# Shade Control vs Pool OS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shade Control at none against Pool OS's 2. Shade Control also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). Pool OS's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pool OS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Shade Control asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shade Control ships an update every 4 months, Pool OS every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shade Control | Pool OS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-os/id6762061986/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 45 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HA Systems BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/1596283942) | [Chad Baugh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1892705205) |

## What reviewers say

### Shade Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shade-control/id1596283940)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Pool OS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-os/id6762061986)

This app offers modern, intuitive control for pool systems, focusing on speed, reliability, and ease of use for pool owners. It provides real-time weather alerts and advanced features like heat pump protection.

**Highlights:** Fast, responsive pool equipment control, Intuitive interface for pool owners, Real-time severe weather notifications, Automatic heat pump protection, Full control of Pentair systems, Local network connection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PoolOS Premium (Monthly) | $8.99 | per month |
| PoolOS Premium (Annual) | $89.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shade Control free?

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

### Is Pool OS free?

Pool OS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Shade Control or Pool OS have ads?

Neither Shade Control nor Pool OS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shade Control or Pool OS?

Shade Control ships an update every 4 months, and Pool OS every 2 weeks. Most recently, Shade Control was updated on September 28, 2026 and Pool OS on October 10, 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.*