Best Well Pump for Your Well: Shallow, Deep, and Submersible Picks

The best well pump is the one matched to how far down your water sits, not the one with the most horsepower. When the pumping water level is within about 25 feet of the pump, a shallow well jet pump may work. Deeper wells may call for a deep well jet assembly or a submersible pump. The best choice also depends on the flow your household needs and the well can supply.

This guide walks through the best well pump for each type of well, what to look for, and the sizing mistakes that shorten pump life. You can browse our well pumps for homes, farms, and commercial systems as you read.

1. Start With Depth to Water, Not Horsepower

Every well pump choice starts with one number: the distance from the pump to the water. Horsepower matters later, but the wrong pump type will struggle no matter how big the motor is.

- Static water level: where the water sits when the pump has been off for a while.

- Pumping level: where the water drops to while the pump is running. This is the number that matters most.

- Well casing size: a 2 inch casing limits your options, while a 4 inch or larger casing opens up submersible pumps.

- Well recovery rate: how fast the well refills. A pump that outpaces the well will run it dry.

Your well driller's log usually lists depth, casing size, and yield. If you do not have it, a well professional can measure the static and pumping levels for you.

Depth ranges are manufacturer ratings for the Sta-Rite series listed. Always confirm flow at your own depth on the performance table.

2. Best Well Pump for Shallow Wells (Under 25 Feet)

For water within about 25 feet, a shallow well jet pump is the best well pump for most homes and cabins. The pump sits above ground, pulls water up by suction, and needs only one pipe into the well. That makes it easy to install, prime, and service.

The limit is physics. Suction can only lift water so far, and in practice about 25 feet is the working ceiling. Our pick in this range is the Sta-Rite HN series, including the Sta-Rite HNE 1 HP shallow well jet pump, with cast iron construction and dual 115/230V wiring. For a deeper look, see Sta-Rite shallow well vs deep well jet pumps.

3. Best Pump for Wells From 25 to 90 Feet

This is where a convertible jet pump earns its name. It runs as a shallow well pump with one kit and as a deep well pump with a jet assembly (ejector) installed down the well. The correct jet assembly depends on the installation and the manufacturer’s specifications.

• Sta-Rite HL series (cast iron): up to 25 feet with the shallow well kit and 90 feet with the deep well kit. A solid all-around pick, like the Sta-Rite HLE 1 HP convertible jet pump.
• Sta-Rite PL series (thermoplastic): up to 25 feet shallow or 60 feet deep. The fiberglass reinforced body resists corrosion, which helps in aggressive water. See the Sta-Rite PLE 1 HP deep well jet pump.

Not sure about cast iron versus other materials? Our guide to cast iron vs stainless steel pumps covers the trade-offs.

4. Best Jet Pump for a Deep Well

When the water sits deeper, or you need more pressure at the tap, a multistage jet pump stacks impellers to build more head. Sta-Rite offers two families:

• HMS series (horizontal multistage): up to 25 feet shallow and 140 feet with a deep well kit, and it doubles as a booster pump. Read our Sta-Rite HMSE deep well jet pump guide.
• MS series (vertical multistage): 3/4 to 2 HP, bolts over the well, and Sta-Rite's tables run to very deep jet settings. The Sta-Rite MSE 1 HP deep well jet pump is a popular starting point.

One honest caution: jet pump flow falls sharply as depth increases. In Sta-Rite's MS series tables, output drops from 12+ GPM at 30 feet to under 3 GPM at the deepest settings. If you need strong flow from a deep well, that is usually a sign to look at a submersible instead.

5. When a Submersible Is the Best Well Pump

A submersible pump sits down in the well and pushes water up instead of pulling it. That is why it handles depths a jet pump cannot, delivers steadier flow at depth, never needs priming, and runs quietly because the motor is underwater. Learn more in how does a submersible pump work.

The trade off is service. A submersible has to be pulled out of the well for repair, which usually means a pump hoist and a well professional. Check the pump’s outside diameter against the well casing and the manufacturer’s required clearance.

For a side by side comparison, read jet pump vs submersible pump. If your well is deeper than about 100 feet or your household uses a lot of water at once, a submersible may be the better choice.

6. Size It Right: GPM and Horsepower

Once you know the pump type, size it to your household. Estimate simultaneous fixture demand, then check it against the well’s tested yield and the pump’s performance curve.

Never size past what your well can recover. Pair the pump with a correctly sized pressure tank to avoid short cycling. For a detailed horsepower breakdown, see 1 HP vs 2 HP well pump.

7. Features That Separate a Good Well Pump From a Great One

- Body material: cast iron is durable and quiet; reinforced thermoplastic resists corrosion.

- Dual voltage: 115/230V motors let you wire for what your panel supports.

- Pressure regulator (deep jet models): keeps drive pressure steady so the pump does not hunt.

- Drain port: makes winterizing easy on seasonal properties.

- Parts support: a brand with available seals, impellers, and jet kits keeps repairs simple.

8. Common Well Pump Buying Mistakes

- Buying by horsepower alone. A bigger motor on the wrong pump type still fails at depth.

- Ignoring the pumping level. The water drops while the pump runs, so size to that level, not the static level.

- Mismatching the jet kit. A convertible pump needs the right shallow or deep kit and nozzle for your depth.

- Skipping the pressure tank. An undersized or waterlogged tank causes rapid cycling and early failure.

For a full selection walkthrough, see how to choose the right well pump. If your current pump is struggling, check the 8 warning signs your well pump is going bad and whether to repair or replace your well pump.

Choosing the Right Pump

The best well pump is not one model. It is the right type for your depth, sized to your household, and compatible with your water conditions. Shallow wells favor a jet pump like the Sta-Rite HN, mid depth wells favor a convertible HL or PL, deep jet setups favor the HMS or MS, and deep, high demand wells favor a submersible. Browse our deep well pumps and Sta-Rite pumps to compare models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best well pump for a home?

The best well pump for a home is the one matched to your depth to water. For water within 25 feet, a shallow well jet pump is the simplest choice. From 25 to about 90 feet, a convertible or deep well jet pump works well. For deeper wells or higher flow needs, compare a submersible pump with the jet pump’s rated output at the actual pumping level.

What is the best pump for a shallow well?

A shallow well jet pump, such as the Sta-Rite HN series, may suit a well whose pumping water level stays within the pump’s suction limit. It sits above ground, is easy to service, and does not need a jet assembly down the well.

What is the best jet pump for a deep well?

For a deep well, pick a convertible jet with a deep well kit (up to about 90 feet on the Sta-Rite HL series) or a multistage deep well jet such as the Sta-Rite HMS or MS series for deeper settings and higher pressure. Check the pump's performance table at your actual depth, because flow drops as depth increases.

How long do well pumps last?

Service life varies with water quality, sizing, cycling, installation, and maintenance. Correct sizing, clean water, a properly charged pressure tank, and avoiding short cycling all extend pump life. Signs like low pressure, constant cycling, or noisy operation mean it is time for a closer look.

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