Comparison

Pool Log vs Poolistry

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

Head to head
About

Pool Log

This app provides precise chemical dosing instructions for pools and spas based on your test results. It tracks multiple water bodies, integrates local weather data, and offers advanced features like SLAM mode for algae and CSI calculations. All data is stored locally for privacy.

Highlights
  • Precise chemical dosing instructions
  • Manages multiple pools and spas
  • Weather-aware test result tracking
  • SLAM mode for algae treatment
  • Calcite Saturation Index (CSI) calculation
  • Chemical addition logging
  • Maintenance task tracking
Features
Read full description

SKIP THE POOL STORE Stop driving to the pool store for tests that are inconsistent, expensive, and end with someone trying to upsell you chemicals you don't need. PoolLog turns your own test results into precise dosing instructions in seconds — using the same Taylor Technologies and Pool & Hot Tub Alliance formulas the pros rely on. POOLS AND SPAS, ONE APP Manage every body of water from one place. PoolLog handles backyard pools, spas, hot tubs, and rentals — each with its own sanitizer system, surface type, target ranges, and history. Switch between them with a tap. WEATHER-AWARE TRACKING Test results pair with the local weather automatically (no location permission required, just a postal code). Spot the patterns that matter: heatwave chlorine drops, post-rain alkalinity swings, the bather load that always nudges your pH. YOUR DATA. YOUR DEVICE. No account required. Nothing leaves your phone unless you turn on optional iCloud sync — and even then it's only ever between your own Apple devices. Other apps want a login and a cloud account before they'll show you a number. We don't. PREVIEW THE EXACT DOSE Before you add anything, PoolLog shows the precise amount of each chemical you'd need to reach your target — accounting for your pool's volume, current chemistry, and the specific concentration of the product on your shelf. Add the chemical, log the addition, done. GROUNDED IN REAL CHEMISTRY Recommendations come from peer-reviewed industry standards — Taylor Technologies, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, and the same CSI formula commercial operators use to keep plaster pools from etching or scaling. We document every formula in the app's references. SLAM MODE FOR ALGAE When the green hits, switch on SLAM (Shock, Level, And Maintain) and PoolLog raises the chlorine target to the appropriate level for your CYA, walks you through the procedure, and resets when you're back to normal. Built for the TFP-style algae recovery the rest of the industry won't talk about. CSI CALCULATION INCLUDED The Calcite Saturation Index tells you whether your water is going to scale (build up calcium deposits) or etch (eat your plaster). PoolLog calculates it from your pH, temperature, calcium hardness, alkalinity, and TDS — and shows it on the dashboard, not buried in a settings screen. EVERYTHING THAT'S IN HERE • Free chlorine, combined chlorine, total chlorine • Bromine sanitizer support (chlorine alternative for spas) • pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid • Salt level with custom ranges per cell manufacturer (Hayward, Pentair, Jandy) • Borates, TDS, water temperature • CSI dashboard tile and history • Chemical addition logging with concentration-aware dosing • Maintenance task tracking — brushing, backwashing, filter cleans, opening/closing • Expense tracking with categories • Beautiful charts for every level • Test reminders that pause when the pool is closed for the season • Imperial / UK imperial / metric units • English, Spanish, and French PREMIUM FEATURES Upgrade to Premium with a monthly or yearly subscription: • Multiple pools (free version supports one) • Data export to CSV for spreadsheets and analysis • iCloud sync across your Apple devices • Test strip scanner (coming soon) • Priority support WHO THIS IS FOR Pool and spa owners who'd rather spend their weekend swimming than queueing at the pool store. New owners who want a smart guide. Experienced owners who already know their CYA from their CSI and want a logger that respects that. Privacy Policy: https://blite.github.io/PoolLog/privacy/ Terms of Service: https://blite.github.io/PoolLog/terms/

About

Poolistry

This app simplifies pool maintenance by offering smart calculators for water chemistry and a comprehensive log for tracking tests, chemicals, and tasks. It ensures your pool remains crystal clear with easy-to-follow guidance and cloud backup for your data.

Highlights
  • Smart chemical adjustment calculators
  • Water chemistry tracking (pH, chlorine, alkalinity, etc.)
  • Maintenance task logging
  • Chemical addition tracking
  • Cloud backup and sync
  • Expense and notes logging
Features
Read full description

Take the guesswork out of pool care with Poolistry — your all-in-one pool calculator, chemistry tracker, and maintenance log. Whether you’re a new pool owner or an experienced pro, Poolistry helps you balance your water, track maintenance, and keep your pool crystal clear all year long. Simple tools, smart calculators, and clear guidance make pool care faster, easier, and more accurate. Smart Pool Calculators Quickly calculate exact chemical adjustments for every major parameter: - pH - Free & Combined Chlorine - Total Alkalinity - Calcium Hardness - Cyanuric Acid (CYA) - Salt - Borates - Calcite Saturation Index (CSI) Each calculator tells you exactly how much of each chemical to add to reach your target range — no more guesswork or wasted product. Track and Log Everything Keep a complete record of your pool care routine: - Water tests and readings - Chemical additions - Maintenance tasks - Expenses and notes See your entire pool history in one clear timeline and watch your readings improve over time. Cloud Backup & Sync - Securely back up your pools, logs, and settings to the cloud - Keep pools, logs, and settings in sync across multiple devices - Restore your data anytime by signing in - Optional feature designed to keep your data safe and accessible Maintenance Tools That Work Add notes, set reminders, and view summaries of past maintenance. Keep your equipment running efficiently and your water perfectly balanced. Built for Every Pool Owner From backyard pools to professional service routes, Poolistry adapts to your needs. It’s simple enough for homeowners — yet powerful enough for pool professionals. Spend less time testing and more time swimming. Download Poolistry today and see why smart pool owners trust it to keep their water perfect. Privacy Policy: https://poolistry.com/privacy-policy/ Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Pool Log4 screens
Poolistry4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Pool Log at none against Poolistry's shown. Pool Log also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Poolistry's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 weeks) and ratings volume (27 vs 8). On price, rating, in-app purchases and device support 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. Pool Log sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Poolistry sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Poolistry holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 27 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pool Log ships an update every 4 weeks, Poolistry weekly. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Pool Log versus Poolistry: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPool LogPoolistry
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (8 ratings)4.9 (27 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings827 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS26.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB55 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael HollowayYonah Systems

Customer experience

Pool Log

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative0.0%

Poolistry

All ratings27 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Pool Log

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Plan7 Days trial$0.991 Month
  • Annual Plan7 Days trial$7.991 Year
3 purchases

Poolistry

Subscriptions2
  • Poolistry - Premium - 1 Month$1.991 Month
  • Poolistry - Premium - 1 Year$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium Access$59.99

Questions

Is Pool Log free?
Pool Log is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Poolistry free?
Poolistry is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Pool Log or Poolistry?
Poolistry is rated higher. Pool Log averages 4.8 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Poolistry averages 4.9 from 27 ratings.
Do Pool Log or Poolistry have ads?
Poolistry shows ads; Pool Log does not.
Which is updated more often, Pool Log or Poolistry?
Pool Log ships an update every 4 weeks, and Poolistry weekly. Most recently, Pool Log was updated on November 5, 2026 and Poolistry on November 5, 2026.

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