How we review

Short version: we read everything the manufacturer publishes and label the result honestly. Right now every guide on this site is research-based. None is labeled hands-on tested.

What "research-based" means here

For each product we compare:

• Manufacturer specifications: flow ratings, horsepower and WEF for pumps, rated pool size and chlorine output for salt systems, filtration, runtime and coverage claims for robots.
• Owner's manuals and installation guides: operating limits (for example, water-temperature cutoffs on salt cells), required maintenance, and what voids coverage.
• Warranty terms: length, parts versus labor, and especially how coverage changes when the product is bought online, from an unauthorized seller, or installed by a homeowner.

We cite our sources at the bottom of every guide and record a "last checked" date. When the manufacturer's numbers are marketing claims (say, "up to 80% energy savings"), we say so.

What "tested" would mean

We only use a "hands-on tested" label when we have actually used the specific product ourselves, and the guide will say exactly what we did with it. At launch, no product on this site carries that label. If that changes, the label will appear at the top of the guide, and the research-based parts will still be marked as research.

What we don't do

• We don't invent measurements, test scores, star ratings, anecdotes or customer stories.
• We don't copy or reword other review sites. Our comparisons come from primary sources.
• We don't accept payment for placement or positive coverage.
• We don't publish exact live prices, which change daily. We give typical ranges and a "check current price" link.

How we pick products

We start with what's widely sold and supported in the US, then narrow by fit for Texas conditions: total cost over several years (not just the sticker price), warranty terms for the way most people actually buy, parts availability, and how the product copes with heat, scale, heavy debris and cold snaps. Sometimes the honest recommendation is a cheaper product, a dealer purchase instead of an online one, or nothing at all.

Updates

Robot lineups change every year and warranty documents get revised. We re-check specs, prices and warranty pages periodically and update the "last checked" date when we do. If you find something out of date, please tell us.