The LBLD motor and Simple Pump Solar Kit are discontinued for new orders. Simple Pump stopped selling them on March 31, 2026. If you already own one, nothing changes: parts, service, and warranty continue through the end of 2036. See LBLD owner support.
Setting up automated or solar pumping now? The current path is the Inline Manual-Solar Well Pump System. It pairs a WORKHORSE Narrow Series solar submersible with your Simple Pump using the Inline Dual-Pump Valve Assembly.
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
Automated and Solar Options
Adding Powered Pumping
The LBLD motor that older materials describe is discontinued for new orders (existing owners supported through the end of 2036). For new automated or solar pumping, the current path is the Inline Manual-Solar Well Pump System, which pairs a WORKHORSE Narrow Series solar submersible with your Simple Pump hand pump using the Inline Dual-Pump Valve Assembly.
Depth Impact
- Hand Operation: Up to 325 feet static water level
- Legacy LBLD Motor (existing owners): Maximum depth reduces to 225 feet
- 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 add powered pumping to a hand pump system?
A: The LBLD motor retrofit is discontinued for new orders, though existing owners stay supported through the end of 2036. For new automated or solar pumping, the current path is the Inline Manual-Solar Well Pump System. The legacy LBLD motor reduced maximum depth to 225 feet.
📚 Additional Resources:
- Pressure Tank Compatibility - Understanding Total Head with pressure systems
- DIY Installation Capability - Self-installation success at all depths
- Manufacturing Excellence - Engineering behind maximum depth capability
- Well Information Guide - How to measure your specific depth requirements
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you understand Simple Pump's depth capabilities, take the next step toward maximum depth water access:
Or explore our Product Systems to compare depth specifications across our product line.
Ready for Your Simple Pump System?
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.