Owning a pool can sometimes feel like a part-time job. Between testing water quality, scooping out leaves, and managing chemical levels, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I was intrigued by the Sutro Smart Pool Water Monitor, a gadget claiming to automate pool care and simplify life for pool owners. However, with a hefty $500 price tag and a required monthly subscription, is this smart monitor a worthy replacement for traditional testing methods?
Here, I’ll take you through my two-month journey with the Sutro, covering its functionality, design, installation, and whether it truly outshines traditional pool testing.
The Sutro Pool Water Monitor is designed as an automated solution for pool owners, offering a tech-savvy alternative to traditional water testing methods like test strips and liquid drop kits. While the Sutro promises convenience and real-time monitoring, traditional methods remain popular for their simplicity and low cost. Here's how the Sutro stacks up.
With competitors like the WaterGuru Sense on the market, the Sutro’s key differentiator is its floating design and app integration, allowing it to measure water chemistry directly from the pool surface. In contrast, the WaterGuru Sense is installed in the skimmer and doesn’t require monthly cartridge replacements. Although the Sutro’s reagent-based cartridges offer precise readings, the ongoing cost can be a drawback for some users.
The Sutro tracks the essential metrics that determine pool water balance, including:
pH Measurement: Balances the water's acidity and alkalinity, reducing corrosion and protecting pool surfaces.
Free Chlorine Measurement: Ensures the water remains sanitized, protecting swimmers from bacteria and algae.
Total Alkalinity Measurement: Acts as a buffer for pH, helping to stabilize the water chemistry.
Water Temperature: Provides insights into seasonal adjustments needed for pool care and swimmer comfort.
While the Sutro covers these basic metrics, some pool owners also consider ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) monitoring, which provides an additional indicator of water cleanliness. The Sutro currently does not support ORP, which could be a limitation for those looking for more advanced monitoring.
While switching to the Sutro can save time, its monthly subscription and connectivity requirements may not be ideal for everyone. Traditional test kits are reliable, affordable, and available without recurring fees. Digital pH and ORP sensors are also affordable and provide useful readings for pool owners who prefer hands-on testing without monthly costs. However, the convenience of automated, app-based notifications makes Sutro a valuable tool for busy pool owners who prefer a hands-off approach.
The Sutro Pool Water Monitor functions by automatically analyzing water chemistry multiple times per day, sending real-time data to the app. This continuous monitoring is a big advantage over manual testing, which typically occurs weekly.
The Sutro’s technology involves a combination of sensors and proprietary reagent cartridges. The device samples the water, applies reagents for analysis, and calculates results for pH, free chlorine, and total alkalinity. The Sutro app serves as the central hub, delivering notifications when pool conditions fall outside of ideal ranges.
The app offers weekly and monthly summaries, providing a broader view of how water quality changes over time. This historical data can be particularly helpful during seasonal changes when chemical balance may fluctuate more significantly.
Water Chemistry: Essential to pool health, balancing pH, chlorine, and alkalinity ensures safe swimming conditions.
Notifications: Alerts you when the pool’s chemical levels need attention.
Smart Cartridge: The proprietary testing component included with the monthly subscription, which simplifies testing but requires regular replacement.
Water Temperature: Helps determine ideal swimming conditions and chemical needs.
Setting up the Sutro Pool Water Monitor is straightforward but can have connectivity and calibration challenges. For optimal performance, the device should be paired with the Sutro app within range of a strong WiFi connection.
Setting up the Sutro Pool Water Monitor requires some basic steps to get it up and running efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of each phase to ensure a smooth installation and optimal performance.
Start by installing the rechargeable battery into the Sutro monitor. The device comes with two batteries, so you can always have one charged and ready to swap out when needed. Once the battery is installed, plug the device into its power adapter for a full charge before placing it in the pool. This will ensure that you get uninterrupted performance from the start.
Always keep one battery charging while the other is in use.
Check battery life through the Sutro app to avoid unexpected downtime.
Once the battery is installed, the next step is pairing the device with the Sutro mobile app. Open the app on your smartphone and press the pairing button on the device. The app should recognize the monitor and initiate the connection. Pairing may take a few attempts, so ensure you are within range of a strong WiFi signal.
Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
Restart the app if the device is not recognized after a few attempts.
After pairing, install the reagent cartridge into the Sutro monitor. Each cartridge is pre-filled with chemicals needed to test pH, free chlorine, and total alkalinity. The cartridge installation process is straightforward: simply slot the cartridge into the designated compartment. Cartridges need to be replaced monthly as part of the subscription service, so keep track of your supply.
Automatically delivers accurate test results without manual handling.
Monthly replacements ensure consistent and precise measurements.
Before the device can start accurate monitoring, it requires an initial calibration process. The Sutro will run a diagnostic routine to ensure all sensors and components are working correctly. Calibration can take up to an hour, so plan accordingly and leave the device undisturbed.
Ensures initial readings are accurate and align with actual water chemistry.
Reduces the need for manual adjustments and repeated testing.
Once calibrated, the Sutro begins automatic monitoring and sends app notifications for real-time water quality updates. Users receive alerts if readings fall outside ideal ranges, along with actionable recommendations for maintaining balance. The app also provides a water quality report and weekly summaries to track pool health over time.
Adjust notification settings in the app to control how often you receive updates.
Set alerts based on specific thresholds, such as pH levels or chlorine concentrations.
Unboxing and setting up the Sutro is a premium experience, with an intuitive layout similar to other high-end tech devices. Setup begins by charging the rechargeable battery and connecting the device to the app using the pairing button. However, pairing issues may arise, which can delay initial setup, as experienced by some users who report needing several attempts.
Once paired, calibration is essential. The Sutro runs a diagnostic routine to confirm accurate readings. It’s important to complete this calibration to ensure the device’s data aligns with traditional test methods.
While the Sutro provides a streamlined way to monitor water quality, occasional connectivity issues can delay data updates. Unlike manual test kits, which give immediate results, the Sutro relies on a stable connection to update the app. Additionally, if the device loses WiFi connectivity, you may miss important water quality notifications.
The Sutro includes two rechargeable batteries to ensure continuous operation. One battery can be charged while the other is in use, eliminating downtime. Monthly cartridge installation is required to maintain accurate readings, which makes the system user-friendly, though it involves an ongoing cost.
The Sutro is compatible with standard chlorine pools and mineral sanitizers, making it a versatile option for most pool types. However, it doesn’t integrate with automatic chlorinators or other devices that adjust chlorine levels based on real-time data. Pool owners who use systems like saltwater chlorinators may find this lack of integration a limitation, as the Sutro does not directly control chlorine levels in response to its readings.
The Sutro combines a modern design with robust technology. Floating on the pool surface, it continuously samples water and sends data to the Sutro mobile app.
Compact Floating Design: The Sutro’s design allows it to float in the pool, giving it an unobtrusive look while still being easy to retrieve for maintenance.
Power Adapter: Included to charge the rechargeable batteries, the power adapter is straightforward and ensures the device stays operational.
Smart Cartridge: The replaceable testing cartridge, part of the subscription plan, is easy to install and provides ongoing water analysis.
The Sutro mobile app is the control center for pool monitoring. It provides real-time readings for pH, free chlorine, and total alkalinity, with the option for notifications when water quality deviates from the recommended range. The app also generates weekly and monthly reports, which help track changes over time, offering a clear overview of your pool’s health. These insights can be valuable for adjusting pool maintenance routines based on seasonal or environmental changes.
When compared to other smart monitors like the WaterGuru Sense, the Sutro stands out with its floating design, which allows it to be easily accessed. However, it does require ongoing cartridge replacements, which can add to the cost. The WaterGuru Sense, which sits within the skimmer, doesn’t have a recurring cartridge requirement, potentially making it a more budget-friendly option for pool owners concerned with long-term costs.
For those who prefer no ongoing fees, traditional test kits remain competitive. Digital pH and ORP sensors also offer accurate readings at a fraction of the cost, appealing to pool owners who prefer manual testing without a subscription.
Solid and reliable, but the restocking fees and the lack of NanoFilters bring it down a notch.
