I have been using Baquacil for seven years now and have had no major problems. I drained the pool 3/4's of the way four years ago due to an increase in the solids level and no other reason (grossly due to the former owners inability to add enough chemical and the proper strengths.) I am sure with any type of system, water changes are a necessary step in the regimen. Baquacil is not difficult to use and maintain. But as with any chemical, you cannot rely on just the chemicals to do all the work. You must sweep the walls and the floor faithfully, especially at start up. I also use a Dolphin to assist in cleaning the pool and it is a real labor saver. Baquacil is not cheap but I never cared for chlorine in my friends pools.