I purchased this item over a month ago. So far it has performed as expected. I have a timer on my pump and have them both set to come on at the same time. Unless you don't mind your pump running all the time I suggest getting a pump with a timer. I have not had to add any chemicals to the pool other than the salt. It took 310lbs of salt for a 24ft pool. However the salt is not expensive around $5 for a 40lb bag. In the long run alot cheaper than the chemicals. I HIGHLY recomend this product to anyone that does not want to spend alot of time keeping pool water clean and balanced. I have not had any of the problems that I have read in some of the other reviews, (like slow water flow or salt level too high or low. Again I highly recomend this product.