Measuring Up

New technologies are transforming the vinyl pool liner and safety cover measuring process, making it more efficient, accurate and less physically demanding. 

Traditional AB measuring can get close to accurate when done by an experienced hand, but Tim Cassidy, director of business development for Trigonon in St. Louis, Missouri, says new green laser technologies are removing the need for tape measures, along with the margin of human error and physical labor that often accompanies their use. 

Trigonon: Precision meets familiar AB measuring

“There’s never any guessing with our device and software,” Cassidy says. “Rather than being ‘pretty accurate,’ it’s designed to be precisely accurate and dependable every time.”

The Trigonon is a patent-pending pool measuring device that uses laser technology to find the exact points of measurement down to an eighth of an inch. It was created to get those tricky angles for hard-to-measure pools, including odd shapes and water features like FUNbrellas. Cassidy says underwater stairs and shelves can be measured in most cases without even getting wet. 

“It’s an incredible device for wedding cake stairs as it can get them perfectly measured,” he says. “Those kinds of stairs are difficult to measure accurately with tape measures and in most cases, you have to get into the pool to measure them.”  

The Trigonon still uses the AB measuring process familiar to pool technicians, but the device helps achieve the result differently. 

“What’s huge is getting rid of the tape measures,” Cassidy says. “But we’re not getting rid of the AB measuring process. We’re saying, ‘Hey, you’re still using AB measuring, you’re just using technology with it.’ ”

Tape measuring can easily go wrong, from using the incorrect side of the tape to misreading numbers. Fatigue can set in, and even experienced pool techs can slip up. When the vinyl liner is cut to the wrong measurements, folds, tears and wonky-looking installations result, and finger-pointing over who’s responsible creates tension. Time feels wasted as the pool tech makes another trip to the jobsite and repeats the measuring process. 

“If a liner has to be redone, that’s the worst-case scenario,” Cassidy says. 

Trigonon also refines communication. Its web-based software allows users to view and share measurements in real time, making collaboration between pool techs and manufacturers more seamless. Team members back at the office can monitor readings instantly and provide support to colleagues in the field.

Cassidy says manufacturers hope to see more pool companies embrace technology that provides efficiency, accuracy and clear communication. 

Latham Pool Products: Two options for every tech

William Cappiello, vice president of product management for vinyl-liner pools for Latham Pool Products in Latham, New York, sees the pool industry trending toward new measuring tools as part of a larger shift with young professionals who are seeking smarter, more technological approaches. 

“We’re starting to see succession planning with our builders, and the newer generation, especially, doesn’t want to be so labor-intensive,” Cappiello says. “They’re going to demand technology, and we want to be there for them.” 

Latham offers two cutting-edge measuring solutions: the MeasurePRO and the MeasureGO. 

The MeasurePRO, which includes an M1 scanner, iPad and other required hardware, is designed for measuring complex liners and covers. The MeasureGO is a light version of the PRO, using an in-app measuring function with just an iPhone Pro 14 or newer. The MeasureGO requires little investment and is geared toward pool techs who need to capture simple dimensions for pool covers. Both tools provide precise measurements within minutes, and once the project data is uploaded, users can access quotes, drawings and process orders through the online portal. 

“We’re leading the industry with this technology,” Cappiello says. “It’s not only designed by the builder — it’s been built with the builder in mind.”

Cappiello says Latham has had positive reception from both sides of the spectrum, from young professionals who are “super pumped and amped that the technology is there” to the older generation of builders who don’t want to and may not be physically able to do the taxing measuring work. 

“Even our more mature and experienced builders don’t want to do the back-breaking work in 20-30 years,” Cappiello says. “They can now use technology to help them and reduce the amount of labor-intensive exercises such as measuring for a liner and a cover.”

Anchor Industries: One person, twice as fast

Anchor Industries has also entered the tech-driven measuring space with its recently launched One Measure by Anchor system. The device uses advanced laser technology to replace chalk lines and tape measures, giving pool professionals a faster and simpler way to capture dimensions for safety covers.

The system is designed for single operator use, cutting measuring time in half compared to traditional AB triangulation methods. The kit includes a laser measuring device, tripod, Bluetooth-enabled Samsung Active tablet, adjustment head, targeting plate and accessories, all packed in a carrying case.

“One Measure by Anchor is more than a measuring tool; it’s a comprehensive solution for pool professionals,” says Phil St. Germain, general manager of custom products at Anchor Industries. “This system simplifies the process of fitting pools with safety covers, handling complex shapes and obstacles with minimal setup, making it an indispensable asset for any pool project.”

The device works offline with Bluetooth connectivity between the laser and tablet, with an internet connection required only to upload files to the Anchor Dealer Portal. Dealers also gain access to Anchor University’s online learning resources, as well as hands-on training and customer support.

Trifecta of tools

With tools now available from Trigonon, Latham, Anchor and others, pool professionals have more options than ever to measure vinyl liners and covers with accuracy and efficiency — while avoiding the physical strain of traditional tape measuring.

All three companies are passionate about aiding pool techs in the industry, offering in-depth training, tutorials and customer support for users. 

“We’re developing something for the pool company’s sake,” Cassidy says. “When we develop something — the software, the device, everything we’re thinking through — we’re asking, ‘What’s the best thing for the pool company?’ ”