumping hand pump available.
Understanding the 325-Foot Rating
What "325 Feet" Means
- Static water level: The depth from ground surface to the top of the water in your well when not pumping
- Ground level discharge: Water exits at atmospheric pressure, not into a pressurized system
- Hand operation: Using the lever arm for manual pumping
Why 325 Feet?
This depth represents the practical limit for:
- Human pumping effort
- Component stress limits
- System efficiency
Depth by Configuration
Hand Pump Only
| Cylinder | Max Static Water Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 100CA | 325 feet | Deep wells, low effort |
| 125CA | 225 feet | Medium depth, faster flow |
| 200CA | 110 feet | Shallow wells, highest flow |
Motor-Assisted (24V DC)
| Cylinder | Max Total Dynamic Head | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100CA | 225 feet | Deepest motor operation |
| 125CA | 150 feet | Good balance |
| 200CA | 60 feet | High flow, shallow only |
Factors That Reduce Effective Depth
Pumping into Pressure Tanks
Pressurized systems add "head" that reduces effective pumping depth:
Formula: Every 1 PSI = 2.31 feet of additional head
Example at 50 PSI:
- Pressure head: 50 × 2.31 = 115.5 feet
- Effective max: 325 - 115.5 = 209.5 feet
Elevation Above Sea Level
Higher elevations have lower atmospheric pressure:
- Sea level: Full 325 feet capability
- 5,000 feet elevation: Reduced by ~10%
- Contact us for high-altitude adjustments
Long Horizontal Runs
Significant horizontal piping after the pump adds friction loss:
- Every 100 feet of horizontal pipe ≈ 5 feet of head
- Minimize horizontal runs when possible
- Size pipe appropriately
How We Achieve This Depth
Quality Materials
- 304 stainless steel pump rods and components
- Schedule 80 PVC drop pipes (strongest available)
- T6061 billet aluminum pump head
Precision Engineering
- Optimized cylinder designs
- Efficient mechanical advantage
- Quality seals and bearings
Simple, Reliable Design
- No plastic gears or weak points
- Metal-to-metal connections
- 25+ years of refinement
Cylinder Selection Guide
Choose your cylinder based on static water level:
100CA Cylinder (4.5 oz/stroke)
- Max depth: 325 feet hand, 225 feet motor
- Best for: Deep wells where you need maximum depth capability
- Trade-off: Lower volume per stroke, more strokes needed
125CA Cylinder (8.5 oz/stroke)
- Max depth: 225 feet hand, 150 feet motor
- Best for: Medium depth wells where you want balance
- Trade-off: Good flow, moderate effort
200CA Cylinder (20 oz/stroke)
- Max depth: 110 feet hand, 60 feet motor
- Best for: Shallow wells where volume is priority
- Trade-off: Highest flow, limited depth
Verifying Your Well Depth
Not sure of your static water level?
See: How to Find Well Specifications
Static water level (depth to water) is different from well depth (total depth of well). You need to know your static water level for pump sizing.
Ready to Configure?
Provide your static water level and we'll recommend the right cylinder:
- Online: Request Quote
- Phone: 877-492-8711
- Technical Support: ext. 6