Evan:

If money is tight then a pool ususally is NOT the best investment!
This statement contradicts so much of what we teach here. It is VERY possible to have a pool on a budget, and maintain it inexpensively. I can easily see why someone can happily have a pool, but cannot justify spending a grand on an SWG.

Our first pool was an inexpensive 15' EasySet on a homemade platform of rocks and sand. We used it HAPPILY for 3 years. The rules for maintaining the cheapest 8' donut pool are THE SAME as for the biggest, fanciest "infinite horizon" pool.

The ONLY item I would agree with you on is if you cannot afford a FAS/DPD service test kit then you cannot afford a pool.

I have REPEATEDLY said that I have NOTHING against SWGs, and HAVE toyed with installing one. But the little bit of time savings I will get is not enough for ME to justify it. I simply present the arguments that made MY decision.

I spend VERY little time actually maintaining my pool because I follow my own advice to stay ahead of my water. I usually spend 2 minutes a day or LESS on my pool. Occasionally I spend 5 minutes (very rarely). I spend 15 minutes once a week running the full set of FAS/DPD tests. I toss my robotic cleaner (Blue Diamond) in once a week to vacuum AND brush the pool. I RARELY put in even an hour per week on pool maintenance.

Yet my water is crystal clear, sanitary, sweet-smelling and soft on the skin all summer.

It is the result of knowledge learned here from others, experience of my own pool, and planning that takes place all year round. It is also always a continuous learning experience.