# AQL vs Pool OS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AQL at none against Pool OS's 2. AQL also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Pool OS's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On price, rating, ratings volume 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. AQL asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for AQL against 5.0 for Pool OS. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

AQL ships an update monthly, Pool OS every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AQL | Pool OS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aql-ps-8-remote-emulator/id6479270366/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-os/id6762061986/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 47 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mark Schulz](https://appshunter.io/developer/1789179943) | [Chad Baugh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1892705205) |

## What reviewers say

### AQL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aql-ps-8-remote-emulator/id6479270366)

This utility app emulates a wireless remote for pool equipment controllers. It requires a specific RS-485 to WiFi adapter for operation. Detailed installation guides are available via a support URL.

**Highlights:** Emulates AQL-PS-8 wireless remote, Requires EW11 IoT Adapter, Controls residential swimming pool equipment, RS-485 to WiFi connectivity, Support URL for installation details

**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 AQL free?

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

### Is Pool OS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AQL or Pool OS?

AQL and Pool OS are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do AQL or Pool OS have ads?

Neither AQL nor Pool OS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AQL or Pool OS?

AQL ships an update monthly, and Pool OS every 2 weeks. Most recently, AQL was updated on October 18, 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.*