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PoolTrack vs Pool Math: An Honest Comparison (2026)

Pool Math, made by the Trouble Free Pool forum, is the default chemistry app for a generation of DIY pool owners. We built PoolTrack because we thought a few things could be better. Here's an honest look at both — including where Pool Math still wins.

7 min read
In this guide
Full disclosure
We make PoolTrack. We tried to write this comparison the way we'd want to read it — with real credit where Pool Math earns it. If you spot something inaccurate, email us and we'll fix it.

TL;DR

  • Pool Math is a solid, battle-tested chemistry calculator backed by the TFP community. It's the right choice if you live on the TFP forum, want something dead-simple, and don't mind a dated interface.
  • PoolTrack is a rebuild of the same TFP-based chemistry with a clear care plan, a Telegram bot, and a modern interface. Free plan included.
  • If Pool Math already works for you, stay. If you've wished it did more — or you want to stop checking your pool and start being told when something's off — PoolTrack is worth a try.

What Pool Math does well

We need to acknowledge what Pool Math gets right before picking at edges:

  • Rock-solid dosing math. The calculations are derived straight from the TFPC method and peer-reviewed on the TFP forum by people who know pool chemistry cold.
  • Forum integration. When you post a reading on TFP, experienced members can see your logged history and give advice grounded in context.
  • Low price. The basic calculator is free; the paid tier is inexpensive.
  • No-nonsense philosophy. No gimmicks, no upsells dressed up as features. It respects your time.

That's a pretty good list. It's also why Pool Math has been the default recommendation on forums and Reddit for a decade.

Where Pool Math starts to feel tight

Pool Math is a calculator with a log. That's a deliberate design choice — but in 2026 a lot of pool owners want more.

  • It's reactive. It tells you what to add after you notice something's off. It doesn't warn you before a problem forms.
  • Entry friction. Logging means opening the app, tapping through menus, and typing numbers — poolside, often with wet hands.
  • UI conventions are dated. The interface works but doesn't reward returning to it. There's no dashboard view that summarizes "how's my pool doing right now."
  • No report output. Beyond in-app charts, there's nothing you can hand to a pool tech or file with an HOA.
  • No AI guidance. If a reading looks weird, you're on your own (or heading to the forum).

Feature-by-feature comparison

FeaturePool MathPoolTrack
Free planYes — basic calculatorYes — 1 pool, 25 readings
Dosing calculator (TFP-based math)YesYes
CYA-aware FC targetsYesYes
LSI (Langelier) with CYA correctionBasicYes
Reading history & trend chartsYesYes — recent readings
Pool health scoreNoYes — single-glance status
Log readings via Telegram botNoYes — free plan too
Dark mode / modern UILimitedYes
Open forum integrationYes (TFP)No

Where PoolTrack wins

2. Logging via Telegram

Poolside, one-handed, wet phone? Text the PoolTrack bot "pH 7.6 FC 3.2 TA 90" and it logs it. No app open, no menus. This is objectively the fastest way to log readings we've tested — and it's on the free plan.

Where Pool Math is still the better pick

We want to be fair here — Pool Math isn't obsolete. You should stay on Pool Math if:

  • You're active on the TFP forum and want your readings visible there for help.
  • You prefer Pool Math's pricing and feature set.
  • You explicitly don't want forecasting, AI, or extras — you want a calculator and a log. Nothing else.
  • You've been using it for years, your muscle memory is built, and nothing in the list above sounded valuable to you.

There's no shame in that. The best pool app is the one you'll actually open.

Thinking of switching?

You don't need to commit. A reasonable test:

  1. Sign up for PoolTrack free — no card required. Takes 60 seconds.
  2. Log your next 2 weeks of readings in both apps in parallel.
  3. See which one you open without being asked. That's your winner.

If you want to bring historical readings across, you can — most users just enter the last 4 weeks manually so the trend charts have something to work with. Older history isn't load-bearing day to day.

FAQ

Does PoolTrack use the TFP method?

Yes. Our FC/CYA targets, shock calculations, LSI with CYA correction, and dosing recipes all follow TFPC. We think TFP got the chemistry right — we just wanted to build a more modern shell around it.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free plan includes 1 pool, the last 25 readings, the full dosing calculator, the pool health score, treatment log, and Telegram logging. Most weekend owners are fine on the free plan indefinitely.

Is my data portable?

Yes. Settings includes a full JSON account export of everything we store on you. Your data is yours.

Will you be around in 5 years?

Fair question — software graveyards are full of ambitious pool apps. You can download a full account archive from Settings. Pool Math's longevity advantage is real and we respect it.

Try it — it's free

The fastest way to decide is to use PoolTrack for a week. No card, no trial clock — just log a few readings and see whether the care plans, Telegram logging, and dashboard earn a place on your home screen.

Start free →

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