Choosing the right horsepower is the most important decision when buying a well pump. Too little power and you get weak pressure and a pump that runs constantly. Too much and you waste energy and shorten the pump's life through short cycling. Getting it right starts with understanding your well, not just picking the biggest number.
This guide explains how to size a Sta-Rite well pump by well depth and household demand, the main Sta-Rite pump types, and the numbers that matter beyond horsepower.
Match Horsepower to Well Depth and Household Demand
Two factors drive horsepower: how far the pump has to lift water, and how much water your household uses at once. As a general starting point:
|
Household / Demand |
Typical Well Depth |
Suggested HP |
|---|---|---|
|
1 to 2 bathrooms |
Up to 250 ft |
1/2 HP |
|
3 to 4 bathrooms |
250 to 400 ft |
3/4 to 1 HP |
|
Large home + light irrigation |
300 to 500 ft |
1 to 1.5 HP |
|
High demand / agricultural |
Deep or 400+ ft |
1.5 to 2+ HP |
These are starting points, not final answers. Static water level, pipe size, and the number of fixtures running at once all affect the result, so confirm with a professional before buying.
Sta-Rite Well Pump Types
Sta-Rite (a Pentair brand) makes several pump families for different well setups:
- Shallow well jet pumps for wells up to about 25 feet deep, mounted above ground. See the shallow well pumps collection, such as the Sta-Rite HND 3/4 HP shallow well jet pump.
- Deep well and convertible jet pumps for wells from 25 up to about 90 feet, like the Sta-Rite MSE deep well jet pump in our deep well jet pumps collection.
- Submersible well pumps that sit down in the well for deeper applications. Browse the full well pumps collection.
Key Numbers Beyond Horsepower
Horsepower alone does not tell the whole story. When you compare pumps, also check:
- GPM (gallons per minute): the flow the pump delivers at your well's depth
- Head / PSI: the pressure the pump can build to serve your fixtures
- Voltage: many Sta-Rite pumps are 115/230V convertible
- Wire and pipe size: correct sizing protects performance and the motor
|
Need help sizing a Sta-Rite pump for your well? Browse Sta-Rite well pumps and the full well pump collection, or call (844) 378-6771 to talk to a specialist. |
Shallow Well vs Deep Well
If you are not sure whether you need a shallow or deep well pump, it comes down to how far the water sits below the surface. We cover this in detail in our guide to Sta-Rite shallow well vs deep well jet pumps. As a quick rule, water within 25 feet of the surface suits a shallow well pump, while deeper water needs a deep well or convertible model.
A Quick Sizing Example
Say you have a 3-bathroom home on a 300-foot well with no irrigation. That points to a 3/4 to 1 HP pump. If you later add a sprinkler system or fill a pool, stepping up to 1 to 1.5 HP gives you headroom without short cycling. The key is to size for your real peak demand, not the occasional extreme.
Final Thoughts
A correctly sized Sta-Rite well pump delivers steady pressure, runs efficiently, and lasts longer. Start with your well depth and household demand, confirm the GPM and pressure you need, and verify voltage and wiring. When in doubt, contact the ePumps team and we will help you choose the right horsepower the first time.
FAQ's
What horsepower well pump do I need?
It depends on your well depth and household demand. As a guide, a 1/2 HP pump suits small homes on shallow wells, 3/4 to 1 HP fits most 3 to 4 bathroom homes on 250 to 400 foot wells, and 1.5 to 2 HP is for deep wells or high-demand and agricultural use. Confirm with a professional based on your static water level.
Is a 1 HP or 1.5 HP Sta-Rite well pump better?
Neither is universally better. A 1 HP pump is right for typical family homes on moderate-depth wells, while a 1.5 HP pump suits deeper wells, larger homes, or added irrigation. Oversizing leads to short cycling and wasted energy, so match the pump to your actual peak water use.
How deep can a 1 HP Sta-Rite well pump go?
It depends on the model. A 1 HP shallow well jet pump is limited to roughly 25 feet of lift, while a 1 HP deep well or convertible jet pump can serve wells up to about 90 feet, and submersible models go deeper still. Always check the specific model's performance chart for your depth.
How long do Sta-Rite well pumps last?
With good water conditions and proper installation, Sta-Rite well pumps typically last 10 to 15 years. Correct sizing, clean water, stable electrical supply, and avoiding short cycling all help your pump reach the upper end of that range.
