AI Transparency

How Ally's in-app AI features work, and how the optional ChatGPT connected app fits in.

Last updated: July 26, 2026

In-App AI Features

Ally uses AI to help you take care of aquariums, pools, spas, and ponds directly inside the Ally app. These features rely on third-party AI providers listed on our Subprocessors page. We do not claim to run a proprietary large language model and cannot make guarantees about how upstream providers may train, tune, or otherwise use inputs, beyond what those providers themselves publish.

Capabilities

Water test photo analysis and parameter extraction
Personalized water quality recommendations
Chat based assistance for aquarium, pool, spa, and pond care
Trend analysis and suggested next actions
Maintenance task suggestions
Equipment and livestock compatibility guidance

Data used by in-app AI

Sent to AI providers when you use these features

Your messages and questions
Water test photos you upload
Water test parameters and history you have logged
Aquarium, pool, spa, or pond details you have added
Livestock and plant information you have added
Recent conversation context for continuity

Not sent to AI providers

Payment or billing card information
Passwords or authentication credentials
Files or documents you have not attached
Precise device coordinates beyond what you provide
Other users' data

Retention

How long AI-related data is kept

Conversation history and AI memory: Kept while your account is active so Ally can offer continuity and personalization. You can delete conversations from the Ally app or delete your account to remove Ally-controlled AI content, subject to the limits in the Privacy Policy.

Water test data: Retained while your account is active so Ally can show trends and history. You can delete individual records or your account.

Operational logs: Ally keeps limited operational logs to keep AI features and the ChatGPT connection working. We do not guarantee a fixed automatic deletion window for these logs, and we do not promise that every upstream provider deletes inputs on any specific schedule.

ChatGPT Connected App

A separate optional connection

The ChatGPT connected app is separate from Ally's in-app AI features. It only becomes active if you choose to connect Ally to ChatGPT and approve access through Ally's authorization screen. ChatGPT is a product of OpenAI and, when connected, ChatGPT decides when to call an available Ally tool in response to your request. Ally responds by returning data scoped to your authenticated account through the tool you approved.

The current version of the connection exposes four read-only tools:

List aquatic spaces. Returns your aquatic-space ID, name, type, volume in gallons, status, setup date, optional free-form location label, and updated time.
Get an aquatic-space snapshot. Returns the space data plus health, stability, and care-rhythm scores, the next suggested action, missing or stale parameters, the latest test, alerts, recommendations, and upcoming tasks.
Get water test history. Returns up to 100 tests for a period you choose between 1 and 365 days, including test IDs, dates, confidence, entry method, optional notes and tags, and parameter values, units, and statuses.
Get upcoming tasks. Returns task and space IDs, space names, task names and types, due dates, recurrence, and overdue state.

These tools cannot create, edit, or delete Ally records. Photos, livestock or plant records, equipment records, payment information, passwords, tokens, ChatGPT conversation history, and precise device coordinates are not sent through these tools.

The Ally MCP application verifies each incoming request, does not create a persistent MCP session or token database on the Ally side, and does not perform background sync or periodic transfer of your data. Ally only returns data when ChatGPT invokes a tool for your request.

Once ChatGPT receives tool results, that information is handled under your OpenAI plan, settings, and applicable OpenAI policies. Consumer and business handling can differ. Ally does not control OpenAI training, retention, or memory behavior and does not promise a specific outcome. Signing out of Ally alone does not disconnect the ChatGPT connection. Disconnect Ally in ChatGPT's app or connector settings to stop future access.

For the full disclosure, see the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. For plain-language help, see Ally for ChatGPT privacy and permissions.

AI limitations and safety

Not a substitute for professional advice

Ally provides informational guidance based on general best practices. Consult a professional for serious issues involving livestock health, chemicals, electrical work, or safety.

May make mistakes

AI responses are generated from patterns and context and can be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify critical recommendations before acting on them.

Limited real-time context

Ally's AI features only work with data you have shared and, where applicable, weather data you have enabled.

Photo analysis accuracy

Photo based readings depend on image quality and lighting. Manual verification is recommended for precision.

Water-care decisions involving chemicals, electrical equipment, structural work, livestock health, and severe weather need human judgment. Review AI suggestions before acting on them and follow product labels, manufacturer directions, and local safety rules.

Human oversight and your controls

Human review

Our team monitors AI features to keep them safe and helpful. Feedback you provide helps us improve response quality over time.

Guidance about sick livestock, chemical dosing, or unusual test results includes suggestions to consult a professional.

Your controls

Delete conversation history anytime
Give feedback on AI responses
Export your account data
Delete your account
Disconnect the ChatGPT app from ChatGPT's connector settings

Questions about Ally AI?

We aim to be clear about how Ally's AI features work. Reach out if anything on this page is unclear or you want more detail.

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