10 Best Shallow Well Pumps of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Wells have been used for gathering water for centuries, which led to the invention of the shallow well pump. Because of the usefulness of shallow well pumps, there are many on the market. As a result, it can be difficult to decide which option is best for you.

To help make the process easier, we have looked through the best shallow well pumps and provided you with the best options. In this article, we offer reviews for the top 10 shallow well pumps, as well as provide you with a convenient buyer’s guide to help you determine which well pump is the right one for you.

Let’s take a closer look at what the market has to offer.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		WAYNE SWS100	High efficiency Includes features to prevent burnout Made from durable materials	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Red Lion PWJET50	Automatic shut-off feature Heavy-duty construction Good efficiency	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Pentair STA-Rite SND-L	Highly efficient Made from durable materials Includes insulation	CHECK PRICE
		Red Lion RJS-100-PREM	High efficiency Good GPM Includes automatic shut-off	CHECK PRICE
		Goulds Pump J5S	High efficiency Good suction Made from durable materials	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Shallow Well Pumps

1. WAYNE SWS100 Shallow Well Jet Pump – Best Overall

The best shallow well pump overall is the WAYNE SWS100. We have selected this model because it has some of the most impressive specs, including its efficiency, protection, and durability.

Notably, the WAYNE SWS100 has 1 horsepower (HP) and a revolutions per minute (RPM) of 510 gallons per hour, or 50 pounds per square inch (PSI), making it one of the most efficient models on the market. This fact allows it to have a 1.25-inch intake and 0.75-inch discharge. This power makes it ideal for shallow well use.

Another important feature of the WAYNE SWS100 is that it has a dual voltage of 120 volts or 240 volts and a pre-set 30/50 pressure switch. It also comes with a square flange motor that is thermally protected, which prevents the motor from overheating.

Finally, this model is made from durable cast iron volute with a dedicated priming port for volute stilling. This ensures that the model is durable and will last several years. In fact, the model is assembled in the US, further ensuring a quality product and construction.

2.  Red Lion PWJET50 Shallow Well Jet Pump – Best Value

If you are looking for the best shallow well pumps for the money, you will be interested in the Red Lion PWJET50. We have selected this model as the best value option because it is efficient, durable, and highly affordable.

The Red Lion PWJET50 is 0.5 HP and has a gallons per minute (GPM) flow rate of 7 with an automatic shut off. It features 50 PSI, making it efficient and strong for a shallow well under 25 feet. More so, it has a 115/230 dual volt motor with a factory pre-set 30/50 pressure switch.

The Red Lion PWJET50 is heavy-duty as well. It is made with a cast iron construction, ensuring durability and longevity. It also has a glass-filled thermoplastic impeller and diffuser, furthering both the performance and durability.

The only reason why this model is ranked number two on our list, as opposed to number one, is that it has a lower flow rate than our top pick.

3. Pentair STA-Rite SND-L Shallow Well Jet Pump – Premium Choice

If you are looking for a premium shallow well pump, then you should check out the Pentair STA-Rite SND-L. We have named this model our premium choice because it has both premium qualities and a premium price tag.

The Pentair STA-Rite SND-L has 0.5 HP with a 115/230V motor. It has a maximum capacity of 13.7 GPM, making it highly efficient, which will save you money in the long run. It flows at 10 inches and 40 PSI and has a maximum shut off at 70 PSI. The maximum inlet pressure is 50 PSI.

Another reason that the Pentair STA-Rite SND-L is our premium choice is that it is made from durable materials. It has a cast iron body with a drain port included. It also has motor windings, which are superior insulation materials that protect against moisture contaminants. This ensures the motor’s longevity.

Finally, the Pentair STA-Rite SND-L is a precision-molded diffuser with multiple ports.  However, beware that all that premium quality comes and a high cost.

4. Red Lion RJS-100-PREM 602208 Shallow Jet Pump

The next impressive shallow well pump on our list is the Red Lion RJS-100 PREM 602208. We have featured this model on our list because it is highly efficient, includes high-caliber features, and is made from heavy-duty materials.

The Red Lion RRJS-100 PREM 602208 is a 1 HP shallow well jet pump, meaning that it is suitable for supplying fresh water to large homes, farms, and cabins. It has a 115/230V motor and a 23 GPM flow rate with an automatic shutoff, voltage selector, and factory pre-set 30/50 pressure switch.

