advice for automation.....Goldline, jandy or other

I've been doing reasearch on the aqualogic ps-8 control system. It seems good......but kinda $$. Online prices are around 1200.00 for control box, salt cell, and wired indoor unit. I also downloaded the install and owner's manual. Pretty intense, but seems do-able.
Any advice on other systems and their ease of use?
Last time I had a intermatic box with two manual timers.
flawless....but i think we want automation and inside controls this time.
Thanks for the input