I recently added a SWCG and I would never go back to lugging jugs of chlorine again. I am surprised with all of the benefits of a SWCG that it is still frowned upon.
Here are a few more positives about going the SWCG route.
1. Chlorine level is more consistent throughout the day. It is constantly adding chlorine based on the setting of the cell. Manual chlorination requires you to test the water, see where the FC level is and then add chlorine based on need. Immediately, the level goes down based on user load, sunlight and other factors. So, you have to check it again and adjust the FC level based on testing. Depending on where you live and how frequently you test. The level will be going down from the initial chlorine added to the next time you test and add more. I was checking FC every single day doing it manually and adding more . Now, I can go several days without testing as my pool is really stable. I actually enjoy the pool more since i spend less time monitoring it and actually using it.
With a SWCG, even if I don't test. The chlorine is still being added contentiously based on the setting and maintaining a more consistent chlorine level. IMHO a SWCG pool is more sanitary.
2. With a SWCG you are not at the mercy of any store keeping chlorine in stock. It is no fun driving all over town looking for chlorine when you absolutely need it. There was no chlorine in the stores earlier this year due to Covid. Plus the prices went up and continues to do so. Some folks have even noticed the percentage of chlorine has decreased. So you are paying more and getting less. Which means you have to buy more.
3. You run the risk of getting an algae bloom if you cannot find chlorine in the store during a hot stretch of weather. Your family will not be happy knowing they cannot swim at some point because you are going through a slam process for a week or two. There are many posts here about people scrambling earlier this year and having to come up with alternatives because stores were out.
4. You save a lot of money by not having to buy clothes because everything you own has bleach spots. Unless, you dedicate an outfit for chlorine duty. Trust me, no matter how well you try not getting bleach stains it will happen at some point.
5. You don't have to buy and store lot's of bottles of chlorine. Based on my chlorine usage. I was buying 30 bottles at time to minimize trips to the store and that is not factoring gas, additional milage, wear and tear on the car. We shop at wal-mart and having to store groceries and chlorine in the car at the same time is not something I like to do. Otherwise, it is a separate trip.
There are so many benefits to a SWCG and with most pools costing 75 -100K plus. A 1% additional cost to make my life easier and the pool more enjoyable would be a no-brainer for me. Heck, most would spend $500 or more on a robot just so they don't have to deal with a hose and manual vacuum. A SWCG makes maintaining a pool so much easier.