Franklin Electric Shallow Well Jet Pumps

A shallow well pump that sits above ground and pulls water up by suction is a jet pump, and the Franklin Electric shallow well jet pump comes in three versions. Each one sits in a basement or well house and draws from a well, cistern, or lake within 25 feet. The right one comes down to your water, your lift, and how much control you want over flow and pressure.

All three keep the motor, impeller, and controls above ground. You can service them without pulling pipe out of the well.

VersaJet, VersaJet Pro, or SWJ?

Pick a shallow well jet pump when the water level stays within 25 feet of the pump, even while it runs. Choose the VersaJet for the widest range of sizes, the VersaJet Pro if you want to switch between high flow and high pressure without opening the case, and the SWJ Series if you want a thermoplastic body that will not rust.

Three Series Built Around a 25-Foot Lift

VersaJet Cast Iron Jet Pump

The VersaJet covers the most sizes in the line and is the only one offered in 1.5 HP. Its impeller has a stainless steel insert, and the diffuser, nozzle, and venturi are molded from Modified PPO. A floating stainless steel eye seal helps the pump hold its performance as it wears.

VersaJet Pro With Quick-Change Nozzles

The VersaJet Pro ships with three nozzles: Standard, High Flow, and High Pressure. You swap them with an Allen wrench without removing the plumbing or opening the case. That makes it a smart pick when you are not sure yet whether you need more volume for irrigation or more pressure for showers.

SWJ Series Non-Corrosive Jet Pump

The SWJ uses thermoplastic construction instead of cast iron, so it will not rust. It also has a self-cleaning, anti-clogging injector screen and a built-in drain plug for easy winterizing. Choose it for low pH water, coastal installs, or damp pump houses.

Franklin Electric Shallow Well Jet Pump Specs Side by Side

Every model below is NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 certified for drinking water and handles water up to 120°F. Each one has a 1-1/4 inch inlet, a 1 inch outlet, and a 75 psi maximum working pressure.

Water Deeper Than 25 Feet, or Pumping From a Pond?

Suction has a hard limit. If your water sits deeper than 25 feet, look at the Franklin convertible well pumps instead, since they add an injector to reach deeper water.

A jet pump is also the wrong tool for moving large volumes from a pond or ditch into an irrigation system. For that job, compare the self-priming irrigation pumps , which handle higher flow and some debris.

Still deciding between jet pump types? The full jet pump lineup explains how shallow well and convertible designs differ.

Four Checks Before You Order

Gather these four answers before you request a quote. They are what we use to size the pump.

1. Measure the lift. Find the vertical distance from the pump to the water level while the well is being pumped, not while it rests. If that number is over 25 feet, a shallow well model will not work.
2. List your water demand. Count the bathrooms, the sprinkler zones, and any stock tanks the pump will serve at the same time. More demand points you to a larger HP.
3. Check your water. The SWJ is built for clean water. If your water is salty or unusually acidic, send us a water test before you order.
4. Confirm power and storage. All three series run on 115 or 230 volts. Plan a pressure tank so the pump does not start and stop with every faucet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a shallow well pump and a jet pump?

A shallow well pump and a jet pump are often the same machine. A jet pump uses an impeller plus a nozzle and venturi to create suction, and the shallow well version does all of that inside the pump body above ground. That design limits it to about 25 feet of lift. A deep well jet pump adds an injector, and a submersible pump sits down in the well instead. So every Franklin shallow well pump here is a jet pump, but not every jet pump is built for shallow wells.

What is the best jet pump for shallow wells?

The best jet pump for shallow wells depends on your water and how much control you want. The Franklin VersaJet covers the most sizes, from 1/2 HP up to 1.5 HP, in a cast iron case. The VersaJet Pro adds Quick-Change nozzles so you can shift between flow and pressure later. The SWJ Series has a thermoplastic body that will not rust. All three lift from 25 feet and carry NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 certification for drinking water.

Which is better for a shallow well, a 1/2 hp or 3/4 hp pump?

A 3/4 HP pump is better for a shallow well that serves a full-time home, more than one bathroom, or a lawn sprinkler. A 1/2 HP pump is often enough for a cabin, a small home, or a single garden hose. The right choice also depends on your lift, because the pump moves less water as the water level drops. If your needs sit near the line, the larger size gives you headroom. Send us your lift and fixture count and we will match the size.

Do I need a 30/50 or 40-60 pressure switch?

A 30/50 pressure switch comes installed on every Franklin shallow well jet pump, and it suits homes that do not need extra pressure at the tap. It turns the pump on at 30 psi and off at 50 psi. A 40/60 switch gives stronger pressure at the tap, but the pump must reach 60 psi at your lift, and it works harder to get there. If you change the switch, reset the pressure tank air charge to match, following the tank maker's directions.

How do I prime my shallow well jet pump?

To prime a shallow well jet pump, turn off the power and remove the priming plug on top of the pump case. Fill the pump and suction pipe with clean water until it overflows, then reinstall the plug. Turn the power on and open a faucet. If water does not flow after a few minutes, shut the pump off, refill it, and check the suction line for air leaks, since even a small leak can stop a jet pump from priming.

Ready to order? Send us the model number of your current pump, or your well depth and water needs, and we will quote the right Franklin shallow well pump.