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The short answer on shallow well vs deep well solar pump: pick a shallow well jet pump when your water sits within 25 feet of the surface, and pick a deep well submersible when the water is deeper than that. We compared three listings on what each states: power, flow, head, voltage, materials and warranty. The Red Lion leads the shallow side with a stated 1-year warranty and a CSA listing; the ZYIY is the only deep well solar option in the group.
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Shallow well vs deep well solar pump: side by side
| Shallow Well vs Deep Well | Red Lion 1HP Shallow Well | Acquaer 1HP Shallow Well | ZYIY 12V Deep Well Solar Pump | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side | Shallow well | Shallow well | Deep well solar | |
| Power | 1 HP | 1 HP | 12 V 200 W DC | |
| Flow | 23 GPM | 660 GPH at 5 ft | 10 GPM | |
| Max head | 150 ft | 147 ft | 131 ft | |
| Well depth | 25 ft | 25 ft | Not stated | |
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 115/230 V | 12 V DC | |
| Casing | Cast iron | Cast iron | Stainless steel | |
| Warranty | 1 year | Not stated | Not stated | |
| Certifications | CSA | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 22 October 2026.
Flow and head
The Red Lion example states 23 GPM with a maximum head of 150 feet, for wells down to 25 feet. The Acquaer example states 660 GPH at 5 feet with a maximum head of 147 feet, for wells up to 25 feet deep. The ZYIY example states a maximum flow of 10 GPM with a maximum head of 131 feet on a deep well submersible. Both shallow well listings name 25 feet as the well limit; the ZYIY gives no well depth figure, only the submersible form.
Power and voltage
The Red Lion example states a 1 HP heavy-duty motor on 115 or 230 volts, with a capacitor for starting power. Its spec table gives 1/2 HP against the 1 HP title and 11.8 amps at 115 volts against the title figure of 17.6 amps; trust the title. The Acquaer example states a 1 HP dual voltage motor on 115V/230V, factory set for 230V. The ZYIY example states 12V and 200W DC solar power with a 23 ft cable, and lists solar power and corded electric as its power source.
Build, materials and protections
The Red Lion example states a rugged cast iron casing and volute with a glass-filled thermoplastic impeller and diffuser, and lists 41 pounds. The Acquaer example states a durable cast iron volute with overheat protection: when the water inside the pump runs out, the pump shuts off automatically to protect the motor. The ZYIY example states a stainless steel body in a 3 inch bore with a copper motor wire, a screw pump and rubber materials, and notes that use with no water is prohibited.
What the listings leave unclear
The Red Lion spec table gives 1/2 HP and 11.8 amps at 115 volts against the 1 HP and 17.6 amp title figures; trust the title. The Acquaer spec table gives both 147ft and 180 feet for maximum lifting height, so compare on the 147ft figure. The Acquaer pressure switch is given as 20 PSI start and 40 PSI stop in the bullets against 20-35psi in the spec table; trust the bullets. The ZYIY states no warranty term and no well depth figure.
Three examples
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Red Lion 1HP Shallow Well | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  Acquaer 1HP Shallow Well | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  ZYIY 12V Deep Well Solar Pump | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Red Lion 1HP Shallow Well
A 1 HP cast iron shallow well jet pump with 23 GPM, 150 ft max head, CSA listing and a stated 1-year warranty.
Pros
- 23 GPM with a 150 ft max head stated
- CSA listed in the USA and Canada stated
- 1-year manufacturer warranty stated
- 30/50 pressure switch with pressure gauge stated
Cons
- Spec table gives 1/2 HP and 11.8 A against the 1 HP title; trust the title
- 41 pounds is the heaviest listed here
- Dual 115/230 volts must be selected to match the power source
- Large homes only; no submersible use stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a Red Lion Premium cast iron shallow well jet pump with a 1 HP heavy-duty motor, up to 23 gallons per minute, for wells down to 25 feet, with a 1-1/4 inch FNPT suction intake and 1 inch FNPT outlet discharge. It lists a capacitor for increased starting power, a factory pre-set 30/50 pressure switch with a working maximum pressure of 50 PSI, a pressure gauge, a maximum pressure of 65 PSI, a maximum head of 150 feet, and a CSA listing in the USA and Canada. The spec table gives 1/2 HP and 11.8 amps at 115 volts against the 1 HP and 17.6 amp title figures; trust the title. The manufacturer warranty description gives a 1-year warranty.
Who it's for: buyers who want the most complete stated package on a shallow well jet pump. Who should skip it: buyers with water deeper than 25 feet.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 22/25, value 20/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 2/5: 82 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 1 HP |
|---|---|
| Flow | 23 GPM |
| Max head | 150 ft |
| Well depth | 25 ft |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. CSA listed in USA and Canada stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 1-year warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Acquaer 1HP Shallow Well
A 1 HP cast iron shallow well jet pump for wells up to 25 ft, with an automatic pressure switch and stated overheat protection.
