Comparison

Pool Log vs ReadMyStrip

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

ReadMyStrip

This app uses your iPhone camera to quickly and accurately interpret water test strips. Save your strip's color chart once, then scan strips to get instant water chemistry readings. Ideal for maintaining pools, spas, hot tubs, and aquariums.

Highlights
  • Scan water test strips with iPhone camera
  • Save and reuse test strip color charts
  • Instant water chemistry readings
  • View saved results and history
  • Supports all test strip brands via calibration
Features
Read full description

ReadMyStrip ReadMyStrip helps you quickly and accurately interpret water test strips using your iPhone. Save your test strip’s color reference chart once, then scan your test strips whenever you test your water. ReadMyStrip analyzes the strip and returns clear water chemistry readings in seconds. Whether you’re maintaining a pool, spa, hot tub, aquarium, or other water system, ReadMyStrip helps you spend less time comparing colors and more time keeping your water balanced. Features • Save your test strip reference chart once for repeat scanning • Scan water test strips in seconds using your iPhone camera • Get clear water chemistry readings instantly • View your latest saved result and history anytime • Supports all test strip brands through chart calibration ReadMyStrip is designed to make water testing faster, easier, and more consistent. Privacy Policy: https://pool-strip.vercel.app/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Pool Log4 screens
ReadMyStrip4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: Pool Log at free against ReadMyStrip's free with in-app purchases. Pool Log also leads on ratings volume (8 vs 1). ReadMyStrip's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and iOS requirement (15.1 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

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 ReadMyStrip sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ReadMyStrip holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pool Log has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pool Log ships an update every 4 weeks, ReadMyStrip monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Pool Log versus ReadMyStrip: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPool LogReadMyStrip
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (8 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings8 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS26.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael HollowayWilliam Harmer

Customer experience

Pool Log

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

ReadMyStrip

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Pool Log

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

ReadMyStrip

Subscriptions2
  • ReadMyStrip Pro Monthly$0.991 Month
  • ReadMyStrip Pro Annual$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Pool Log free?
Pool Log is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ReadMyStrip free?
ReadMyStrip is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Pool Log or ReadMyStrip?
ReadMyStrip is rated higher. Pool Log averages 4.8 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while ReadMyStrip averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Pool Log or ReadMyStrip have ads?
Neither Pool Log nor ReadMyStrip shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pool Log or ReadMyStrip?
Pool Log ships an update every 4 weeks, and ReadMyStrip monthly. Most recently, Pool Log was updated on November 5, 2026 and ReadMyStrip on October 31, 2026.

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