Pool Log vs Pool Mate
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/
Pool Mate
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Take the guesswork out of pool maintenance with Pool Mate, your all-in-one solution for a sparkling, healthy pool. Designed to simplify every aspect of pool care, Pool Mate helps you track, manage, and maintain your pool with ease. Key Features: Your Pool's Health at a Glance: Get an instant overview of your pool's most critical parameters. The dashboard displays current readings for pH, Chlorine, Alkalinity, and temperature, so you always know your pool's status. Track Water Testing: Log your water test results quickly and precisely. The app helps you track trends over time, allowing you to proactively manage your water chemistry and prevent issues. Track Maintenance & Repairs: Keep a comprehensive log of all pool activities. From routine cleaning and equipment inspections to repairs and chemical additions, you'll have a complete history at your fingertips. Review History & Costs: Stay organized with a detailed timeline of all your pool-related activities. Easily track your expenses to manage your budget and review past maintenance tasks. Quick & Easy Logging: Adding new information is effortless. With a user-friendly interface, you can log water tests, maintenance tasks, notes, and expenses in just a few seconds. Download Pool Mate today and enjoy a cleaner, healthier pool with less effort!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pool Mate at none against Pool Log's 2. Pool Mate also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads 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
Both are free to download. Pool Log sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Pool Mate asks for nothing beyond the download.
Pool Log ships an update every 2 weeks, Pool Mate every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Pool Log | Pool Mate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (6 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 6 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 16.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 60 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Michael Holloway | Etay Cohen |
In-app purchases
Pool Log
- Monthly Plan7 Days trial$0.991 Month
- Annual Plan7 Days trial$7.991 Year
Pool Mate
No in-app purchases









