The cylinder is the heart of the Simple Pump system, located at your water level and responsible for lifting water to the surface. Three models are available to match different well depths and output requirements.
Cylinder Model Overview
Quick Comparison
| Model | oz/stroke | Max Hand Depth | Max Motor TDH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100CA | 4.5 oz | 325 feet | 225 feet |
| 125CA | 8.5 oz | 225 feet | 150 feet |
| 200CA | 20 oz | 110 feet | 60 feet |
CA = Cylinder Assembly
100CA Cylinder
Specifications
- Output: 4.5 oz (0.035 gal) per stroke
- Maximum hand pump depth: 325 feet static water level
- Maximum motor TDH: 225 feet
- Best for: Deepest wells, lowest pumping effort
When to Choose 100CA
- Static water level over 225 feet
- Pumping into pressure at depth
- Prefer easier pumping over volume
- Very deep well backup
Output Calculations
- 142 strokes per gallon
- ~3.5 gallons per 100 strokes
- At 15 strokes/min: ~6 gal/hour
125CA Cylinder
Specifications
- Output: 8.5 oz (0.066 gal) per stroke
- Maximum hand pump depth: 225 feet static water level
- Maximum motor TDH: 150 feet
- Best for: Medium depth, balanced performance
When to Choose 125CA
- Static water level 110-225 feet
- Good balance of depth and output
- Moderate pumping effort acceptable
- Most versatile choice
Output Calculations
- 75 strokes per gallon
- ~6.6 gallons per 100 strokes
- At 15 strokes/min: ~12 gal/hour
200CA Cylinder
Specifications
- Output: 20 oz (0.156 gal) per stroke
- Maximum hand pump depth: 110 feet static water level
- Maximum motor TDH: 60 feet
- Best for: Shallow wells, maximum output
When to Choose 200CA
- Static water level under 110 feet
- Maximum water volume priority
- Higher pumping effort acceptable
- High-output applications
Output Calculations
- 32 strokes per gallon
- ~15.6 gallons per 100 strokes
- At 15 strokes/min: ~28 gal/hour
Cylinder Components
Standard in Each Assembly
- Cylinder body
- Piston assembly
- Seals (U-cup design)
- Foot valve
- Internal components
Material Construction
- Food-grade materials throughout
- Corrosion-resistant components
- NSF/FDA certified materials
Depth Considerations
Calculating Required Depth Capability
Formula: Required capability = Static water level + pressure head
Pressure Head: 1 PSI = 2.31 feet
Example (50 PSI pressure tank):
- Pressure head: 50 × 2.31 = 115.5 feet
- If static water = 100 feet
- Total requirement: 215.5 feet
- Select: 100CA or 125CA
Motor vs. Hand Ratings
Motor operation has lower depth limits:
- Motor creates additional load
- Heat generation at depth
- Conservative rating for reliability
Maintenance Intervals
Seal Replacement
Typical interval: 3-10+ years depending on:
- Usage frequency
- Water quality
- Operating depth
- Environmental conditions
Maintenance Kits
Seal kits available for each model:
- 100CA Seal Kit
- 125CA Seal Kit
- 200CA Seal Kit
See maintenance articles for replacement procedures.
Cylinder Selection Guide
Decision Tree
What's your static water level?
- Over 225 ft → 100CA only
- 110-225 ft → 100CA or 125CA
- Under 110 ft → Any model
Pumping into pressure?
- Add pressure head to water level
- Select based on total requirement
Output vs. effort preference?
- Maximum output → Largest cylinder for depth
- Easiest pumping → 100CA even if not required
Common Selections
| Scenario | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Deep well (200+ ft) | 100CA |
| Medium well (120 ft) | 125CA |
| Shallow well (60 ft) | 200CA |
| Deep + pressure | 100CA |
| Medium + motor | 125CA |
Cylinder Dimensions
Contact technical support for specific dimensional information if needed for clearance planning.