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Thanks for the detailed feedback so far. I have found that one of the concerns in our area (Texas Gulf Coast, south of Houston) is the source of rock and/or flagstone used around pools. Evidently, the salt water levels when a salt water generator is used have been shown to erode the rock. This problem is not so evident in other areas of the country where the decorative rock is not as porous. To create a "soft water" feel without the use of a SWG, one manufacturer is using "Borax" as an additive. Then they use a ozone generator and the automatic chlorine dispenser. I was told that this combination works so effectively that there is minimal need to ever shock the water. It sounds like this debate is currently quite polarizing to the pool manufacturing community. David

We are starting to plan for a pool. One area in which I have questions is what option is best for cleaning the water. I have done some more research on pool cleaning technology (I know, a little knowledge in the hands of an amateur...). One major manufacturer of pools opts for an Ozone generator to oxidize non-living waste. Then, they combine this with a chlorine release system (chlorine tablets in an automated dispenser). This provides the sanitizing capability. The overall amount of chlorine needed is reduced since the ozone is oxidizing the non-living waste more effectively than chlorine. Also, the ozone works better with spa water since chlorine loses its effectiveness in high temperature applications. In essence, this combination decreases the amount of chlorine required and eliminates dumping bags of salt into the pool. A concern with the chlorine generator approach that I have read is that the NaCl saturation of the pool, even if limited, has an impact on the tile and pool finish. Also, the salt to chlorine process is relatively slow--2-3 days--so a homeowner may overcompensate, adding too much salt in order to get a change, contributing more to the effect on the pool finish. Then, when the excess salt hits the monitoring system, it is interpreted as too high, shutting down the generator, which then leaves more salt in the water--starting a cycle. I can see some sense to the ozone approach. It seems to be overall lower cost of ownership than even the chlorine generator: the UV ozone generator uses low power, has a long source life span, reduces the need for additional chemicals to consistently maintain appropriate pH balance with the salt being added. Question: does this make sense? Is there a consensus in the pool world as to the best set up for a low-maintenance cleaning technique? Chlorine Generator alone? Chlorine Generator with Ozone Generator? Chlorine dispenser with ozone generator? Chlorine dispenser alone? Another question: has anyone else heard about problems of the salt which is added to the pool attacking the tile or pool surface? Thanks for any insights you can provide. David