the conversion to salt is not a slam dunk decision -
It is on a large pool. Here's the maths for 25k gallons :
1 gallon 10% = 4ppm.
$5 jug = $1.25 per FC
$6 jug ($5.67 Walmart+ tax) = $1.50 per FC
$7 jug = $1.75
$8+ jug...... don't even.
An IC60 will make 9.6 FC per 24 hours or 4000 lifetime in 25k gallons.
At $3000 full PB install, that's $0.75 per FC, half that of cheaper than you'll likely find out the door $5 jugs.
Replacement cells at $1399 (today's price) would cost you *****$0.33**** per gallon. You'd make out on the first cell and clean UP on the future cells.
But.
BUT.
Not having to lug 1000 jugs of FC equivalent to what the IC60 will produce, is beyond priceless. Most would pay extra, forget about breaking even. 1000 gallons bought at Walmart today would cost $6710 after sales tax. (Used NY rate)
To recap:
Original cell, controller, install is a 2:1 savings. Replacement cells are darn near 5:1 savings. (Today)
*Pentair is spendy. While it's fairly accepted Circupool greatly overestimate their #s, if it's way low and only matches the IC60 output, it's a few hundred dollars cheaper and a better deal. If the #s do better than the IC60, it's all gravy in your pocket.