Lawn watering pump: what is it for, criteria for choosing a pumping station, which one to choose based on the water source, models on the market (high power and low power)

The article was prepared with the participation of Wilo specialists

The comfort of living in a modern country house primarily depends on the uninterrupted operation of the water supply system, which is subject to a number of specific requirements. These are ease of use, efficiency, quiet operation and long service life. One of the options for creating a reliable water supply system for a cottage and watering a site can be a surface pumping station. To understand the advantages and features of this equipment, you need to answer the following questions:

What are the nuances of choosing a pumping station?
How to save energy using a pumping station.
Advantages of watering a site with a pumping station and automating the process.

What criteria are used to select a pumping station?

When choosing a pump that will be part of a lawn watering system, it is necessary to take into account a number of basic criteria:

Water source .
It is important to consider the source from which watering will be carried out, its distance, depth, and water quality. Remoteness influences the choice of equipment based on pressure. The pump will have to lose some power to pump water over a distance.
The depth and quality of water are taken into account when taken from natural sources. If the water on the surface is dirty, you will have to pull an additional line to a cleaner layer. You will also need to supplement the system with a filter. If the pump is connected to a water line, it is necessary to take into account the pressure in it. If it is not enough, you should choose a pump whose power will increase the pressure to the required parameters.
Read also: Types of country water supply, nuances of its construction, required materials and devices
Size of the area . Here it is worth considering the branching of the irrigation system, the diameter of the lines, the number of emitters or sprayers. The capacity of the emitters or injectors is also taken into account. It is worth considering that the water pressure from the pump should be enough to water all areas of the site. And excess pressure should not become a load on the pump itself.
Accounting for pressure loss . Part of the power is lost to the system of trunk and distribution lines, connections, branches, filters, and emitters of different capacity.
Diameter of incoming and outgoing lines . The pump must be selected taking into account the diameters of the connections. Similar parameters will help avoid installing unnecessary connections and adapters. The fewer connecting elements in the system, the easier it is to install and operate.
Nutrition . The most suitable and simple connection for the pump is a 220 volt household network. When choosing, it is worth considering that pumps operating at 380 volts will require the installation of a separate line and a switch with fuses. It is very rare, but there are pumping stations operating on direct current. They require additional rectifiers, power supplies and other equipment.
Water temperature . The lawn can only be watered with water at a temperature of 10 to 25 degrees. These parameters are taken into account when drawing water from wells, reservoirs or water lines. If the temperature is below the established norm, it is necessary to irrigate only from the container. To do this, you will need 2 pumps: a deep one for the well and a surface one for taking it from the tank.
Technical parameters of the pump. You need to carefully study the device documentation. There is no need to purchase a high power pump. Excessive pressure can lead to rupture of the irrigation system lines. Low pressure will become insufficient to water the entire area.
Protection system against working without water . A very important function. It will protect the pump from overheating and its rotating parts from rapid wear. Such protection should turn off the power when running dry or at the moment of jamming.

It is important to correctly calculate the required pump performance. Let's look at an example of how to do this.

One sprayer consumes 15 liters of water per hour, there are 10 such devices. This means that the entire irrigation system has a flow rate of 150 liters of water per hour. Thus, a low-power pump with performance parameters from 130 to 170 l/h is suitable for the site.

It is worth considering a power reserve of 10-15% . It is necessary if the system is subsequently enlarged and the lines or nozzles become clogged.

Watering without mulching

Gardeners often pour out water in the morning and forget about the garden. In the morning, the water begins to actively evaporate and it happens that the plants literally experience drought until the next watering. To thoroughly wet the soil by watering at the roots, we recommend watering in the evening, and after watering, mulch the soil surface. As mulch, you can use a thin layer of humus, a centimeter thick, or, if it is not available, then ordinary soil, only dry. Such a layer of mulch will save moisture from evaporation, and it will remain at the roots longer; the plants will not experience a moisture deficiency until the next watering.

