Pool Log vs PoolVault
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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 for $0.99/month or $7.99/year: • 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/
PoolVault
This app simplifies pool maintenance by using AI to analyze test strips from a photo. It provides a health score, personalized chemical recommendations, and tracks your pool's history and equipment. Manage your pool care effortlessly with smart insights and a maintenance log.
- AI test strip scanning
- Pool health score
- Personalized chemical recommendations
- Chemical inventory tracking
- Full history and trends
- Equipment and maintenance logging
- Troubleshooting wizard
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Pool Vault takes the guesswork out of pool maintenance. Just snap a photo of your test strip and let AI do the rest -- you'll get a full water analysis, a health score, and step-by-step instructions on exactly what to add and how much. HOW IT WORKS Dip your test strip like you normally would Open Pool Vault and snap a photo Get instant results with a clear health score Follow personalized chemical recommendations That's it. No charts. No math. No squinting at color pads in the sun. WHAT YOU GET AI-Powered Strip Scanning -- Supports AquaChek, HTH, Clorox, Taylor, and Poolmaster strips. The AI reads your strip against brand-specific reference charts for accurate results. Pool Health Score -- One number that tells you how your water is doing, with color-coded breakdowns for pH, chlorine, alkalinity, hardness, and more. Smart Recommendations -- Know exactly which chemicals to add, how much based on your pool size, and how long to wait between treatments. No more overdosing or guessing. Chemical Inventory -- Track what you have on hand so you never run out mid-season. Low stock alerts keep you ahead of the game. Full History & Trends -- See how your water quality changes over time with charts and logged results. Spot problems before they become expensive. Equipment Tracker -- Log your pump, filter, heater, and SWG with model numbers and warranty dates. Everything in one place. Maintenance Log -- Record backwashes, filter cleans, and seasonal tasks. Never wonder "when did I last do that?" Troubleshooting Wizard -- Green water? Cloudy pool? Walk through guided steps to diagnose and fix common problems fast. Shopping List -- AI suggests what you need, and you can tap to buy on Amazon. Weather Integration -- Real-time conditions and UV index so you know how the weather is affecting your water. Works with salt, chlorine, and bromine pools. Inground or above ground. Your data is encrypted and synced across devices. Your pool, your data, always private. BUILT FOR REAL POOL OWNERS We built Pool Vault because we were tired of apps that make pool care more complicated than it needs to be. This one just works. Dip, snap, done. Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you. Terms of Use (EULA): https://poolvault.onrender.com/terms
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: Pool Log at free against PoolVault's freemium. Pool Log also leads on ratings volume (6 vs 1). PoolVault's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Pool Log sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and PoolVault sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
PoolVault holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pool Log has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Pool Log ships an update every 2 weeks, PoolVault fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on August 19, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Pool Log | PoolVault |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (6 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | 6 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Michael Holloway | Cass Mieczakowski |
Customer experience
Pool Log
PoolVault
In-app purchases
Pool Log
- Monthly Plan7 Days trial$0.991 Month
- Annual Plan7 Days trial$7.991 Year
PoolVault
- Pool Vault Premium$4.991 Month





