Applied Technology Review: Specials Magazine

A sparkling pool or hot tub is a source of relaxation, but maintaining water quality can often feel like a guessing game. Test strips provide inconsistent results, chemical levels fluctuate unexpectedly, and water can quickly turn cloudy or unsafe without frequent monitoring. Homeowners want to enjoy their pools, not spend time troubleshooting water chemistry. Crystal Water Monitor eliminates the guesswork with smart, real-time monitoring and precise recommendations based on over 1000 readings per week. The system includes a water-immersed sensor and an external monitor, protecting sensitive electronics. At the helm of Crystal Water Monitor is Justin Miller, its co-founder and CEO whose journey into water monitoring began in 2014 leading to the launch of pHin in 2017. pHin quickly became the top product in its category, offering pool owners a convenient way to test water quality. However, it was discontinued after being acquired in 2018 due to strategic changes during COVID-19. Recognizing the need for a more robust and precise solution, Miller leveraged years of experience in Silicon Valley, including roles at Apple, eBay, and Comcast, to develop Crystal Water Monitor—a superior product designed to eliminate the issues faced by pHin and other competitors. Unlike pHin’s floating sensor design, which was prone to water seepage and eventual damage to electronic components, the Crystal Water Monitor is built for greater durability and accuracy. This strategic improvement allows the device to provide continuous, real-time readings without the risk of internal damage. “We didn’t just build another product—we built a smarter, more intuitive solution that truly solves the real challenges homeowners face in maintaining their water,” said Miller. Advanced Technology for Smarter Water Care Crystal Water Monitor is more than just a sensor—it’s an intelligent system designed to simplify pool care. Using its mobile app, users can also input additional water chemistry data, including hardness, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid levels. The app also allows users to scan chemical barcodes for precise dosing recommendations, ensuring the right amount of chemicals is added to maintain balanced water conditions. Unlike competing devices that test water chemistry just once daily, Crystal Water Monitor conducts over 1,000 weekly tests. This high-frequency monitoring enables users to track daily chlorine levels, pH balance, and overall water quality fluctuations, preventing common problems before they escalate. The system uses oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), the standard measurement for most commercial pools, to measure sanitizer effectiveness, ensuring a cleaner and safer swimming environment. This feature is great for both pools as well as hot tubs, where rapid chemical shifts occur due to small water volumes and high temperatures. It detects these changes and delivers immediate recommendations, ensuring the water remains safe.