More so, the Red Lion RJS-100 PREM 602208 is effective because it includes a glass-filled thermoplastic impeller and diffuser. This ensures a high performing and efficient water flow from the pump.

Additionally, this Red Lion model is made from heavy-duty and durable material. It has a cast iron body construction that is corrosion and rust-resistant, ensuring durability and many years of service. That being said, the switch is prone to breakage.

5. Goulds Pump J5S Shallow Well Jet Pump

The Goulds Pump J5S is another good shallow well pump to check out. This model has good efficiency, is made from durable materials, and includes several features that ensure longevity and efficiency.

Most notably, the Goulds Pump J5S has 0.5 HP and a 115/230V motor with a voltage motor switch. The pressure switch is pre-set as 30/50 PSI. This power allows the model to have a 1.25-inch suction intake and 1-inch discharge and operate at 3,500 RPM. Unfortunately, the GPM is not listed by the company, which was a negative for us.

This model is made from durable materials. It is constructed from a cast iron body, which is both corrosion and contaminant resistant. The model also comes with built-in overload protection, which prevents motor burn out, further ensuring durability and longevity.

The Goulds Pump product is also safe and easy to use. It has a back pull-out design, making it more convenient and user-friendly for maintenance and repairs. Similarly, It has a two compartment motor that makes accessing wiring much easier and safer. We did note that the customer service for this product was lacking.

6. XtremepowerUS 1.6HP Shallow Well Pump

The next shallow well pump on our list is from XtremepowerUS. You should consider purchasing this shallow well pump because it is highly efficient, easy to use, includes durable materials and features, and suitable for anything ranging from providing shower pressurization in residential homes to offering water to agricultural structures.

Notably, this XtremepowerUS product has 1.6 HP and can pump as many as 1,000 gallons per hour. It has a maximum flow rate of 16.71 GPM, a maximum lift of 150 feet, and a maximum pressure of 72.5 PSI, making it highly efficient and powerful for a shallow well pump.

The XtremepowerUS well pump comes with life-lengthening features, such as the built-in thermal overload protection. This protection stops the pump whenever the card machine is overloading, preventing it from burning. This will save you money in the future.

More so, it’s easy to use and includes convenient features. For example, it includes an automatic booster system and a high-precision pressure gauge, which allows you to easily see the pressure value. That being said, it wasn’t a perfect homerun for this well pump. Users reported that it was noisy, and we found that it did not include a detailed manual, which was a pain, especially when we needed to reference it. Lastly, the pump casing is prone to breakage.

7. Acquaer SJC075 Shallow Well Jet Pump

Another good shallow well pump to check out is the Acquaer SJC075. This model has a solid efficiency and power/flow rating, is made from durable materials, and comes with 2-year limited warranty.

Most importantly, the Acquaer SJC075 comes with 0.75 HP and a maximum flow rate of 900 gallons per hour. It includes a dual voltage motor, which operates at 115V or 230V, but it is factory wired for 230V usage. These features allow the model to have a 1.25-inch suction intake and 1-inch discharge.

Since the model can operate at two voltages, it includes a voltage selection switch, as well as a pressure switch. The pressure switch is pre-set as 30 PSI, but it can be set to 50 PSI for high pressure usage.

The Acquaer SJC075 is also made from durable materials. More specifically, it is made from a durable cast iron volute, which ensures durability and a long-lasting life.

All positives aside, users reported this was a noisy model. Additionally, the pressure switch has a tendency to break, and to make matters worse, it is very difficult to replace.

• Also See: Should There Be Water in Your Sump Pump Pit? What You Need To Know!

8.  BurCam 506547SS SW Stainless Steel Jet Pump

The next shallow well pump we are looking at is the BurCam 506547SS. This pump is extremely lightweight, has two voltage options, and includes features that make it more user-friendly, but it has some downsides as well.

As for the good aspects of this model, the BurCam 506547SS SW has 0.75 HP and a 115/230V motor. This allows the pump to have a flow rate of 16 GPM, which is lower than other options on this list but still impressive.

The most notable feature of the BurCam 506547SS SW is that it is lightweight, though. In fact, this model is only 24 pounds, which is nearly half the weight of the other models. This makes this model much easier to transport and store.

