[gabbyman]

I have a Gould 3/4 hp submersible well pump and I've been making adjustments to the Square D Pumptrol switch so that it works efficiently with an irrigation system. I have to keep the low end pressure set to 40 psi so that the irrigation "bell" doesn't release and drain the well at about 30 psi. I currently have the high end psi set to about 65. This seems to work okay provided that I time zone watering properly so that the well has time to recover and refill. Is there any merit in setting the high end above 65 psi or do I run the risk of over stressing the pump? Thanks!

[jlisenbe]

I have always heard that 60# is a general rule of thumb for a top setting. However, you also have to factor in the well depth. Each foot amounts to about 0.4# of head pressure. So, to run a 250' pump at 65 versus an 80' pump at 65... big difference. If your well is relatively shallow, then a few extra pounds might not be such a big deal. You would also want to factor in how frequently the pump has to cycle. The larger the pressure tank, the better off you are in that regard. It's that first few seconds of cutting on that ages a pump the most.