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Method ledger
How YardVerdict scores digital pool water testers
Each product on the digital pool water testers scorecard gets one 0–100 score from the weighted formula below, computed only from published manufacturer specs and dated retailer records; we do not physically test products. The current table covers 21 products across 8 recorded spec fields, refreshed July 1, 2026.
- Scale
- 0-100
- Products
- 21
- Fields
- 8
- Updated
- July 1, 2026
The weights
| Dimension | Weight | Definition | Data source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parameter Count | 22% | Published listings put parameter count between 1 to 24; higher numbers score better, and a missing value stays neutral. | Parameter Count |
| Test Method | 18% | This dimension maps listed test method from test strips to Photometer; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral. | Test Method |
| Automation Level | 16% | The automation level scale runs from component for custom automation to fully automated with dosing; entries nearer fully automated with dosing earn the most credit, while unlisted ones stay neutral. | Automation Level |
| Recurring Cost Type | 12% | Listed recurring cost is graded on the annual subscription, sensor replacement-to-test strips scale — the higher rungs score best, and a missing value stays neutral. | Recurring Cost |
| Connectivity | 11% | Scoring connectivity follows the Infrared-through-Bluetooth, WiFi or WiFi, Bluetooth ladder where the top rungs win the highest marks, and a missing entry holds neutral. | Connectivity |
| Display Type | 9% | This dimension maps listed display type from digital display on control unit to color touchscreen; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral. | Display Type |
| Power Source | 7% | This dimension maps listed power source from 4 C batteries to rechargeable battery; top scale values score highest, and missing stays neutral. | Power Source |
| Parameters Measured | 5% | Listed parameters measured is graded on the Chlorine,pH-to-Free Chlorine,Total Chlorine,Bromine,pH,Alkalinity,Calcium Hardness,Cyanuric Acid or Free Chlorine,Total Chlorine,Bromine,pH,Calcium Hardness,Total Alkalinity,Cyanuric Acid,Copper,Iron,Salt or Free Chlorine,Total Chlorine,Bromine,pH,Total Alkalinity,Calcium Hardness,Cyanuric Acid or pH,Chlorine (free/combined/total),Alkalinity,Cyanuric Acid,Active Oxygen,Bromine,Chlorine Dioxide,Ozone,Hydrogen Peroxide,and others scale — the higher rungs score best, and a missing value stays neutral. | Parameters Measured |
| Total | 100% | All dimensions above sum to the full score. | Published score total |
- #1 PoolLab 2.0 Photometer85/100Parameter Count 22 pts, Test Method 18 pts, Connectivity 11 pts
- #2 LaMotte WaterLink Spin Touch76/100Test Method 18 pts, Automation Level 12 pts, Connectivity 9 pts
- #3 Ondilo ICO Pool66/100Automation Level 14 pts, Test Method 14 pts, Connectivity 11 pts
- #4 LaMotte ColorQ 2x Pro 764/100Test Method 18 pts, Automation Level 9 pts, Recurring Cost Type 9 pts
- #5 WaterGuru SENSE S263/100Test Method 15 pts, Automation Level 14 pts, Connectivity 10 pts
| Product | Composite | Parameter Count | Test Method | Automation Level | Recurring Cost Type | Connectivity | Display Type | Power Source | Parameters Measured |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PoolLab 2.0 Photometer | 85/100 | 22 points from grade 1 | 18 points from grade 1 | 8 points from grade 0.5 | 8.6 points from grade 0.72 | 11 points from grade 1 | 7.6 points from grade 0.84 | 4.8 points from grade 0.68 | 5 points from grade 1 |
| LaMotte WaterLink Spin Touch | 76/100 | 8.6 points from grade 0.39 | 18 points from grade 1 | 11.5 points from grade 0.72 | 7.4 points from grade 0.62 | 9.5 points from grade 0.86 | 9 points from grade 1 | 7 points from grade 1 | 5 points from grade 1 |
| Ondilo ICO Pool | 66/100 | 2.9 points from grade 0.13 | 14 points from grade 0.78 | 14.4 points from grade 0.9 | 5.5 points from grade 0.46 | 11 points from grade 1 | 8.1 points from grade 0.9 | 7 points from grade 1 | 3.1 points from grade 0.62 |
| LaMotte ColorQ 2x Pro 7 | 64/100 | 5.7 points from grade 0.26 | 18 points from grade 1 | 8.8 points from grade 0.55 | 8.6 points from grade 0.72 | 8.6 points from grade 0.78 | 4.5 points from grade 0.5 | 4.8 points from grade 0.68 | 5 points from grade 1 |
| WaterGuru SENSE S2 | 63/100 | 3.8 points from grade 0.17 | 15.5 points from grade 0.86 | 14.4 points from grade 0.9 | 7 points from grade 0.58 | 10.3 points from grade 0.94 | 4.5 points from grade 0.5 | 3.9 points from grade 0.55 | 4.1 points from grade 0.82 |
What the score bands mean
Score bands80+ strong60–79 solidBelow 60 limited fit
- 80+: strong marks on the heaviest dimensions with few weak lines in the listed specs.
- 60–79: competitive on most scored inputs, with at least one clearly weaker dimension.
- Below 60: trails this field on the inputs weighted most; the product cards list exactly where.
Source hierarchy
Published manufacturer specifications rank first, dated retailer records second; marketing claims without a checkable figure are excluded from scoring. Missing values never earn invented numbers; they are labeled “not listed - neutral 50” and take the neutral 50 grade the weight definitions describe.
- LaMotte
- Pool Warehouse
- Poolweb
- Global Test Supply
- PoolZoom
- Lovibond
- Fisher Scientific
- Pool Supply Unlimited
- Scored product catalog
Retrieved · Built
- Scored product catalog2026-07-01Source record
- Fisher Scientific2026-06-30Source record
- Global Test Supply2026-06-30Source record
- LaMotte2026-06-30Source record
- Lovibond2026-06-30Source record
Update history
- Rankings rebuilt from the refreshed catalog: 21 digital pool water testers re-scored on 8 published spec fields, parameter count first.