In 2009, when Apple introduced its now famous (and trademarked) slogan “There’s an app for that,” it seemed as though it were true — except when it came to swimming pools and spas.
Fast forward eight years, however, and the industry has finally caught up. Today, there is an app for just about every industry category, from pool automation to service-route management to hot-tub controls to automatic cleaners.
As the industry continues to advance with new technologies and offerings, we’re keeping track of the latest innovations to come to market. Here, we’ve compiled some of the most popular pool and spa industry apps available.
While this by no means comprises a complete list, it includes a wide variety of options for everyone from pool builders to hot tub customers.
Know of an app not featured below? Send an email to psnnewproducts@gmail.com along with a brief description of the app and an image, and we’ll be sure to add it to the digital version of this feature, which can be found at poolspanews.com/industryapps.
The Apps
Aqua Creek — The Aqua Creek app provides users access to troubleshooting videos and a pool/spa profile guide, and features a chat option that connects directly with customer service. Users can also post a picture or video for customer service issues in the field. Download the app from Google Play or Apple Stores.
AstralPool — AstralPool’s ConnectMyPool app provides pool owners the ability to control their AstralPool pool system remotely. The app works in conjunction with the Internet Gateway module, which acts as a bridge between the pool system and the internet and must be installed in the pool system for the app to function. The app also includes features such as the ability to view water temperature, change a heater’s set-point temperature, turn equipment and lighting on and off, and activate customized favorites.
Balboa Water Group — The Balboa Worldwide App [bwa] provides customers access to their hot tub via a direct connection in the local proximity of the tub or from anywhere in the world where there is an internet connection. With the app, users can start the tub, change settings and access a full interface control to set the temperature, turn pumps on and off and set filtration cycles. For more information visit balboawater.com/bwa.
Bel-Aqua — Bel-Aqua’s free app for iOS and Android devices provides an on-the-go way for service techs to order new or replacement products from the distributor. Orders can be placed online any time of the day. Users can check product stock and availability, as well as track their shipments. Exploded product views and technical specifications are available. The mobile cart can also sync with the cart on the distributor’s website. The company’s entire catalog is available on the app.
Bullfrog — Bullfrog’s CloudControl app lets users start the spa, turn on lights, change temperature, and adjust pump and filtration settings from a smartphone or tablet. Learn more at bullfrogspas.com/cloudcontrol.
Chemtrol — Chemtrol’s app for Apple and Android devices available for the PC series controllers allows users to connect to the manufacturer’s pool, spa or cooling tower controller to monitor readings, modify settings and download data as if they were standing in front of the controller. The app will also send out email and text alerts and does not charge any monthly fees. For more information email sales@sbcontrol.com or call 800-621-2279.
ControlOMatic — ControlOMatic’s new mobile app for its line of Pool Warden controllers and chlorine generators serves as an interface for all ControlOMatic products, including the Pool Warden single or dual pool water chemistry chemical controllers which continuously monitor and control pH, ORP, temperature and flow in swimming pools and spas. The app provides all the functionality found with the PoolWarden desktop interface, but with the ease of access permitted with mobile devices for more immediate control. Download the app at controlomatic.cardtapp.com.
GLI Pool Products — With the GLI app for iOS and Android devices, users can access the company’s catalog of products, from pool covers and liners to robotic cleaners and safety fencing. The manufacturer can be contacted through the app for various purposes. Customer service and the company’s Cover Doctor program are available, brochures and product information can be requested, and the user can follow the company’s Facebook updates. Users also can take photos of GLI products and share them through the app. Instructional videos for installing and using the manufacturer’s products are available through the YouTube section of the app. For more information, visit glipoolproducts.com.
Hayward Pool Products — Hayward currently offers two apps available for download at the Apple and Android stores. Omni Interactive is an app for the trade specifically designed with builders and service pros in mind. The app enables a salesperson to demonstrate to consumers the performance of OmniLogic, particularly for lighting and water features.
Directed to the consumer, VS Omni allows pool owners to adjust the VS Pump speed, set water temperature, turn lights on and off and select a color (for models with LED lighting).
Imperial Pools — The Imperial Pools app is a robust packed pool dealer tool that is intended to make doing business with the firm easier and more convenient. The app features a B2B web-based products catalog. A dealer can order online, get pricing, check availability and see exploded views of products. A cash back feature allows dealers to register and look up their cash back rewards based on their Imperial purchases. A contact us tab gives them instant phone and email access to all of the firm’s distribution branches. A dealer can log into a specific Dealer Site for marketing materials and other important information to help run the business. Included is the On Point AB Measuring app so dealers can enter plot points on site and order a liner or cover from their mobile device. And Pool Tools offers instant access to important information regarding water chemistry, pool water volume and replacement parts from several pool equipment manufacturers. For more information, visit imperialpools.com.
ITS — The eXact iDip Smart Photometer System app by ITS is designed to work seamlessly with the firm’s waterproof handheld unit with parameter information, data storage and GPS tracking included. The app comes with four tests installed, including pH, free chlorine, combined chlorine (chloramines) and total alkalinity. Over 40 additional parameters are available for in-app purchase ($4.99/ea) allowing the user to tailor the eXact iDip.
