The N2 helps control algae by an erosion system of, I believe constant small amounts of copper and silver. The idea is that by killing the algae by something other than chlorine, you need less chlorine to take care of the dangerous stuff: Viruses, bacteria and suntan lotion. Oops! Suntan lotion isn't that dangerous chlorine IS used to get rid of it.

But new cartridges are a minimum of $80-$90/season. That would buy you about 23 gallons of 12.5% liquid chlorine (at $17/5 gal jug), which is the equivalent of 47 gallons of 6% bleach. Did your chlorine usage fall by at least 47 gallons of bleach? (I'll make a Wild Assuming Guess that 47 gallons is about equivalent to 40 pounds of Di-chlor powder)

Next, can you get a lovely soft feel to the water with OUT the n2? Certainly. Adding salt to the water helps, as does proper testing, filtering and dosing.

Carl