PoolCalc vs AquaChek Connect
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PoolCalc
This utility calculates the scaling potential of pool water using the Langelier Saturation Index. It allows users to save and edit readings, locations, and add notes. A paid upgrade offers advanced features for pool professionals.
- Langelier Saturation Index calculation
- Save and edit readings
- Save and edit locations
- Add notes to readings
- Quick add readings to locations
- Paid upgrade for multiple location routes
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This calculator helps you determine the scaling potential of your pool water by using the Langelier Saturation Index. Save and edit readings. Save and edit locations. Add notes to each reading. Quick add button. Add readings to locations with a single tap. If you are a pool professional then with a paid upgrade you will be able to save multiple locations for your pool route. I want to make this app something that you will use and see a benefit from. If there is something that you wish to see added please use the feedback form in the app and let me know!
AquaChek Connect
This app uses photo capture technology to scan test strips and provide personalized pool water treatment recommendations. It offers features like test result history, a water volume calculator, and maintenance reminders to simplify pool care.
- Photo capture test strip scanning
- Personalized treatment recommendations
- Test result history
- Water volume calculator
- Maintenance reminders
- Email/print test results
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Take no chances with your pool—get expert results and treatment recommendations with AquaChek Select Connect. The free, user-friendly app uses innovative photo capture technology to digitally scan the test strip to provide a personalized water treatment recommendation. And no registration required. Spend more time enjoying your pool and less time maintaining it! For use with the app-enabled test strips in the AquaChek Select Connect Starter Kit which includes: • Complete Pool & Spa Care Guide from our water quality experts • 7-in-1 test strips supporting App photo capture or manual read • Reusable UV and water-resistant color chart You can then purchase the Select Connect Refill to continue using the app-enabled test strips without having to purchase the Select Connect Starter Kit again. App Features: • In-App emailing or printing of test results • Pool test history • Built-in water volume calculator • Ability to manually enter the values • Set pool maintenance reminders • Complete illustrated instructions • FAQ’s and Photo Capture Help • Links to AquaChek.com so you can find a shop near you to buy the test strips, or find additional information We would like to hear from you! If you have any feedback that will help us enhance the app in future releases, please email us at ContactAquaChek@hach.com or use the feedback feature included in the app. Note: Verify calculations with the product label of the chemicals intended to be used. Instructions on the product package take precedence over the recommendations made by the app. Follow all label instructions for proper chemical handling, storage, and application. AquaChek® is a registered trademark of Hach Company. The application is for end users that have already purchased or are looking to purchase the test strips supported within the AquaChek Select Connect Application. The app is a resource for pool or hot tub owners.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: AquaChek Connect at 3.2 against PoolCalc's 1.0. AquaChek Connect also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (1.2K vs 1). PoolCalc's advantage is iOS requirement (7.1 vs 15.6). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. PoolCalc sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. AquaChek Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.
AquaChek Connect holds the better App Store score, 3.2 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AquaChek Connect has 1.2K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 17% of PoolCalc's written reviews are positive against 10% of AquaChek Connect's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PoolCalc | AquaChek Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.0 (1 ratings) | 3.2 (1.2K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 16.7% of reviews — better | 9.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1.2K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 7.1 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Bonham Customs | Hach Company |
Customer experience
PoolCalc
AquaChek Connect
Bugs and requests
PoolCalc
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
AquaChek Connect
Reported bugs
4 issues- Camera doesn't work on newer iPhones
- App crashes when trying to manually enter data
- Keeps prompting for update that doesn't exist
- Deletes user data after updates
Requested features
4 requests- Add metric unit support
- Improve photo capture functionality
- Provide more granular data entry options
- Bring back previous version's features
In-app purchases
PoolCalc
- Pool Professional Upgrade$2.99
AquaChek Connect
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PoolCalc free?
Is AquaChek Connect free?
Which has better reviews, PoolCalc or AquaChek Connect?
Do PoolCalc or AquaChek Connect have ads?
Which is updated more often, PoolCalc or AquaChek Connect?
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