Rachio vs Pentair Pool
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Rachio
This app allows you to control your sprinkler system remotely, creating custom watering schedules. It helps save water and money by optimizing irrigation based on weather and yard needs. Access your system from anywhere for convenient lawn care.
- Automated watering schedules
- Remote sprinkler control
- Water and money saving
- Weather-based adjustments
- Smart home integration
- Mobile app access
Read full descriptionHide full description
The Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller changes the way you water. It makes running your sprinklers easy and convenient while saving you water and money. Rachio automatically creates a watering schedule that lowers your water bill and ensures the beautiful yard you want, while the mobile app gives you access to your sprinkler system from anywhere. Plus, Rachio is compatible with nearly any sized yard and smart home platform. This is the companion app to the industry-leading Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller.
Pentair Pool
Manage your swimming pool system, monitor water chemistry, and receive instant status updates from a single dashboard. Control connected Pentair pool devices remotely for energy efficiency and peace of mind. Receive alerts for equipment or pool conditions to avoid costly service calls.
- Remote pool system control
- Water chemistry monitoring
- Instant status updates
- 24/7 device monitoring
- Equipment alerts
- Energy-efficient solutions
Read full descriptionHide full description
Pentair Home is Now Pentair Pool! It's the same great app with a new name and logo. You'll continue to enjoy the functionality you know and love with a modern, refined look. Your app will continue functioning as it always has — seamlessly and reliably! Rule the Pool with Smart, Connected Pentair Products All in One Place The Pentair Pool app and its range of connected products makes managing your pool easier than ever. Control your swimming pool system, monitor water chemistry, and access instant status updates from one easy-to-use dashboard on your smart device. Enjoy energy-efficient solutions and peace of mind with remote monitoring anytime, anywhere. With the Pentair Pool app, you can: + Receive alerts sent directly to your phone and, if you choose, to your trusted pool professional. + Monitor your connected Pentair pool devices remotely, 24/7, to ensure peak performance. + Easily see when equipment or pool conditions need attention to avoid unnecessary and costly service calls. Compatible Pentair Pool & Spa Products: + IntelliCenter® Pool Control System + IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed & Flow Pump + IntelliVibe Pool & Spa Lights + IntelliSync® Pool Pump Control + ChemCheck® Water Quality Monitoring System + IntelliConnect® Pool Control System + Prowler® 930W Robotic Pool Cleaner + Color Sync™ Controller for Color LED Pool Lights Note: Product alerts, professional connectivity, and features are dependent on user settings and device capabilities. Internet connection, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth® may be required. Some features may not be supported on all smart devices. Terms of Service and Privacy Notice apply.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pentair Pool at none against Rachio's 5. Pentair Pool also leads on ads (none vs shown) and device support (4 vs 2). Rachio's advantage is review sentiment (58% vs 30%) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). On price, update cadence and iOS requirement 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. Rachio sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Pentair Pool asks for nothing beyond the download.
Rachio holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Rachio has 159K ratings behind it against 25K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Rachio's written reviews are positive against 30% of Pentair Pool's.
Rachio ships an update every 3 weeks, Pentair Pool monthly. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.
| Parameter | Rachio | Pentair Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (159K ratings) — better | 4.7 (25K ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 58.5% of reviews — better | 30.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 159K — better | 25K |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Monthly |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 163 MB | 149 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | RACHIO, INC. | Pentair, Inc. |
Customer experience
Rachio
Pentair Pool
User reviews
Rachio
From 159K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Convenient remote control
- 🌱 Saves water and money
- 🌳 Helps maintain healthy lawn and plants
Room to improve
- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 💸 Aggressive upselling
- 🤔 Confusing user interface
- 🌧️ Inaccurate weather-based scheduling
Pentair Pool
From 25K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 📊 Good data and monitoring features
- 💡 Helpful customer support
Room to improve
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔌 Connectivity issues
- 🔒 Limited user permissions and control
- 🤯 Frustrating setup and migration process
Bugs and requests
Rachio
Reported bugs
4 issues- Zones running at unexpected times
- Schedules not working as programmed
- App crashing during setup and use
- Syncing issues between app and controller
Requested features
4 requests- Ability to skip multiple upcoming watering cycles
- Customizable notifications for low battery and offline status
- Better integration with smart home platforms like HomeKit
- More granular control over watering schedules and durations
Pentair Pool
Reported bugs
4 issues- App crashes and freezes
- Inaccurate sensor readings
- Scheduling and automation issues
- Inability to delete or modify existing configurations
Requested features
4 requests- More scheduling and automation options
- Improved integration with other smart home devices
- Better data visualization and reporting
- Ability to create user profiles and access controls
In-app purchases
Rachio
- Tempest Integration$29.99
- AirLink Integration$29.99
- Heat Wave Boost$29.99
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- Wire Status$29.99
- Valve & Heat Monitoring Bundle$49.99
Pentair Pool
No in-app purchases
