Golf Course Irrigation Pump Systems

Complete, engineered pump stations for dependable irrigation pressure

PLAD provides engineered golf course irrigation pump systems that bring pumps, variable-speed control, valves, pressure protection, monitoring and fabricated structural components together in a coordinated, prefabricated package. The Varimax platform is specifically identified for golf, irrigation, agriculture and municipal applications, with custom configurations engineered for each project.+1

Whether the project involves a new course, an irrigation-system expansion or replacement of an aging golf course pump station, PLAD can configure the system around the required water source, flow, pressure, site conditions and control strategy.

Built for Changing Irrigation Demand

Golf course irrigation demand changes throughout the watering cycle. A small number of sprinklers may operate during hand watering or targeted irrigation, while multiple greens, tees and fairway zones may run during peak nighttime schedules. Industry guidance describes the central purpose of a golf irrigation pump station as maintaining the required pressure across a variable flow range.gcsaaconference+1

A properly designed system responds automatically:

1. A pressure drop or irrigation command initiates operation.
2. Variable frequency drives adjust pump speed as flow and pressure demand changes.
3. Additional pumps can be staged when more irrigation zones come online.
4. Pumps can be reduced or stopped as demand falls.
5. Pressure feedback helps the control system maintain the required discharge condition.

VFDs are especially applicable where flow or pressure varies across one or more pumps, allowing motor speed to respond smoothly to system demand. Pump selection must also account for the water source, required flow, elevation, friction losses and total dynamic head.usu+1

The following conceptual diagram illustrates how these components work together in a complete station.

PLAD Varimax Prefabricated Irrigation Pump Systems

The PLAD Varimax is a custom-designed, prefabricated irrigation water booster system built around the requirements of the course and its irrigation network. Published configurations are rated for flows up to 4,000 GPM and pressures up to 200 PSI, with as many as four pumps operating in parallel within defined pump groups. Final performance depends on the selected pumps and project duty points.+1

Available system capabilities include:

• Custom design for the required irrigation duty
• Prefabricated pump-system construction
• Variflo control panel
• American-Marsh Pumps
• Fabricated steel discharge heads
• Standardized VFD check valves
• Reinforced fabricated steel base with integral sole plate
• Pressure-relief valve assembly
• Polyurethane baked coating on steel components
• Built-in filtration-control algorithms
• Remote SMS alarm functionality
• Secured VPN communication options

These components create a unified golf course irrigation pump station rather than a collection of separately selected pumps and controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a golf course irrigation pump station?

A golf course irrigation pump station supplies the flow and pressure needed to move water from a pond, reservoir, well or pressurized supply into the course’s mainline and sprinkler network. Its controls regulate pump operation as irrigation zones start and stop.