This is a new SWG (just replaced about two weeks ago) so I'm still feeling my way through it. It's wired into the box so when the pump goes off, the SWG goes off too. (I'm probably not quite explaining that in the proper terms.)
That's not really necessary though as this SWG control box has it's own internal timers (two of them actually) and the directions (or something I read somewhere) said to set it to come on 15 mins after the pump turns on and then turn off 15 mins before the pump shuts off. (Which I've done.)
This is my 3rd SWG in 7 years - the first one didn't even last through the first season and the pool builder replaced it with a different brand at the beginning of season 2 . That brand (and I never liked it as well as the first) had a dial so you never really knew where it was set. It worked, but I wish I had got snarky when he put it in and insisted on something better.
I know from past experience that it's never truly a 'set it and forget it' type of thing and it's always a series of adjustments. (Weather conditions, use, etc.)
I just mostly want to be sure that I'm doing everything in my power to get the most life expectancy out of this SWG. The last one lasted six years (I guess I should have a kinder view of it - LOL) and I want to be sure to get that kind of life out of this one.
I've read (and my own personal experience confirms this) that pH rise is quite common with SWGs. It's never been so bad for me and at most, I've probably only used a couple of gallons of muratic acid over a season. Since my fill water is so high in TA, I know I'm always going to fight it. (I look at the bright side of this: At least I don't have to worry that my water is so corrosive and eating my pipes/heater/etc, right?!)