ᐅ Buying Guide for a Cistern Pump

Hello everyone,

I want to install an irrigation system in the garden with 4 separate watering zones, as well as a constant-pressure connection. We already purchased a retention cistern with the plot and would like to use it for this purpose. Now the question is which pump to use.

Key data:
- 4 watering zones (none of them should run in parallel)
- Constant-pressure connection with three water outlets (water taps)
- Garden area about 400m² (4300 sq ft)
- Longest distance to a sprinkler (around the house) about 50m (165 ft)

Budget:
I think anything up to around €600 would be acceptable

Any ideas?

Regards
Thomas

Hi Thomas,

For your project, a multi-stage garden pump or a domestic water system with a pressure switch is the most practical solution—especially since you want a constant pressure connection. Make sure the pump can deliver at least 4–5 bar (58–73 psi) of pressure to reliably operate even the furthest sprinkler, and a flow rate of about 3,000–5,000 liters per hour (l/h) (800–1,320 gallons per hour), depending on how many sprinklers you run per zone. Brands like Gardena, T.I.P., or Metabo offer reliable models within your budget.

Important: If you want to operate three outlets simultaneously (even if the zones run one after the other), the pump should not be undersized—better to have some reserve capacity. Also, keep in mind that dry-run protection and a check valve are essential, especially when using a cistern.

Best regards,
Chris

Is it possible to install such a water system outside the house? Equipment cabinet?