1. I guess the difference (to my understanding) is the SWG can report back to the automation if same brand so it can report salt level and level of chlorine generation can be controlled remotely. Cross-brand presumably can be off/on which is ok too.
I was just quoted $2048 for Omnihub @ Hayward Tristar VS 950 pump + the cost of the SWG cell and supposedly that's all I need (not needed to upgrade to the Aquaplus. Does that make sense?
2. I need to dig into this over the weekend. It's a big crossroads I need to get my head around.
3. From my understanding Pentair pumps are the gold standard (agree?), so that leads me to Pentair and then maybe Intellichlor SWG / rip out the Goldline.. I then use the SWG Cell $ savings to help offset some of the cost.
I like to be able to have a big plan which can be implemented in stages (if financially or logistically necessary).. I prefer this strategy than buying one off items that eventually take me down the wrong path and have to be forklifted out.
4. I wish I had considered these things prior to the heat pump purchase too.. I would have bought into one brand only.. maybe...(I hear Aquacal have an SWG too.. but presumably back to square one on cross brand connectivity.)
I really appreciate the brainstorming.. nothing is overload to me I just may need to spend the weekend reading up.. something I love to do when it involves anything computerized

Bring it on
5. Do I need to get one of the fancy (Pentair etc) GFCI's? Currently direct connect to Sub-Panel
6. (and yes I know this was a "simple" pump replacement.. I could just as easily have replaced single speed pump with like.. but one thing ("I want more silent pump/energy efficient") leads to another.. ("my wife wants to be able to turn on the heater without asking me or pressing multiple buttons.. and she wants to be able to go on vacation and monitor/control it")... fine with me, I (we) will figure it out..)
7. Thanks again...