# ColorSplash XG Controller vs NPT Backyard

The clearest difference is rating: NPT Backyard at 3.7 against ColorSplash XG Controller's 1.9. NPT Backyard also leads on review sentiment (43% vs 9%) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 43 months). ColorSplash XG Controller's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

NPT Backyard holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 1.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 62 and 101 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 9% of ColorSplash XG Controller's written reviews are positive against 43% of NPT Backyard's.

ColorSplash XG Controller ships an update every 43 months, NPT Backyard every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ColorSplash XG Controller | NPT Backyard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (62 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colorsplash-xg-controller/id1211489045/reviews) | **[3.7 (101 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npt-backyard/id1478178328/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 62 | **101** |
| Positive reviews | 8.8% of reviews | **42.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 43 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 15 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hayward Industries, inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/712555313) | [Pool Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/508083385) |

## What reviewers say

### ColorSplash XG Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colorsplash-xg-controller/id1211489045)

Control your J&J Electronics ColorSplash LED pool and spa lights with this Bluetooth app. Select from 5 solid colors and 7 dynamic light shows with seamless transitions. Manage multiple lights on a single circuit for synchronized effects.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth LED lighting control, 5 solid color options, 7 light show modes, Multiple color blends, Seamless color transitions, Control up to 400 watts

**In-app purchases:** none


### NPT Backyard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npt-backyard/id1478178328)

Visualize your dream pool in your own backyard using augmented reality. This app offers stunning 4k graphics, advanced lighting, and realistic water simulations to help you design and preview your perfect pool.

**Highlights:** Augmented Reality pool visualization, 4k graphics, Realistic lighting effects, Advanced water systems, Design your dream pool

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for visualizing pool options
- 👍 Helpful for remodel planning
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 👍 Good for comparing finishes and colors
- 👍 AR view enhances visualization

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Limited design options
- 😞 Cannot create custom pool shapes
- 😞 AR view often doesn't work
- 😞 Inaccurate rendering of water color
- 😞 App crashes frequently

**Reported bugs**

- AR doesn't work
- App crashes when viewing tiles
- App crashes frequently
- App is slow and hangs
- Water color doesn't change with plaster choices

**Requested features**

- Option to design a remodel for existing pools
- Ability to change pool dimensions within the app
- More standard pool shapes available (e.g., round spa)
- Include all pool tiles from the catalog
- Ability to drag and position the pool design in the yard


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ColorSplash XG Controller free?

ColorSplash XG Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NPT Backyard free?

NPT Backyard is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ColorSplash XG Controller or NPT Backyard?

NPT Backyard is rated higher. ColorSplash XG Controller averages 1.9 out of 5 from 62 ratings, while NPT Backyard averages 3.7 from 101 ratings.

### Do ColorSplash XG Controller or NPT Backyard have ads?

Neither ColorSplash XG Controller nor NPT Backyard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ColorSplash XG Controller or NPT Backyard?

ColorSplash XG Controller ships an update every 43 months, and NPT Backyard every 2 months. Most recently, ColorSplash XG Controller was updated on October 17, 2026 and NPT Backyard on October 14, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*