An irrigation system is an extremely efficient and effective way of keeping areas green and healthy.  For any irrigation system to work however, you will require a pump in order to move the water.  Here we outline some of the different types of pumps that are available.  For advice about which type of pump is best suited to your situation, have a chat with your local irrigation specialist.

Floating Pumps

A floating pump is a submersible or turbine pump that is attached to a float, and actually hangs beneath it.  The actual float is anchored in a body of water such as a river or a lake.  The pump is joined to the irrigation system itself by a pipe, which takes the water from the river or lake and delivers it to the irrigation system.

Booster Pumps

A booster pump is a pump that is used as part of an irrigation system in order to improve the water pressure running throughout the system.  It does not take up water as its primary purpose but helps to keep the pressure steady on the way to a far reaching sprinkler head or something like that.  This is important as steady water pressures are required for irrigation systems to work properly.

Turbine/Jet Pumps

A turbine pump is essentially defined as a centrifugal pump that is mounted underwater and then connected to a motor above the water by a shaft. Turbine pumps pump water up the pipe that contains the shaft and the water exists underneath the motor.  Turbine pumps are very efficient and excellent for large areas.  A jet pump is very similar to a turbine pump but it is different as it redirects water back down the intake to help lift up water.

Submersible Pumps

A submersible pump is where the entire pump, including the motor, is underwater, and the pump and motor are part of a single unit.  The pump is cylindrical so that it can fit in a well or so that it can be mounted underwater or laid on its side underwater.  They are very efficient as they only need to push water out, not pull water into them as well.

End Suction Centrifugal Pumps

This is the most common type of pump with the pump itself being mounted on the end of the motor (close coupled). The water enters through a special suction inlet and it exits out the top of the pump.  It is a portable pump that requires priming before the first use.  They push water through, not pull it and so they are perfect for where the water level itself is higher than the pump.

Centrifugal Pumps

A centrifugal pump uses an impeller to spin the water rapidly inside a special housing, and the force created by this moves the water throughout the pump.  They can be single or multi stage and they need to be primed before they are first used.

Displacement Pumps

Displacement pumps include piston pumps, rotary pumps, and diaphragm pumps and they move water through using displacement. They are great if you need to move water or thicker fertilisers at high pressures, or if you need a specific flow volume.