# Pool vs Simple Pool

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Simple Pool at 100% against Pool's 22%. Simple Pool also leads on price (Free vs $4.99) and rating (5.0 vs 4.1). Pool's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (630 vs 21). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Simple Pool is free to download; Pool costs $4.99 up front. Simple Pool sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Pool asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Pool holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pool has 630 ratings behind it against 21, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 22% of Pool's written reviews are positive against 100% of Simple Pool's.

Pool ships an update every 5 weeks, Simple Pool every 6 days. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pool | Simple Pool |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.1 (630 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-calculator/id412876581/reviews) | **[5.0 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-pool-chemistry-and-math/id6744664712/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **630** | 21 |
| Positive reviews | 21.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pool and Spa Resources, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1358030201) | [Grey Park, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1739831354) |

## What reviewers say

### Pool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-calculator/id412876581)

This app simplifies swimming pool and hot tub chemistry maintenance by performing all necessary calculations. It provides clear instructions on chemical dosages to maintain balanced, clear water, eliminating the need for complex charts and formulas.

**Highlights:** Chemical dosage calculations, Pool volume calculation, Chemical effects analysis, Customizable chemical ranges, Offline functionality

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Useful pool chemistry calculator
- 🚀 Makes pool maintenance easy
- 👍 Provides chemical dosage recommendations
- 🔍 Helpful 'Effects' tool to understand chemical impacts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Accuracy issues with certain chemical calculations
- 🔍 Confusing or outdated chemical names
- 🔍 Limited customization options
- 🐛 Crashes and compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch for many users
- Keyboard issues preventing data entry
- Incorrect chemical effect information (e.g. soda ash)
- Volume calculation not updating properly

**Requested features**

- Ability to save and track test history
- Support for multiple pools/spas
- Metric-only unit support
- More detailed chemical dosage information (e.g. weight-based)


### Simple Pool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-pool-chemistry-and-math/id6744664712)

This app helps you precisely test, dose, and track your pool and spa water chemistry. It offers practical dosing recommendations and tools to simplify routine maintenance for various pool types. Get accurate chemical calculations without ongoing fees.

**Highlights:** Water test logging, Dosing recommendations, Chemical tracking, LSI/CSI monitoring, Shock treatment mode, Test reminders, Chemical effects preview

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SimplePool - Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pool free?

Pool costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Simple Pool free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pool or Simple Pool?

Simple Pool is rated higher. Pool averages 4.1 out of 5 from 630 ratings, while Simple Pool averages 5.0 from 21 ratings.

### Do Pool or Simple Pool have ads?

Neither Pool nor Simple Pool shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pool or Simple Pool?

Pool ships an update every 5 weeks, and Simple Pool every 6 days. Most recently, Pool was updated on October 28, 2026 and Simple Pool on October 28, 2026.

---

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