I have one of these Chlorine Geni units, bought used off craigslist. Best investment for my pool I have ever made. The unit takes tap water, runs it through a reverse osmosis filter to elimnate water minerals, then trickles it into the brine tank. With a timer, it sends the filtered water into a cell where the electrodes zap the salt water. One tube plumbed directly to the pool is where pure liquid chlorine is introduced, and although corrosive, the installation instructions are quite specific to be safe. The amount of chlorine needed is adjusted by how long you allow the timer to trickle the chlorine into your pool. Too little = add time, too much = cut back time. Another tube drains away the remaining solution, and a vent on the unit eliminates any residual gas. The unit has a method to clean the electrodes, thus no constant replacement of cells. The unit is supposed to have a life span of 15 to 20 years! We have had the unit working for over a year, and do not have any of the problems or expense normally associated with a SW pool system. The stabilizers in dry chlorine that can cause the cyanuric levels to rise are no longer an issue. As for shocking anyone, the electrodes are inside, in housings that cannot be touched or even seen. You literally use only a few bags of salt per year, and can chemically treat your pool for other issues that may need attention. The brine tank could be secured so not to tip over from rowdy kids, but when filled with water and salt, like any other water softener type tank, it is pretty heavy. I guess my confidence level in purchasing this was due to accolades from other users, and the fact that the manufacturer is nearby my home, and always avaliable by phone or email for my questions. I have always had pools since childhood, and have had my current pool for over 30 yrs. I look forward to never buying any chlorine again.