I have been thrilled with my autopilot SC-60, now on it's 4th season (new Aug 2007). It maintains the FC at 3-5ppm with ease, running 50-60% 10 hr per day for my 30000gal in ground pool. I just checked the amp-hrs and they were 13000, so I expect 50K or another 3-4years before replacing the cell. Have had no repair issues and I would buy this model again. I do bring the control unit and the cell tree in doors when I winterize the pool, so I eliminate winter exposure.
I especially like the cell tree that comes with the unit, so that it automatically controls water flow thru the cell via a bypass line and has its own strainer as well as water flow detector/temperature detector, and salt detector. I dislike the auto temperature control of the cell's setting, since when I run my heater, the cell's setting increases above what I need and does not quickly return to the original setting when the heater cycles off. In concept, the auto temp control would maintain the pool's FC better over the season, but since the cell must be on the heater discharge it creates the cell setting isssue. (there is no setting to temporarily turn off the temperature compensation). Here in PA, a heater is needed for MAy and Sept