# Pool Control + vs Merlino

The clearest difference is update cadence: Merlino at every 7 months against Pool Control +'s every 30 months. Pool Control +'s advantage is iOS requirement (12.2 vs 14.0). 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.

Pool Control + ships an update every 30 months, Merlino every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and May 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pool Control + | Merlino |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 30 months | **Every 7 months** |
| Size | 83 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.2** | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Microdos srl](https://appshunter.io/developer/1470376920) | [C.p.a s.r.l](https://appshunter.io/developer/1701910642) |

## What reviewers say

### Pool Control +

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-control-plus/id6451119408)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Merlino

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlino/id6459659864)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pool Control + free?

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

### Is Merlino free?

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

### Do Pool Control + or Merlino have ads?

Neither Pool Control + nor Merlino shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pool Control + or Merlino?

Pool Control + ships an update every 30 months, and Merlino every 7 months. Most recently, Pool Control + was updated on September 15, 2026 and Merlino on May 19, 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.*