Unfortunately, this is all the positives we can say about this BurCam product. One main downside of this model is that it is not very heavy-duty. Since it is lightweight, it does not have as good of durability or pressure as some of the other models.

9.  Flotec FP4012-10 Shallow Well Pump Jet

Another shallow well pump that you might want to consider is the Flotec FP4012-10. This well pump is notable because it is CSA certified and resistant to corrosion, but it has some downsides as well.

Unfortunately, there are more cons than pros for the Flotec FP4012-10. Notably, this model is less efficient and powerful than other models on this list, making it unsuitable for some shallow well pumping jobs.

Additionally, the outside housing of the Flotec FP4012-10 is made from plastic, in comparison to the other models which were made from cast iron or stainless steel. This material makes this model less durable and heavy-duty.

10.  ECO-FLO Products EFSWJ7P Shallow Well Jet Pump

Finally, the last shallow well pump on our list is the ECO-FLO Products EFSWJ7P Shallow Well Jet Pump. This model is suitable for shallow wells ranging anywhere from 0 to 25 feet deep. It has a pressure shut-off feature at a maximum depth of 63 PSI. Additionally, this model comes with an extensive downloadable user manual, making it easy to use.

With that being said, there are many negatives to this model. For example, it’s made from plastic. Plastic is not durable or heavy-duty for a well pump, meaning that this pump will not last as long as the other options on this list.

Additionally, the ECO-FLO well pump is not very powerful. It is pre-set to function at 120V, but the motor has a tough time using this voltage for prolonged use. This is a problem since many of the other options of this list perform well at around both 120V and 230V.

More so, the efficiency rating is not listed. Although this is not a fault of the pump itself, the choice to leave out the rating, matched with its lower-than-average power ratings, implies that it has poor efficiency as well.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Shallow Well Pump

We hope that our reviews have provided you with some clarity on what shallow well pump to choose. If you are still unsure which model is best for you, do not worry. We have added this convenient buyer’s guide to help you determine what sort of shallow well pump to look out for. Read on to find out more.

Determining The Type Of Pump You Need

There are several well pumps to choose from. It is important to select the best one for your needs and preferences. Here are the most common well pump types:

Factors To Consider When Buying A Shallow Well Pump

Whenever you are buying a shallow well pump, it is important to select an option that matches your needs and preferences. Here are factors to consider when buying a shallow well pump:

1. Power/Water Flow

The most important factor to consider when selecting a shallow well pump is the power and water flow. The power and water flow refer to how much water the pump can move. It is important to select a model that is able to move enough water to satisfy the needs of your home.

The power water flow rating is rated in gallons per minute, abbreviated GPM. It is important to note that even though motor power is measured in horsepower, a higher horsepower does not necessarily mean more water flow. It is important to check the GPM of the pump, not just the horsepower, to know exactly how much water it can supply.

2. Vertical Lift

Another important factor is the vertical lift. The vertical lift will determine how far the pump can lift water from underground. Deeper wells will need a pump that provides more pressure, which will increase the vertical distance that the water can be moved.

3. Efficiency

The efficiency of your shallow well pump tells you exactly how efficient your pump is at moving water. Most pumps produce about 10 GPM per 1 horsepower, but other pumps can move as much as 18 GPM per 1 horsepower. The model with a higher GPM per horsepower is the more efficient model.

Efficiency matters because it results in energy savings. If you want to save money in the long term for your shallow well pump, then purchase a well pump that is efficient and will conserve energy.

4. Overload Protection

Overload protection prevents motor burnout. Since many shallow well pumps run continuously, their motors can burn out easily, especially if the motor runs when water is not flowing through it. This can cost you a pretty penny for repairs and replacements. Overload protection will prevent the motor from burnout, saving you time and money.

Conclusion

After considering all 10 pumps, as well as the buyer’s guide, we recommend the WAYNE SWS100 Shallow Well Jet Pump because it has a powerful power/water flow, efficiency, and includes overload protection.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, though, we recommend the Red Lion PWJET50 Shallow Well Jet Pump. Although it has a lower GPM then our best overall pick, this model is affordable, efficient, and durable, making it our best value pick.

After considering these reviews and the included buyer’s guide, we hope that the process of selecting the best shallow well pump for you is easier and less stressful. If you consider the power/water flow, vertical lift, efficiency, and overload protection, you’re sure to find the best model for you.