Comparison

PoolCalc vs AquaChek Connect

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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!

About

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.

Highlights
  • Photo capture test strip scanning
  • Personalized treatment recommendations
  • Test result history
  • Water volume calculator
  • Maintenance reminders
  • Email/print test results
Features
Read full description

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

PoolCalc4 screens
AquaChek Connect4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PoolCalc sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. AquaChek Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
PoolCalc versus AquaChek Connect: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPoolCalcAquaChek Connect
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)3.2 (1.2K ratings) — better
Positive reviews16.7% of reviews — better9.6% of reviews
Number of ratings11.2K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS7.1 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBonham CustomsHach Company

Customer experience

PoolCalc

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive16.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative66.7%

AquaChek Connect

All ratings1,233 ratings
Positive53.9%
Neutral2.0%
Negative44.0%
Written reviews280 reviews
Positive9.6%
Neutral5.7%
Negative84.6%

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

1 purchases

PoolCalc

One-time1
  • Pool Professional Upgrade$2.99
None

AquaChek Connect

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PoolCalc free?
PoolCalc is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is AquaChek Connect free?
AquaChek Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, PoolCalc or AquaChek Connect?
AquaChek Connect is rated higher. PoolCalc averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while AquaChek Connect averages 3.2 from 1.2K ratings.
Do PoolCalc or AquaChek Connect have ads?
Neither PoolCalc nor AquaChek Connect shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PoolCalc or AquaChek Connect?
PoolCalc ships an update every 2 months, and AquaChek Connect every 2 months. Most recently, PoolCalc was updated on October 15, 2026 and AquaChek Connect on October 11, 2026.

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