[Gus Berges]

Originally Posted by greglepore

I have salt system and love it. Costs out probably around the same, as the chlorinators are good for 2-3 seasons and then require replacement. There are $300 alternatives to the $800 Hayward units, and mine seems fine.
The Hayward system is pretty much the industry standard, haven't investigated beyond that.
Although the pool is still chlorinated, it seems "softer" and there's no odor.

This is 100% accurate.... I used to have Pentair chlorinator instead of Hayward, but got tired of spending that much every 2-3 years in replacing the unit, so now I have an in-line chlorine tablet dispenser that works just as well and it's a one time $200 deal. Not much difference (locally) in monthly supply cost (salt vs. chlorine tablets), so the extra expense of replacing the chlorinator was simply not worth it to me, especially taking into account that it's on a home that I rent out.