GamecockTim
Can I please respectfully disagree slightly with your last statement.
I do agree with your "cheaper" comment (unfortunately

). That is very true. But in my own experiences, not necessarily with your "more effective" comment (I am only speaking from a "Pentair" perspective here). Without automation, a Pentair IntelliChlor can only be adjusted in 2% increments from 0% to 10%. Then 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%.
However, with automation, I can adjust the IntelliChlor in
1% increments within the full range of its chlorine output (0-100%). The ability to adjust in 1% increments is much more effective in fine tuning the IC to just the right percentage of chlorine output. I have found this ability much more effective in targeting the exact chlorine output required to keep the FC right where I want it (until temps start changing again

)
Thanks for allowing me to clarify when it comes to my own "Pentair" perspective ...
Please take care.
r.