Quote Originally Posted by ej1989 View Post
We are putting in our first pool (in-ground, vinyl, 34' x 18', 3ft to 7ft depth) with an electric pool heater!
I assume you mean, an electric heat pump? Cause if you mean an electric resistance heater (like a water heater), EITHER you can afford the SWCG (salt system) with NO problem, OR you won't be able to afford to run that heater for even a month.

Even the heat pumps, will cost you $100 per month or more to operate.

Regarding the SWCG -- if you mean "is it worth it" in money saved, then the answer is "No!" It's cheaper to operate pure BBB method, once you consider the cost of the salt, the cost of the electricity, the cost of the new SWCG, and the cost of ongoing maintenance (cell replacement).

But, if you mean, "is it worth it" in convenience, most people who have them seem to think so.