txborn,

Are you planning for an automated control system? If not, it is one more thing to consider although somewhat costly. It sounds as though you are going with a SWG but a full controller is only a bit more.

I have the Goldline (now Hayward) Aqualogic unit which controls all of the valves, solar, pumps (including 2 speed), lighting, SWG, pool cleaner, plus anything else you can think of. It is around $1000 last time I checked but I liked the timer and remote feature plus it was only an additional $400 for the SWG. So it might not be much more than you are paying for the SWG.

Given you have a water feature, a full controller would allow you to turn on and off that as well. Plus it gives you the option to put the features on timer. It is nice for the spa since my kids tend to leave the jets and heat on ($$) and I have it on a timer so it automatically shuts off after 1 hour of use. If they are still in it, they can turn it back on with the water proof spa remote. The unit has wireless remotes you can get for the house and spa which are nice.

As for the heater, the larger the better for time to temp so you don't have to wait long.