JPC,
It's how the BBB system works: You spend a little time every day or two checking your water and catching changes before they become problems. 2-5 minutes a day should be all it takes, then a full suite of tests once a week, and (hopefully) vacuuming and brushing no more than once a week.

Because we are away a lot, I put in an SWCG system and that requires a salt level of 3000ppm. But that was only the last 2 seasons. The 13 before that (3 with an Intex) were mostly as above. I've rarely had a problem.

If you haven't spent time on learning how our BBB system works, wend your way over to Poolsolutions.com and have fun reading (it's our sister site). Much has changed, but the basics haven't. While BBB is short for "Bleach, Borax and Baking Soda" I haven't bothered adding baking soda in a couple of years, and usually use Borax and/or Muriatic Acid just a few times a season.

My sig here used to say "Stay ahead of your water!" Because that's the key. If you know what's going on in you pool before you have a problem, you won't have a problem!