I look at my pool as more of a hobby, or luxury, rather than an investment. I did not buy my EasyTouch System because it made financial sense, but then again none of my other hobbies ever did either.
I do not "need" an EasyTouch, but would buy another one today if this one broke. Here a some of the things that make it worthwhile to me..
1. Serves as my poolside Circuit Breaker panel.
2. Takes the place of timers and timer boxes
3. Make it possible to control my Pentair SWCG in finer increments.
4. Allows me to have external control over my Pentair VS pump.
5. Allows me to have an externally controlled pool light
6. Provides me with a GFI duplex output.
7. Provides freeze control
8. Provides automated valve control
9. Lets we have the ability to control landscape lighting
10. Lets me access and controls functions from my PC
11. Lets me push a button to add water to my pool.
12. Provides a clean looking installation.
I've been to several pools in the local area where the owners did not have automation. The owners were happy and the pools worked fine. The one thing I did notice is that almost all of them had a hodgepodge of circuit breaker panels, timer, and outlets that appeared to have been added over the years. Something that I did not want to see at my pool.
ROI = None. Pleasure Rating = 10 out of 10.
Jim R.