For several years, we carried the Grundfos SBA 3-45-AW automatic cistern pump. Grundfos is known for making quality, innovative products, and we were drawn to the SBA's easy installation and pressure-tank-free design. However, after experiencing an unacceptable rate of failures — including as many as 30% of units arriving defective right out of the box — and receiving little to no communication from Grundfos about the cause or remedy, we made the decision to discontinue carrying that product entirely.
We understand that manufacturing mistakes happen. But when a supplier leaves us and our customers in the dark, we have to act. Our threshold is simple: if a product exceeds a 3% failure rate within warranty periods, we drop it. The Grundfos SBA far exceeded that threshold.
Automatic cistern pumps still have an important place in residential water systems. We receive thousands of requests each year from homeowners building cabins, working with limited utility space, or using rain cisterns and spring tanks for irrigation — situations where a traditional pressure tank setup just isn't practical. Automatic pumps eliminate the need for large pressure tanks and pump start relays, making them ideal for these applications.
That's why we now recommend the Springer Series submersible pump paired with the Springer Series Pump Controller for customers who need a reliable, automatic cistern pumping solution. This combination delivers the convenience of a pressure-tank-free system with the reliability and support we expect from our product partners. The Springer Series Pump Controller provides built-in run-dry protection and smooth pressure management, making it an excellent match for residential water supply to a house, barn, or similar structure.
As always, we recommend sizing your pump to your actual flow and pressure requirements. If you're running irrigation systems with flow rates over 15 GPM at 50 PSI, or pumping uphill more than 80 ft., make sure to select the appropriate Springer Series model for your application. A small pressure tank installed in your plumbing supply — either in the cistern or where the supply line enters the structure — is still a good practice to extend pump life and reduce cycling.
If you have questions about which Springer Series pump and controller configuration is right for your setup, contact us — we're happy to help you find the right fit.