Pros
- 1 HP dual voltage 115V/230V stated
- Automatic pressure switch with pressure gauge stated
- Overheat protection with automatic shutoff stated
- Cast iron volute stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Spec table gives 147ft and 180 feet for max lifting height
- Bullets say 20 and 40 PSI against 20-35psi in the spec table; trust the bullets
- No certifications stated
Detailed Review
The listing states an Acquaer shallow well jet pump with a 1 HP electric motor for wells up to 25 feet deep, dual 115V/230V with the factory set at 230V, and a cast iron volute. It lists an automatic pressure switch that starts the pump when pressure is lower than 20 PSI and shuts off when over 40 PSI, a pressure gauge on the casing, and overheat protection that shuts the pump off automatically when the water inside runs out. The spec table gives 660 GPH at 5ft, 147ft and 180 feet for maximum lifting height, and 20-35psi for the pressure switch; trust the 147ft and the bullets. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: buyers who want stated overheat protection on a shallow well jet pump. Who should skip it: buyers who want a stated warranty or certifications.
Its Solar Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 27/35, build 20/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 68 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 1 HP |
|---|---|
| Flow | 660 GPH at 5 ft |
| Max head | 147 ft |
| Well depth | 25 ft |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No safety listing, protection or rating is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
ZYIY 12V Deep Well Solar Pump
A 12V 200W DC solar deep well submersible pump in stainless steel with a 131 ft max head and 10 GPM.
Pros
- 12V 200W DC solar power stated
- 131 ft max head with 10 GPM stated
- Stainless steel body with copper motor wire stated
- Brushless screw pump, 3 inch bore stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No certifications stated
- No well depth figure is stated
- Use with no water is prohibited
Detailed Review
The listing states a ZYIY deep well submersible pump on 12V and 200W DC solar power with a stainless steel body in a 3 inch bore, a copper motor wire, an oil motor and a screw pump in stainless steel and rubber. It lists a maximum head of 131 feet, a maximum flow of 10 GPM and 38L per minute, a 1 inch outlet, and a 23 ft cable. The power source is given as solar power and corded electric. The listing notes that use with no water is prohibited. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: buyers whose water is deeper than a jet pump can pull. Who should skip it: buyers who need stated certifications or a warranty.
Its Solar Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 26/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 68 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Power | 12 V, 200 W DC |
|---|---|
| Flow | 10 GPM |
| Max head | 131 ft |
| Body | Stainless steel, 3 in bore |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No safety listing, protection or rating is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For well pumps, safety means a stated listing like CSA, overheat protection or a pressure gauge; the Red Lion states a CSA listing and a pressure gauge, the Acquaer states overheat protection and a pressure gauge, and the ZYIY names none. Only the Red Lion states a warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Lion 1HP Shallow Well | 9.7 | 30 | 22 | 20 | 8 | 2 |
| Acquaer 1HP Shallow Well | 9.4 | 27 | 20 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| ZYIY 12V Deep Well Solar Pump | 9.4 | 26 | 21 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
Shallow well vs deep well solar pump: which should you choose?
Choose a shallow well jet pump when your water is within 25 feet: both the Red Lion and the Acquaer state that limit. The Red Lion suits buyers who want a stated 1-year warranty, a pressure gauge and a CSA listing. The Acquaer suits buyers who want stated overheat protection with an automatic pressure switch. Choose the ZYIY deep well solar pump when your water is deeper than a jet pump can pull: it is a 12V DC submersible for home, farm and irrigation use. Check that 12 volts fits your solar or battery setup before ordering.
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| Water within 25 feet | Red Lion 1HP Shallow Well, 23 GPM |
| A stated 1-year warranty | Red Lion 1HP Shallow Well, 1 year |
| Stated overheat protection | Acquaer 1HP Shallow Well |
| A 12V DC solar submersible | ZYIY 12V Deep Well Solar Pump |
Sizing Notes
- Match well depth first: both shallow well examples state 25 feet; the ZYIY states no depth figure.
- Compare flow on the listing’s own terms: 23 GPM on the Red Lion, 660 GPH at 5 feet on the Acquaer, and 10 GPM on the ZYIY.
- Check voltage against your supply: 115 or 230 volts on the jet pumps, and 12V DC on the ZYIY.
- Note the protections each listing states: CSA and a pressure gauge on the Red Lion, overheat protection on the Acquaer, and none on the ZYIY.
- Confirm the discharge size: 1 inch FNPT on the Red Lion and a 1 inch outlet on the ZYIY.
FAQ: power away from the grid
How deep can a shallow well jet pump pull from?
Both shallow well listings here state 25 feet. The Red Lion is for wells down to 25 feet and the Acquaer for wells up to 25 feet deep.
Which listing here states a warranty?
Only the Red Lion, with a 1-year warranty in the manufacturer warranty description. The other two state no warranty term.
What power does the ZYIY deep well pump use?
12V DC and 200W. The listing names solar power and corded electric as its power source, with a 23 ft cable.
Which pump states overheat protection?
The Acquaer. When the water inside the pump runs out, it shuts off automatically to protect the motor.
Why does the Red Lion spec table say 1/2 HP?
Its title and bullets state 1 HP with 17.6 amps at 115 volts; the spec table gives 1/2 HP and 11.8 amps. Trust the title.
Related solar guides
See every Solar Fans and Pumps guide and all Solar Lights, Cameras and Fans guides. For the power side, see the best power inverter for well pump. Also see our best solar small pond aerator under 35. Also see our best solar water pump for shallow well.
