# WaterGuru vs NPT Backyard

The clearest difference is review sentiment: WaterGuru at 74% against NPT Backyard's 43%. WaterGuru also leads on rating (4.1 vs 3.7) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months). 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.

WaterGuru holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 239 and 101 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of WaterGuru's written reviews are positive against 43% of NPT Backyard's.

WaterGuru ships an update every 4 weeks, NPT Backyard every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WaterGuru | NPT Backyard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (239 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/waterguru/id1372295527/reviews)** | [3.7 (101 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npt-backyard/id1478178328/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **239** | 101 |
| Positive reviews | **73.8% of reviews** | 42.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 155 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [WaterGuru, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153080819) | [Pool Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/508083385) |

## What reviewers say

### WaterGuru

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/waterguru/id1372295527)

This app provides comprehensive control over your pool's water chemistry. It helps maintain a safe environment by keeping out harmful contaminants and offers lab-grade analysis and treatment advice for simplified pool management.

**Highlights:** Pool water chemistry control, Harmful virus and bacteria prevention, Lab-grade analysis, Water treatment advice, Simplified pool management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💰 Money saver
- 🔍 Accurate readings
- 🕰️ Convenient daily monitoring
- 👨‍💻 Excellent customer service
- 🔧 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🔋 Battery drain
- 🤖 Inaccurate readings for some parameters
- 💸 Expensive cartridges
- 🤷‍♂️ Unreliable device

**Reported bugs**

- App notifications not working properly
- Inability to upload pool photos
- Inconsistent app performance after updates

**Requested features**

- Ability to set custom testing schedule
- Measure salt levels
- Provide more advice on adjusting water chemistry
- Add hourly temperature readings


### 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 WaterGuru free?

WaterGuru 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, WaterGuru or NPT Backyard?

WaterGuru is rated higher. WaterGuru averages 4.1 out of 5 from 239 ratings, while NPT Backyard averages 3.7 from 101 ratings.

### Do WaterGuru or NPT Backyard have ads?

Neither WaterGuru nor NPT Backyard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, WaterGuru or NPT Backyard?

WaterGuru ships an update every 4 weeks, and NPT Backyard every 2 months. Most recently, WaterGuru was updated on October 25, 2026 and NPT Backyard on October 23, 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.*