Comparison

Pool Log vs Skimmer

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

Skimmer

Features
Read full description

Skimmer is the easiest way to keep your pool or hot tub crystal clear. Log water tests in seconds, track chlorine, pH, and alkalinity over time, and get smart reminders before your water drifts out of balance. Keep a complete history of every cleaning, chemical dose, filter change, and equipment service, then export a resale-grade PDF service report that proves the care you put in. FEATURES - Track water chemistry with clear, color-coded readings - Smart maintenance reminders so nothing slips - Log cleanings, services, costs, and equipment - Manage multiple pools and hot tubs - Export a beautiful PDF service history for resale or your records Skimmer Pro unlocks unlimited pools, full history, and PDF export. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use: https://parra.io/terms Privacy Policy: https://parra.io/privacy

Screenshots

Pool Log4 screens
Skimmer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Skimmer at weekly against Pool Log's every 4 weeks. Skimmer also leads on iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). Pool Log's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, 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

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 Skimmer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pool Log ships an update every 4 weeks, Skimmer weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Pool Log versus Skimmer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPool LogSkimmer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (8 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings8 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.018.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael HollowayParra LLC

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Pool Log

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

Skimmer

Subscriptions2
  • Skimmer Pro (Monthly)$2.991 Month
  • Skimmer Pro (Annual)7 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Pool Log free?
Pool Log is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Skimmer free?
Skimmer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pool Log or Skimmer have ads?
Neither Pool Log nor Skimmer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pool Log or Skimmer?
Pool Log ships an update every 4 weeks, and Skimmer weekly. Most recently, Pool Log was updated on October 30, 2026 and Skimmer on October 28, 2026.

Other comparisons