I've read all the answers from this post and my other post " max pressure create by my pump "
The one answer that makes the most sense is to me is " two minutes is a nice number, but 50 seconds is not terrible"
that answer would fall in line with the manufacturer statement of 1 to 2 minutes run time is ok.
Irrigation: In my case I can control the irrigation cycling by running more sprinklers or drip lines at a time. Some lines i can make run 10mins and others run forever at 45pds. By the way what is a good off time while the tank is draining before the pump cycles on again? I have a flow inducer on the pump so i would think that would help with heat build up.
Household water: This is where the pump ( may cycle more. ) I live in a two person household where most water is kept to a minimum in my opinion. Showers are not extra long, And having rural property i have my favorite tree to use during the day.( if you get my drift) I have no leaks in the household or in the irrigation system. So if the pump cycles a few more times during household use, the run time would be with in the manufacturers recommendation. I also have a large pressure tank where the pump would not cycle every time the toilet flushes or i wash my hands. my understanding is with the csv i would get a cycle every time i use a gallon
I think for now a csv would not be needed. I like having the large tank especially during power outages where i have a buffer even if its not the full 20gals in the tank. I like not worrying about the back pressure on the drop pipe in case something goes south.
Let me state that for alot of years I never gave cycling a second though, until last year when the static dropped 50ft. and my pump would not get pass 30psi. the pump after 22yrs. was trying its best. had a new deeper well drilled and new pump placed at 240'. So ever since then myself and others have been sensitive to all things water. This being the third year of drought in this part of northern calif. water is still on everyone's mind
What makes "the most sense to you" is not what is best for the pump, which is the title of this thread. What is best for the pump is to run 24/7/365. I have a pump that hasn't turned off since the year 2000 when I put it in. Motor manufacturers state one minute run time is mandatory, two minutes is better, and running continuously 24/7/365 is best for the pump. The same goes for off time. One minute off is barely enough for the motor to cool down. Two minutes is better, and never shutting off is best.
Something is much more "likely to go south" without the back pressure from a CSV. We have already figured your pump will only do 190 PSI max, which is only 160 PSI at the surface and well within the parameters of the pipe. Back pressure is good for the motor as it makes it draw lower amps, run cooler, and is what reduces the pump flow so it doesn't cycle on/off.
Most people don't give cycling a second thought until they realize that is why they have been having to purchase new pumps so often, or they just get tired of the pressure going up and down all the time. Most people don't know to adjust there sprinkler system so it keeps the pump running constantly. Many just have hose irrigation that makes it impossible to run enough water to keep the pump from cycling on and off. Cycle Stop Valves are just as good for these people as they are for those who just want to run their irrigation anyway they want and not have to worry about cycling.
You already have the big tank. If you are lucky enough to have a gallon or two in there when the power goes off I am happy for you. But that is not usually the case. Adding a CSV to your existing tank would keep the pump from cycling when using any more than the 20 gallons in the tank. The 20 gallons in the tank will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling not having to worry about the pump cycling for toilet flushes.
THE COMBINATION OF THE BIG TANK AND A CYCLE STOP VALVE WOULD ABSOLUTELY BE THE BEST THING FOR THE PUMP!
But like thousands of other CSV customers in the last 30 years, you will soon see the big tank is not only a waste of space and money, but is hindering you from getting that strong constant pressure you will come to notice and love every time the CSV is working.
If you haven't tried a Cycle Stop Valve you will never know what you are missing. If you try a Cycle Stop Valve and don't like the strong constant pressure and the greatly reduced cycling, you can send it back for a full refund. I have never got one back in 30 years. You can be the first.
Manufacturers will tell you 1 to 2 minutes is fine because they like to sell you a replacement pump in the not too distant future. They will also tell you a little 2.2 gallon tank is all you need, and their variable speed pump systems are efficient. I don't know why people let the fox guard the hen house? I give them an easy and 30 year proven way to make pumps last longer, have stronger pressure, save money on tanks, and they still listen to the fox instead.