New here...Considering salt water systems or auto chlorinators

[Poolsean]

With a Salt Chlorine Generator, you should normally get 3-5 years on a pool that's opened 12 months of the year. For seasonal pools, you can just about double that time frame.
Although a salt system is "only" making chlorine on site, it is a great time savings and convenience item. The method in which it makes chlorine also controls Chloramines, which is more noticable with indoor pool environments. You will still need to test your water chemistry to ensure you're maintaining proper levels and balanced water (according to the saturation index).

[jeremyp]

Thanks for the replies...I've been doing a ton of reading and there's so much information it almost overload! I've had pools all my life since I was about 6 years old and I THOUGHT I knew how to treat the water to keep it clear. I think I'm leaning towards a SWCG system, but maybe not this year. I'm going to keep investigating them during the year and make a decision during the winter months and install it in the early spring for startup. Unless that's not a good time to do so. Any feedback on when making the change to a SWCG is best?

[PoolDoc]

We don't usually recommend using SWCG's for startup. They are at their worst (the water may be cold) and it's hard on them. Plus, your pool will usually be at ITS worst, and need larger quantities of chlorine than an SWCG can produce.

They do better AFTER you've got your pool started, and the water in good shape.

[jeremyp]

Thanks PoolDoc. That's good to know. I'll most likely add it this year after I get things straightened out. I'm dealing with a cloudy water issue right now that I can't seem to solve, but I'll post another thread for help with that.