Kinds

The following types of pumps are suitable for organizing a lawn irrigation system:

Superficial .
Installed in a dry place, away from the water source. Water intake can be carried out with a hose or through a pipe that is placed in the water or connected to the main line.
Surface garden models can pump water from a source at a depth of up to 10 meters. This type of equipment is divided into vortex and centrifugal models.
Vortex ones are more powerful, but require good filtration. Centrifugal pumps are capable of pumping up to 3000 liters per minute. They are not sensitive to contamination, are equipped with a power reset system, but are significantly more expensive than vortex ones.
Submersible .
Used to draw water from depth. They can be operated at a depth of up to 15 m. They are distinguished by high power and protection against water penetration into the body. Centrifugal and vibration models can be used for irrigation. Centrifugal ones are capable of pumping water from a depth of 15-20 m to a distance of 50-70 m. Vibrating ones are less powerful, have a high noise level and require filters to be used.
Barrels . They are also submersible pumps. Used when watering from a container. This type of pump is suitable for systems that receive settled water pumped from a water supply system or a well, first into a container for filtration, heating and settling.
Drainage . Also refers to submersible types of devices. Their peculiarity is that they are not susceptible to heavily polluted water. Often used for pumping from reservoirs, rivers, ponds, with a high concentration of silt, impurities, and plant particles.

Each type of equipment is used based on the source of water supply. If the lawn is planted on a plot of more than 5-10 hectares, pumping stations can be used to water it.

Such equipment is equipped with a powerful pump, protection and filtration system. It also has built-in software for adjusting irrigation time, pressure and total water flow.

Watering in the heat

Never water any vegetable plants in the middle of a summer day when it is really hot and scorching hot. The only exception may be plants growing in the shade, but usually there are few of these in the garden. When watering in the heat, firstly, moisture evaporates quite quickly from the surface of the soil, and secondly, no matter how carefully you water, small droplets of water will still fall on the leaves, which, under the influence of sunlight, will literally boil on the leaves, forming burns. These burns are an open gate for infection.

Which one to choose based on the water source?

It is very important to purchase a pump keeping in mind the water source. The type of equipment, its technical parameters and irrigation efficiency depend on this criterion .

Well

Before choosing a pump for a well, it is worth finding out about the quality of water in this source at different depths.
If the water is clean, a centrifugal type submersible pump will do . For wells with a high concentration of sludge, you will have to use vibration models with a filtration system and splitting of large solid particles.

Surface models of pumps can also be used. They are suitable if the depth of the source does not exceed 10 meters, and the length of the entire irrigation system does not exceed 50 meters. Only under these conditions can effective watering of the entire area be achieved.

Well

The well involves drawing water from great depths . In different areas, the depth can vary from 10 to 50 meters and below. A deep pump is suitable for such sources. If the water is dirty, it is better to choose vibration-type models.

The pump should be installed 5 meters from the bottom of the well. Its characteristics are also taken into account. You need to pay attention to the markings, for example, 3-50. It means: 3 cu. m/h is the productivity of the device, and “50” is the maximum immersion depth.

The power of the root system of vegetable crops is the basis for calculating irrigation rates

The moisture needs of vegetable crops, just like other plants, depend on environmental conditions - air temperature, soil, their humidity, light, wind strength. As the intensity of these factors increases, the transpiration (evaporation of water) of plants increases, and the absorption of water from the soil increases accordingly.

In addition to the reaction to the intensity of weather conditions, the need of plants for moisture is determined by their biological characteristics (see Table 1).

Table 1. Root development in different types of vegetable crops

The following groups of crops are conventionally distinguished:

1st group. Includes heat-resistant, air drought-resistant species: watermelon, melon, pumpkin, vegetable corn, beans.

2nd group. Species with a well-developed root system, which allows them to use a large volume of soil to absorb water: cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, carrots, beets, parsley, potatoes, beans, peas. At the same time, active growth and crop formation in these species are facilitated by the rapid, powerful development of the root system in a relatively shallow layer of soil, abundantly moistened with regular watering. This must be taken into account when options are limited.

3rd group. Species that are unable to extract water from the soil in large quantities due to insufficient development of the root system: cabbage, lettuce, radish, radish, onion, garlic. Moreover, the first four species spend a large amount of water on transpiration (evaporation of water by plants).

Models on the market

Pumps are divided into low-power and high-power. Each type implies different productivity, jet length and the ability to collect water at different distances from the site.

Low-power

Low power pumps are suitable for pumping water from :

water lines,
containers,
small ponds located on the site itself,
from shallow wells.

Such devices are suitable for connection to drip irrigation systems or jet sprinklers with a small number of nozzles (up to 10 pcs).

SIBRTECH SPN370-CH 97241

Surface type model. Made of cast iron. Can be used to draw water from a water line, container or natural sources. Suitable for installation in drip irrigation systems and sprinklers.

