Quote Originally Posted by CarlD View Post
Evan,
I'm not surprised you have had fewer problems with SWG pools. But remember, people who have found their way to PoolForum learn how to avoid those problems through education. Since I began as a newbie here, I've had two water problems in 8 years, both quickly solved--and not repeated.

It's a toss-up--do you educate yourself or toss out $$$ to compensate? I agree: An SWG is about the best and smartest way to spend money compensating for lack of knowledge.
I have to disagree with this. Lack of knowledge and a SWG is a recipe for water disaster. The thing just won't work properly and when that happensmost people will, after a short time, get it right (or finally sit down and read the manual!). SWG's are pretty unforgiving in that area! A SWG does NOT replace the need to properly learn how to care for your pool. If anything, my customers with SWG's know more about pool care then the ones without because they have to learn about CYA, why TDS is a bogus measurement, proper calcium balance, etc. from the beginning or their salt system will just not work properly! Someone with a salt system could probably be switched to liquid chlorine and 'get it' much easier than someone who is used to putting trichlor in a feeder!
You know MY opinion on tri-chlor--it's best if used on new hard-surfaced pools while they cure. Otherwise it's usually wise to avoid using it.

If $$ is tight, education is the BEST way to compensate--that's generally speaking.
If money is tight then a pool ususally is NOT the best investment!