Simple Pump Maximum Depth Specifications - Complete Technical Guide

Comprehensive depth specifications for Simple Pump systems from 25+ years manufacturing experience. Expert guidance on maximum pumping depths, Total Head calculations, pumping effort, and performance at various depths with competitive analysis.

Steve Schmid25+ Years Manufacturing Simple Pump Systems | Precision Engineering Expert
9/22/2025
7 min read

Related Systems:

Deep Well Hand Pump
Shallow Well Suction Pump
Motorized Well Pump
Solar Powered Well Pump

25+ Years Manufacturing Experience: Simple Pump's superior engineering enables unprecedented depth capabilities - the deepest pumping range of any hand pump manufacturer. Based on precision manufacturing and thousands of successful installations, here's your comprehensive guide to Simple Pump depth specifications and performance.

Industry-Leading Depth Capabilities

From Simple Pump Technical Videos: "Very often we get a question from our customers of how hard is it going to be to pump. We've got customers that age from their 20s to their 80s and people that just have a different amount of physical strength." - Steve Schmid

Maximum Depth Specifications

Hand-Operated Pump: 325 Feet Static Water Level

  • Industry-leading capability: Far exceeds any competitor
  • Lever arm design advantage: Superior mechanical leverage reduces effort
  • Precision manufacturing: Aerospace-grade materials enable maximum depth
  • Proven performance: Thousands of installations at maximum depth

Motorized Pump: 225 Feet Static Water Level

  • Motor-assisted operation: Enhanced performance with 12V/24V systems
  • Cylinder capacity variable: Depth depends on pump cylinder size and voltage
  • Professional installation: Optimal configuration for maximum depth applications

Why Simple Pump Achieves Greater Depth

Manufacturing Engineering Advantages:

  • Lever Arm Design: Superior mechanical advantage reduces pumping effort exponentially
  • Precision Materials: Aerospace-grade components withstand maximum depth pressures
  • Superior Manufacturing: CNC precision machining ensures optimal component fit
  • Engineering Excellence: 25+ years of continuous design refinement

Competitive Analysis: Simple Pump achieves much further pumping depth than any competitor including Bison, Baker, and other manufacturers due to superior engineering and manufacturing quality.

💡 Need Your Well Information First? Use our Well Information Guide to gather accurate depth measurements for proper system sizing.

Understanding Total Head Calculations

From Simple Pump Technical Guidance: When determining maximum pumping capability, multiple factors combine to create "Total Head" - the complete pumping challenge your system must overcome.

Total Head Formula

Total Head = Static Water Level + Vertical Rise + Pressure Equivalent

Where:
- Static Water Level: Distance from ground to water surface (feet)
- Vertical Rise: Height from ground level to destination (feet)
- Pressure Equivalent: 100 feet for household plumbing (45 psi)

Maximum Total Head Limits

  • Hand-Operated: Maximum 325 feet Total Head
  • Motorized: Maximum 225 feet Total Head

Real-World Application Examples

Scenario 1: Maximum Depth Hand Pumping

  • Static Water Level: 325 feet
  • Vertical Rise: 0 feet (pumping to ground level)
  • Pressure: 0 feet (ambient pressure, bucket filling)
  • Total Head: 325 feet ✅ Within hand pump limit

Scenario 2: Balanced Installation

  • Static Water Level: 175 feet
  • Vertical Rise: 50 feet (five-story building)
  • Pressure: 100 feet (household plumbing at 45 psi)
  • Total Head: 325 feet ✅ Within hand pump limit

Scenario 3: Pressure Tank Installation

  • Static Water Level: 225 feet
  • Vertical Rise: 0 feet
  • Pressure: 100 feet (45 psi pressure tank)
  • Total Head: 325 feet ✅ Within hand pump limit

Pumping Effort & Volume Specifications

From Steve Schmid's Technical Presentations: "The actual force required is dependent mostly on the static water level... the total length of drop pipe assembly adds some additional effort."

Pumping Force Requirements

100-Foot Static Water Level (Common Installation)

  • Required Force: Approximately 6 pounds downward force
  • Lever Arm: 36-inch standard lever arm
  • Ease of Use: "A child can easily do this" - verified customer feedback

325-Foot Static Water Level (Maximum Depth)

  • Required Force: Approximately 16 pounds downward force
  • Lever Arm: 36-inch standard lever arm
  • Accessibility: Manageable for most adults, including seniors

Volume Per Stroke

Cylinder-Dependent Output:

  • Small Cylinder: 4.5 ounces per full stroke
  • Medium Cylinder: 8.5 ounces per full stroke
  • Large Cylinder: 20.5 ounces per full stroke

Customer-Controlled Rate: Pumping rate varies with stroke frequency and length - completely under user control for comfort and capability.

