Question
QUESTION: I will be installing a well for mainly a rotor system.  I have 10 zones requiring 6 to 10 gallons per minute.  My question is can I use just the Hunter pump start relay to turn the pump on and run the system, or do I need to install a pressure tank with switch.  Also what brand pump do you recommend.

ANSWER: Thanks for the question.
Yes you can use a Hunter Pump Start relay to operate the pump and forget the pressure tank. You will utilize the pump start circuit of your controller to activate the relay.
When operating with a relay activated pump, you must have a perfectly sealed suction line. No air leaks!!! When the pump is turned on it must be able to draw water immediately or it could loose prime. A self priming pump helps somewhat but doesn't cure a bad suction line. The pressure tank has an advantage since the water in the tank also serves to help maintain the prime of the pump.
Personally, I use Berkeley or Starite pumps. I've used Meyers and a few Flint and Walling. I believe the first three are made by Pentek pumps. My choice is based as much on service and parts as it is on performance. When a pump is down I need to know I can get the parts fast. I would make the choice based on what everyone else is using. Chances are parts are readily available.
If you have further questions please feel free to ask.

Matt

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Regarding the pump, I would like install it as a submersible pump (out of sight).  Can this type of pump provide the PSI I need to run the rotor irrigation heads and provide enough water using the pump start relay?

Answer
There are 2 styles of submersible pumps. One is the type which is used in a sump pit. The other is the type used in a well. The sump pump style does not product enough pressure to operate sprinklers, usually less than 10PSI. The other problem it poses is, it would be difficult to filter the water before the suction. The well type sub pumps produce more than enough pressure however, you must install them inside a pipe. Similar to a well casing. An additional problem is you are installing them horizontally, which is not the way they were designed to operate. This can cause bearing and impeller failure.
In either case the largest problem I have with sub pumps for irrigation is you're putting electric in water. Though they are made to operate this way, a failure could cause a deadly situation. Even if it not a swimming area, your dog getting a drink could be just as bad.
I would stick with the convectional on-shore pump. Have you considered putting it into a partially buried pit? If you can find a place that doesn't get flooded this helps hide the pump.
Good luck.

Matt