Orenda App version 5.0, LaMotte SpinTouch integration and our new Chemical Calculator

Pool chemistry just got a whole lot smarter. After countless hours of development and customer feedback, Orenda Technologies has released version 5.0 of their popular Rule Your Pool app, bringing three game-changing features that promise to revolutionize how pool professionals and homeowners manage water chemistry. From seamless test kit integration to reverse-engineered chemical calculations, this update represents a significant leap forward in pool chemistry precision.

The Journey to Version 5.0: Customer-Driven Innovation

The path to this major release wasn't taken lightly. As hosts Eric Knight and Jared explain in their podcast, this update represents years of customer requests finally coming to fruition. The development process was intensive, requiring the Orenda team to fly their developer overseas for five consecutive days of 10-plus hour coding sessions.

All of this is made possible because of you, our customers, our listeners, our app users. If not for you, we would not be diverting our attention and resources to creating this. If people were hardly using the calculator, what would be our motivation?

— Eric Knight, Rule Your Pool Podcast

This customer-centric approach has been fundamental to Orenda's development philosophy. Rather than building features in isolation, they actively listen to feedback submitted through their help center and customer support channels.

Revolutionary LaMotte SpinTouch Integration

The crown jewel of version 5.0 is undoubtedly the integration with the LaMotte Waterlink SpinTouch test kit. This professional-grade testing equipment, commonly found in pool stores, provides incredibly precise water chemistry readings that can now be automatically transferred to the Orenda app via Bluetooth.

The integration process is surprisingly simple for users, despite the complex technical challenges the development team faced behind the scenes. Pool professionals can now take a water sample, inject it into the SpinTouch disc, run the 60-second test, and instantly transfer results to their mobile device.

It sounds a lot simpler than it was just because of what we had. You know, if you plug it into a computer, it seems to be very easy. We have a mobile app. It wasn't quite as easy for us, but we got it done.

— Eric Knight, Rule Your Pool Podcast

What makes this integration particularly valuable is the precision it brings to calculations. Instead of rounding to the nearest increment (like 35, 40, 45 for alkalinity), the app now displays exact readings like 43 ppm, marked in blue to indicate they came from the SpinTouch device. This level of precision significantly improves the accuracy of chemical dosing recommendations.

For pool service companies, this integration addresses a critical need for standardization. Large companies require consistent testing procedures across all technicians, and the SpinTouch provides that reliability while automatically logging results into customer files.

Game-Changing Chemical Calculator

Perhaps the most innovative addition is the new chemical calculator, which represents a fundamental shift in how pool professionals approach chemical additions. Instead of calculating how much chemical is needed to achieve a desired change, this calculator answers the reverse question: "What will this specific amount of product do to my pool?"

This addresses real-world scenarios that pool professionals face daily. When you have a 50-pound bag of calcium chloride or a gallon of liquid chlorine, you want to know exactly how it will affect your water chemistry before adding it.

The premise came from questions that we get from pool pros and homeowners alike that would say, you know what's a gallon of bleach going to do to my pool? Or what is this one pound bag of shock going to do to my pool?

— Eric Knight, Rule Your Pool Podcast

The calculator allows users to select specific products with their exact concentration percentages, input the quantity they plan to use, and see precisely how it will change their water chemistry. This prevents over-dosing and helps professionals make more informed decisions about chemical additions.

However, it's important to note that this is version one of a three-phase rollout. Currently, the calculator is missing pH calculations, which the team acknowledges is a significant limitation that will be addressed in future updates.

Enhanced User Experience with Login Functionality

The new login system might seem like a simple addition, but it's actually the technical foundation that enables both the SpinTouch integration and the chemical calculator to function properly. This represents a significant architectural change for the app, moving from a purely local calculator to a more sophisticated platform.

The login system allows the app to remember user preferences, store custom chemical formulations, and maintain session data necessary for the advanced features. While some users might initially resist creating yet another account, the enhanced functionality makes it worthwhile.

Additionally, the app now includes comprehensive help documentation with hyperlinked resources. Users can tap on underlined terms to access detailed explanations and video tutorials, reducing the need for customer support inquiries.

Industry Impact and Future Implications

These updates position Orenda's app as more than just a calculator—it's becoming a comprehensive pool management platform. The integration with professional testing equipment bridges the gap between precise laboratory-grade testing and field calculations, something that hasn't been widely available in mobile applications.

For pool service companies, this means more consistent service delivery, better documentation of chemical additions, and the ability to provide customers with precise explanations of what products were used and why. Homeowners benefit from the same precision, helping them avoid the common mistakes that lead to water problems.

I think the app updates going to be awesome. I think it's going to add a lot of value to our users. I think it's going to add a lot of value to the industry to make things more precise, which is obviously one of our main goals and objectives.

— Jared, Rule Your Pool Podcast

The three-phase approach also suggests that more sophisticated features are coming. While the team hasn't revealed all details about phases two and three, they've indicated that the complexity and value will increase with each release.

Looking Ahead: What's Next?

Version 5.0 represents just the beginning of Orenda's expanded app capabilities. The team has been transparent about this being phase one of three, with more advanced features planned for future releases. They've also acknowledged some initial bugs and limitations that will be addressed in subsequent updates.

The success of this release will likely depend on user adoption and feedback. The integration with LaMotte equipment requires users to invest in or already own the SpinTouch system, which may limit immediate adoption. However, for pool professionals who do use this equipment, the integration provides immediate value.

As the pool industry continues to embrace technology, applications like Orenda's are becoming essential tools rather than nice-to-have accessories. The combination of precise testing, accurate calculations, and detailed record-keeping addresses real business needs for service companies while empowering homeowners to maintain their pools more effectively.

The Rule Your Pool app version 5.0 represents a significant step forward in pool chemistry management, combining cutting-edge integration technology with practical, customer-driven features. While there's still more to come in phases two and three, this release establishes a strong foundation for the future of digital pool management. Whether you're a seasoned pool professional or a homeowner looking to better understand your water chemistry, these new features offer unprecedented precision and ease of use in pool chemical management.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Version 5.0
• 05:30 LaMotte SpinTouch Integration
• 15:45 New Chemical Calculator Features
• 28:20 Login System and User Experience
• 35:10 Future Development Plans