You do not need 3 phase to run a 3 phase pump, in fact, for over a decade we only use 3 phase pumps with Variable Frequency Drives and have single phase power.
We have the same VFD on one pump for 12 years now that runs 6 month a year. The VFDs are very expensive but WELL worth it after the years go by especially if you want to control GPM/Pressure/ Thrust Modes/Feedback responses. They are ridiculously easy to program/wire/maintain and you can find used (rebuilt ones) frequently as people swap them out instead of repairing.
We primarily run Yaskawa VFDs just because of their reliability, in one application we pump 100 GPM over 2 miles with 170' of head to over 100 irrigation zones out of a pond.
Our old Safetronics P7 has been pumping up 200' of head with a 1 HP pump across 2 miles for 12 years now without a hitch and runs off a float sensor