LaMotte — LaMotte’s Insta-LINK app allows pool owners to photoscan an Insta-Test 3 pool and spa test strip, and in seconds, the program will analyze the chlorine or bromine, pH and alkalinity concentrations in the water and rapidly return a treatment recommendation, treatment amount and a link to their local dealer. For more information, visit insta-link.com/home.
My Pool Chart — Available for iOS and Android devices, this app is geared towards service companies with more than one tech, but there’s no reason a solo operation couldn’t use it. The app allows users to quickly and easily access a customer from a list, input the amount of chemicals, type of service, keep notes, and other information in drop-down lists. Customers can see the details of every service call on their pools through the app or in emails that it can send. Information can be edited via My Pool Chart’s website, which allows for adding customers, company logos, and techs from the office. Business operators also can keep track of all their techs in the field. While downloading the app is free, the service does have a charge. My Pool Chart’s website lists the app as free with the additional cost of $1 per customer, per month. Find out more at mypoolchart.com.
Pentair Aquatics Systems — Pentair currently offers three mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. ScreenLogic Config allows pool builders and service professionals to configure IntelliTouch, EasyTouch or EasyTouch Lite automation system from their phones for their customers so their clients can use their Pentair automation controls on their phone or tablet rather than only being able to do so with a computer.
Pentair’s ScreenLogic Connect is an interface that allows pool owners who have IntelliTouch or EasyTouch automation systems to use hand-held or voice-activated devices (such as Amazon Echo) to monitor and adjust their pool and spa equipment. Clients can use it to turn lights and water features on and off, check and adjust water temperature, monitor water chemistry levels (for pools equipped with IntelliChem water chemistry controllers), and more. ScreenLogic Connect also records and displays data that makes pool care easier.
Kreepy Krauly Prowler 930 inground pool robotic cleaners feature Bluetooth wireless technology that allows users to turn their cleaner on and off and steer it manual cleaning mode when needed via the mobile app.
pHin — The pHin app is designed to make swimming pool maintenance easier. pHin monitors water quality 24/7 and notifies a user when chemicals are needed. Working in conjunction with the company’s color-coded pods, the system will monitor and notify the user with easy-to-follow recommendations on how to balance a pool’s water chemistry. Available for iOS and Android devices. For more information, visit phin.co/apps.
Pleatco — Pleatco’s free PoolMate app is designed to help pool and spa service professionals stay organized in the field. With PoolMate, techs can create a database of customer and suppliers, set appointments, track jobs via the calendar, set reminders, view helpful videos, access Pleatco parts information and other resources available on the manufacturer’s website, and locate parts in local stores. Available for both Apple and Android devices. Visit pleatco.com for more information.
PoolCorp — POOL360 offers services pros access to search over 160,000 products, check inventory on a local or national level, view a break down of parts including schematics, review suggested part accessories, order templates created on the POOL360 website, located branches using an instant map of the nearest locations and one touch “click-to-call” for the location, share a shopping cart with POOL360 website, and place orders for in-store pickup or delivery. For more information, visit pool360.poolcorp.com.
The NPT app from PoolCorp features the NPT Tile Collection by size, type, name, and color for easy searching. NPT Pool Finish highlights brands including QuartzScapes, JewelScapes, ColorScapes, PlasterScapes and Stone-Scapes. A complement to NPT’s catalogs and brochures, the app allows consumers to pair their product selections and save them as “favorites” to share with their pool professional. For more information, visit nptpool.com or download the app for free at the App Store, Windows Store, or Google Play.
PoolTrac Pro — PoolTrac Pro for service technicians is a free app with an additional monthly service fee of $40, which provides users access to a number of features, including the ability to support up to 1,000 tracked pools and 1,000 users. The app has a chemical calculator in U.S. and metric units. Chemical testing can be graphed. Techs can log records that are emailed to the office and the customer with pictures. The app offers GPS tracking of employees on job sites and, on Android, NFC tags to verify employee locations. The company says that the data collected by the app is viewable in real time via a cloud back-up system. For more information, visit PoolTrac.com.
Raypak — Raypak offers three apps for Apple and Android devices that serve as reference guides for the gas heater, heat pump and the 84 Professional (Professional Series). Features include installation criteria, general use information, diagnostic tips and full-color/scalable wiring diagrams. For more information, visit the Apple or Google App stores or go to raypak.com.
century/Regal-Beloit — Century now offers wireless capability for VGreen variable speed motors. VLink wireless motor interface offers the ability to set, adjust, and monitor pump motor schedules from iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to monitor and manage energy consumption as well as set custom overrides for parties and cleaning. Visit centuryvlink.com for more information.
Unicel — Unicel’s app features a filter identification tool, retail store and service person locator, a pool tracker to manage filter change history and set filter inspection reminder alarms, and instructional videos that feature cartridge cleaning and troubleshooting. Fore more information, go to unicelfilters.com.
Zodiac — Zodiac’s iAquaLink app helps pool pros monitor and control all the elements of a pool or pool/spa system anytime, anywhere through a smartphone, tablet or computer. The familiar, easy-to-use app interface provides simple control of all aspects of the backyard experience – whether controlling pool features such as water temperature, pumps and pool lights, or backyard features such as landscape lights and fire and water features. Automation through iAquaLink can be scaled to what a pool owner wants — from automating a single piece of equipment to automating the entire pool and spa (up to 32 features). For more information, visit iaqualink.com.