Competitive Advantages & Customer Validation

Superior Engineering vs. Competitors

Manufacturing Experience: "The Simple Pump is DRAMATICALLY easier to use than seemingly comparable pumps like Bison and Baker."

Technical Superiority:

  • Deeper pumping capability: 325 feet vs. competitors' limitations
  • Reduced pumping effort: Superior lever arm design
  • Better materials: Aerospace-grade vs. standard materials
  • Precision manufacturing: CNC machining vs. standard manufacturing

Customer Success Stories

Age Range Success: Customers from 20s to 80s successfully operate Simple Pump systems at various depths, demonstrating accessibility across all age groups.

Physical Accessibility: Customers with varying physical strength levels successfully operate systems, even at maximum depths.

Installation Validation: Thousands of successful installations validate depth specifications and ease-of-use claims.

Shallow Well vs. Deep Well Systems

From Simple Pump Technical Videos: The main difference between shallow and deep well systems is the water level at which they can operate, with additional considerations for freeze protection.

Shallow Well Suction Pump

  • Maximum Depth: 25 feet static water level
  • Suction-Based Operation: Surface-mounted pump with suction line
  • Installation Simplicity: Easier installation for shallow applications
  • Freeze Considerations: Different freeze protection requirements

Deep Well Hand Pump

  • Maximum Depth: 325 feet static water level
  • Direct Pumping: Cylinder in well, mechanical rod connection
  • Freeze Proof Design: Built-in freeze protection at depth
  • Versatile Installation: Handles complex well configurations

Motor Integration & Upgrade Options

Adding Motor to Hand Pump System

  • Retrofit Capability: Hand pump systems can be upgraded with motors
  • Depth Adjustment: Motor operation reduces maximum depth to 225 feet
  • Voltage Options: 12V and 24V systems available
  • Hybrid Operation: Maintain hand pump capability with motor assist

Motor Specifications & Depth Impact

  • Cylinder Capacity: Larger cylinders may reduce maximum motor depth
  • Voltage Selection: Higher voltage extends motor depth capability
  • Professional Guidance: Complex installations benefit from expert consultation

Technical Support & Custom Configurations

Expert Consultation Available

When to Contact Simple Pump Technical Support:

  • Maximum depth installations: 300+ feet static water level
  • Complex Total Head calculations: Multiple factors affecting depth
  • Motor integration planning: Optimal configuration for specific depth
  • Competitive system comparison: Technical validation vs. other manufacturers

Contact Information:

  • Technical Support: (877) 492-8711 Ext. 6
  • Expert Guidance: Direct access to manufacturing engineering team

Custom Installation Planning

Professional Services Available:

  • Site Assessment: Well configuration and depth validation
  • System Sizing: Optimal cylinder and motor selection
  • Installation Planning: Professional vs. DIY assessment
  • Performance Optimization: Maximum efficiency for specific depth

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Simple Pump really pump from 325 feet by hand?

A: Yes, verified through thousands of customer installations. The superior lever arm design and precision manufacturing enable this industry-leading capability with manageable effort (16 lbs force at maximum depth).

Q: How does pumping effort compare to competitors?

A: Simple Pump requires dramatically less effort than comparable pumps. Our engineering advantage reduces force requirements while extending maximum depth capability beyond any competitor.

Q: What affects actual pumping depth in my well?

A: Total Head calculation combines static water level + vertical rise + pressure requirements. Your specific installation may allow different combinations within the 325-foot hand pump limit.

Q: Can I upgrade from hand pump to motor later?

A: Yes, Simple Pump systems are designed for motor retrofits. Note that motor operation changes maximum depth to 225 feet, and cylinder selection affects final specifications.

📚 Additional Resources:

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Determine Your Requirements

Well Specifications Needed:

  • Static water level measurement
  • Total well depth
  • Vertical rise to destination
  • Pressure requirements (tank vs. ambient)

Get Expert Sizing

Technical Consultation: With your depth specifications, our engineering team provides optimal system configuration for your specific requirements.

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