Salt Generator + Automation?

[PoolDoc]

Fair enough.

My experience was heavy on the chemical side, which never worked as advertised. (It took me 10 years to design a bleach feed system that behaved predictably and was reliable with minimal maintenance. And there's still nothing like it on the market. Just saw a brand new feed system on a 140,000 gallon country club pool, and it was a MESS from the factory.)

My experiences with valve and light automation -- what Waterbear has -- was always in the "fix what someone else broke" category. I didn't do new construction, so I only saw these systems when they had failed. That certainly has colored my view.

But if the conveniences Waterbear describes are important to you, and you get good equipment installed by someone who knows what he's doing, then go for it!

Me? I don't even like spas, no matter what color the lights are!

[qwerty3656]

I don't have a spa or lights or any valves that need to be controlled. I have been burned by technology and want to keep things simple. When I built my pool I installed an ozinator and an Ionizer. Both lasted about 2 seasons and then there was no support when they started having problems. Also, as I said in the beginning I am replacing my heater. The old heater's "mechanics" are fine, it is the circuit board that is flaking out. In that vain, should I even pass on the SWG. I'm worried it will work for about 2-seasons and then I will be stuck with some unknown computer chip problem.

[PoolDoc]

By chance, are you in a rural area, or at the end of a power line -- and have problems with lightning and / or voltage spikes?

The electronically controlled heaters I've been around have been very reliable and trouble-free, compared to millivolt heaters. But 'dirty' power could really change that.

[waterbear]

Ditto for today's SWCGs and automation systems.