Characteristics:

power 370 W;
productivity 28 l/m;
working pressure up to 2.5 Bar;
jet height 25 m.

This model can be connected to a pipeline through a ½-inch diameter coupling or to a hose through a fitting. The approximate cost of the model is from 2100 rubles. Read reviews here.

QUATTRO ELEMENTI Acquatico 200-10

Vibration type model. Suitable for pumping water from wells and wells up to 2-3 m deep. The model is manufactured in a cast aluminum case and is equipped with an electric cable 10 m long.

Characteristics:

immersion depth 2-3 m;
power 200 W;
jet length 40 m;
working pressure up to 4 bar;
power supply 220 volts;
productivity 15 l/m.

This model is suitable for sprinkler irrigation systems. The pump can be used to water areas up to 1 hectare. The cost of the model is from 1600 rubles. Read reviews here.

Park VZ-5 006710

Immersion type model. Can be used:

in wells,
swimming pools,
containers and natural sources.

Equipped with a special fastening cable, a 10-meter long cable, and overheating protection.

Characteristics:

Immersion depth up to 3 m.
Power 200 Watt.
Capacity 17 l/h.
Jet height 60 m.
Working pressure 7 bar.

This model is suitable for irrigation systems on areas up to 1 hectare. Be sure to use a model with a coarse filter and replace it periodically. The cost starts from 2000 rubles.

High power

High power models have characteristics of 350 watts or more. Such devices are used to draw water from deep wells, wells or low-pressure water lines .

High power is used to water lawns in areas larger than 1-2 hectares, taking into account a long, branched system of pipelines or hoses from a sprinkler irrigation system.

PATRIOT SP3250 S 315302463

Powerful and productive, made of stainless steel. Suitable for use in complex irrigation systems equipped with multiple filters. The model can be used for systems with retractable nozzles.

Characteristics:

immersion depth up to 30 m;
working pressure 10 bar;
power 750 Watt;
lifting height 80 m.

The pump is equipped with a cable 18 meters long and a cable for fixing at depth. The cost of the model is from 5500 rubles. Read reviews here.

Calpeda MXHM 205/A 100381816

The model belongs to the type of multi-stage surface devices. Operates from a household network of 220 volts. Manufactured in a cast iron housing with a stainless steel impeller compartment. The model can draw water from a depth of up to 5 meters.

Characteristics:

power 750 W;
working pressure 8 bar;
jet height 50 m;
productivity up to 80 l/m;
permissible water temperature is 110 degrees.

The pump is powerful and can be used for irrigation in a sprinkler system with a large number of nozzles. The cost starts from 30,000 rubles.

Whirlwind PN-650 68/4/5

Equipment from Russian manufacturers. Available in a durable cast iron housing. Has built-in protection against dry running. Works when connected to a 220 volt household network. Can be used to draw water from a container or shallow well.

Characteristics:

power 650 W;
working pressure 11 bar;
suction depth up to 10 m;
lifting height 45 m;
productivity 55-60 l/m.

The model can be used both indoors and outdoors. The cost starts from 5000 rubles.

Pumps for pumping water out of containers

Among all the devices, the pump for irrigation from a barrel is considered the easiest to maintain and connect. It is ideal for summer cottage purposes: it weighs little (up to 4 kg), works with containers whose depth does not exceed 1.2 meters, makes little noise and is easily secured. Fix the pump directly on the barrel, insert the plug into the socket - and start watering. You can set the desired jet pressure yourself using the pressure regulator. The pumps have a built-in filter that will not allow debris and solid particles to pass through, so you can immediately pour fertilizer into the barrel and start watering with the prepared solution.

Tank pumps are lightweight and easy to install, so they can be freely moved throughout the area during watering.

But practice shows that built-in filters do not always completely stop particles of solid fertilizers that have not had time to dissolve. Even the most expensive systems will become clogged and will have to be cleaned. But you can avoid this if you think about a homemade additional filter. They make it simply - from old tulle. Look for a canvas that is larger in size than the volume of your barrel (so that the edges hang outward). The pump is immersed inside the tulle, and the edges of the material are tied to the edge of the container. There is no need to fear that the fabric will be drawn into the pump, because the motor is protected at the outlet by a filter. It will protect the system from being sucked in by tulle, but it will reduce problems with equipment.

Alternatively, you can hang the pump from a board placed on the container so that it does not reach the bottom by 5 centimeters. Then all the rust and sediment will remain at the bottom and will not go into the system.

