# Pool Brain vs UpBuoy

The clearest difference is rating: UpBuoy at 5.0 against Pool Brain's 4.0. UpBuoy also leads on monetization model (free vs paid). Pool Brain's advantage is ratings volume (260 vs 1) and update cadence (weekly vs every 4 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

UpBuoy holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pool Brain has 260 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Pool Brain ships an update weekly, UpBuoy every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pool Brain | UpBuoy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (260 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-brain/id1477150635/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upbuoy-pool-service-software/id6747363268/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **260** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 63.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 142 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pool Brain LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1261361060) | [UpBuoy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1821036735) |

## What reviewers say

### Pool Brain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-brain/id1477150635)

Streamline pool service operations with automated job data analysis and alerts. Manage routes, track equipment, and monitor costs efficiently, even without a signal. Ensures thorough service with guided workflows and unskippable checklists.

**Highlights:** Automated job data analysis, Route optimization, Chemical dosing instructions, Equipment tracking, Guided workflow, Cost tracking, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### UpBuoy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upbuoy-pool-service-software/id6747363268)

This app streamlines pool service operations for professionals. It offers route planning, job scheduling, water chemistry analysis, and customer management. Generate professional reports and customize checklists to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

**Highlights:** Smart route planner and job schedule, Detailed service completion logging, Advanced water chemistry and LSI calculator, Professional service report generation, Customer and work order management, Customizable service checklists

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pool Brain free?

Pool Brain is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is UpBuoy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pool Brain or UpBuoy?

UpBuoy is rated higher. Pool Brain averages 4.0 out of 5 from 260 ratings, while UpBuoy averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Pool Brain or UpBuoy have ads?

Neither Pool Brain nor UpBuoy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pool Brain or UpBuoy?

Pool Brain ships an update weekly, and UpBuoy every 4 weeks. Most recently, Pool Brain was updated on October 24, 2026 and UpBuoy on October 24, 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.*