Look at the performance curve of your pump. I know, I know—curves are scary. But this graph tells you if the pump will actually work at your flow and pressure.
Ignore the curve, and you might buy a pump that hums but does nothing. Or one that overheats and shuts down every four minutes.
If the curve looks like a ski slope, fine. If it looks like a flat line, run away.
Still with me? Good. Now, go talk to a pump supplier. Tell them: “I need a pump for water that’s [clean/sludgy/acidic], moving [X] gallons per minute, up [Y] feet of head, with [Z] power supply.”
They’ll nod, look wise, and probably sell you something that works. If they try to sell you a gold-plated one, just laugh and walk away.
You’ve got this. Now go pump something.