The filter elements of the pump are located in the lower part of the housing, so sediment and fertilizer residues have every chance of clogging the system

There are models on sale with different power levels. If you have a large area allocated for your garden, then take pumps with a two-stage mechanism. Although they are more expensive, they are designed for large volumes of work and do not overheat during prolonged use. A low-power device is enough for several flower beds. For example, such well-known manufacturers as Gardena and Karcher have not too expensive options, the price of which starts from 2.5 thousand rubles. They are capable of pumping about 2 thousand liters. in an hour, which is more than enough for small areas. If the area is large, then look for more powerful options. The maximum productivity of barrel pumps from these companies is 4 thousand liters per hour. For those looking for something cheaper, it is worth considering Belarusian ZUBR brand pumps. They all come with a float and are similar in characteristics to Gardena, but the price is 1.5 times lower and the warranty is 5 years.

Most barrel units are sold without a hose, so it is more convenient to buy a kit. It immediately contains a watering hose (length - approximately 20 m), 2 pipes, an outlet fitting and a spray nozzle, and in cheap devices some spare parts will have to be purchased separately.

Important! If you choose a system with a float switch, you will not need to control how empty the barrel is. The pump will turn off itself as soon as the water level drops to the minimum. Accordingly, the risk of breakdowns during dry running is eliminated.

What components are needed?

To ensure proper connection of the pump and its long service life, it is necessary to use a number of additional components. These include:

American type couplings. They allow the pump to be dismantled without the complex dismantling of the entire line.
Stopcock. Mounted before the pump.
Coarse water filter. It is also mounted before the pump. Installation afterwards will create additional load on the device.
If located remotely from a power source, you will need an extension cord. Its role should be a copper wire with a cross-section equal to the cross-section of the pump wire.
Connecting electrical terminals. They are necessary for high-quality connection of the extension cord.
Overload and short circuit protection system. You will need a circuit breaker with a response parameter “C50-C65”.

It is also worth deciding on the main suction and water distribution lines. They must be of equal diameter to the size of the connecting holes on the pump. When using a hose, it is important that it is corrugated.

Step-by-step instructions for installation and operation

The easiest to install is a surface pump. Installing it is quite simple. To do this you need:

Connect a ½ or ¾ inch diameter pipe to the container or water line. The diameter depends on the size of the pump connecting thread.
Connect a stopcock to the pipe.
From the tap, remove a pipe of the same diameter, but no more than 15 cm long.
Attach a coarse water filter to the pipe.
Take an adapter pipe with a thread at the end from the filter and screw one half of the coupling onto it.
Screw the other half of the coupling with external thread into the pump. It is important that the inlet from the main line connects to the horizontal inlet on the pump.
Connect both halves of the coupling with a union nut.

Now you need to make a tap from the pump:

screw half of the coupling with internal thread into the vertical (upper) hole above the impeller;
screw the second half of the coupling onto the distribution line;
connect both halves of the coupling with a union nut;
At the final stage, you need to connect the pump to the household electrical network - this can be done using a plug connection to a socket or connecting the cable to the electrical distribution panel through a fuse.

When connecting the pump, it is important that it stands firmly on a level surface. This can be achieved by fixing it with anchor bolts onto a pre-poured concrete platform.

This video will show you how to install a lawn watering pump:

When operating a pump in a lawn irrigation system, the following must be considered:

The operating pressure of the device and the water flow of the entire system . The pressure difference will affect the irrigation efficiency or the integrity of the system itself. The load may cause the internal winding to overheat.
Location . Distance from the water source with a low power characteristic will lead to low injection efficiency, which will entail an increase in working time.
Installation . During installation, it is important to install the equipment indoors. Humidity and temperature changes can reduce service life.
Water quality . Even with filters, dirty water increases the load on the device. When pumping dirty water without a filter, sand and silt can damage the impeller.

Any type of pump must have a grounding circuit. It will prevent electric shock if water gets into the housing with the winding.

All these nuances should be taken into account to ensure effective irrigation and long service life of the device.

Defining parameters

When choosing a water pump, it is not necessary to take into account brand recognition. It is more important to pay attention to parameters such as power, efficiency and performance, and operating conditions. You also need to consider the degree of water contamination the pump is designed for. After all, some types of equipment will simply fail if the slightest particles of debris enter. It is better to choose common models, this will make it easier and cheaper to find components in case of breakdowns and malfunctions.

Types of pumps for watering the garden