Choosing the best cistern pump for your situation isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. Cisterns come in many shapes, sizes, and configurations — and the right pump depends on how you plan to use the water. After years of hands-on field experience with hauled water tanks, spring tanks, brick cisterns, concrete block cisterns, and pre-cast concrete cisterns, we've developed a straightforward framework to help you find the right fit.
1. Irrigation-Only Systems
If your cistern is feeding a non-potable rainwater harvesting system for irrigation only, we recommend a purpose-built pump package rather than a standalone pump. Our Springer Series Traditional Pump Kit pairs our Springer Series Traditional Pump with a pump start relay — and it's by far the most cost-effective way to set up an irrigation-only system.
Here's how it works: the pump start relay communicates directly with your automatic irrigation controller. Every time a zone turns on, the controller sends a signal to the relay, which closes the circuit and starts the pump. When the zone turns off, the pump turns off too. This eliminates the need for a pressure tank or additional pump controls, keeping the system simple and affordable. Give us a call — we're happy to help design the right package for your setup, and it's not as complicated (or expensive) as you might think.
2. Garden Hose or Spigot Use
If you just want to run a hose from your cistern to water a garden, the Springer Series Traditional Pump With Automatic Pump Controller is our top recommendation. It's a true plug-and-play unit — connect it to power, connect it to your plumbing, and you're done. Pair it with 1" poly pipe running to a frost-free yard hydrant and you have a clean, reliable setup with minimal installation effort.
3. Whole-House Water Supply
This is where the decision gets a bit more nuanced. Here's how we recommend thinking through it:
- Best value: The Springer Series Traditional Pump Kit is our best-value whole-house option. It comes with a pressure tank included, so you have everything you need in one package — no hunting down separate components. It's a proven, straightforward setup that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
- Easiest installation: The Springer Series Traditional Pump With Automatic Pump Controller is a great choice for easy installs. Even someone with minimal plumbing experience can have it up and running quickly. The floating intake option draws from the cleanest water near the surface of the cistern rather than the bottom.
- Most adjustability: If you want the ability to fine-tune operating pressure, the Franklin 10GPM Submersible Cistern Pump is the way to go. It installs like a traditional well pump, so contractors familiar with well systems will be comfortable with it. You'll need a pressure tank and tank tee kit to complete the installation, and we also recommend a normally open float switch to protect the pump during low-water events. Or, for a complete ready-to-go solution, check out our Franklin C1 Cistern Pump Kit, which bundles everything you need.
4. Shallow Well & Above-Ground Cistern Systems
If your cistern is above ground, or if you're working with a shallow well situation where the water source is within about 25 feet of the pump, a jet pump may actually be your best option — and it's what we use at our own place. The Franklin 3/4HP VersaJet Pro Shallow Well Jet Pump is a workhorse that's well-suited for these setups. Unlike submersible pumps, a jet pump sits above the water source and uses suction to draw water up — making it easier to access for maintenance and a natural fit when the pump can't (or shouldn't) be submerged.
Jet pumps do require a pressure tank and pump control components to operate, but the tradeoff is a pump that's highly accessible, easy to service, and proven in shallow-well and above-ground cistern applications.
Need Help Choosing?
We've helped hundreds of homeowners and contractors find the best cistern pump for their specific situation — and we're happy to do the same for you. Reach out to us with your setup details and we'll walk you through the options. No pressure (pun intended).
