I mostly do the same as Jolt.

Mine also wear out in the crack. That's probably because of aqua aerobics and sitting on cement (pool stairs, etc).

I bought cheap and very expensive ones and none last any longer. The expensive ones are just thicker/feel tighter on me anyway. So to keep the expensive ones longer I do take better care of them and they can last me 2-3 summers without a problem. The cheaper ones will loose elasticity, etc by end of summer. No matter how well I rinse them, etc.