Getting Started With Trigonon
Lesson 1
The first step to using the Trigonon is creating an account. No credit card is required to sign up, and you can start using our AB app with a tape measure for free. You’ll only be asked for payment information when you’re ready to purchase a unit.
How to Create Your Account
- Go to: measurewith.thetrigonon.com or click Sign Up from the homepage.
- On the sign-up screen, click Sign Up For New Account.
- Enter your company name and a U.S.-based mobile number (this helps us prevent spam).
- We’ll send you a text message with a verification code. Enter the code to verify your account.
That’s it — you’re all set! Your new account is now active, and you can start using the app immediately.
Now that you have created an account you can order a Trigonon Unit.
- Login and click on the Account tab.
- Then press Device Orders.
Follow the prompts to order a new device. Notice, you will need a valid credit card to purchase a unit. You will also be required to fill out a valid email address and shipping address.
If units are in stock they will typically ship out within 3 business days. If out of stock you will need to email support to get an accurate ship date. Units are shipped out via UPS and we can provide a tracking number upon request.
With your purchase of a Trigonon unit, you’ll receive a durable carrying case and a power cable. The case is specifically designed to protect your Trigonon when not in use.
To ensure longevity, avoid exposing the Trigonon to direct sunlight or high temperatures, such as leaving it on your car’s dashboard on a hot summer day. As a precision tool, it requires careful handling.
While the carrying case is waterproof, the Trigonon itself is not. Do not expose the unit to moisture, as damage caused by water is not covered under the warranty.
Every Trigonon device comes with individual poles that should be glued together. Once they are assembled as one pole, you would put the phone holder piece on first and slide it up towards the top of the pole and tighten it to stay in place.
Then, you can put the Trigonon Device onto the bottom of the pole, so it’s ready to measure.
You can also move the device up and down the pole, as needed. This is useful on areas where you have different levels involved. An example would be measuring underwater stairs, for a liner replacement. You would simply use the attachments on the back of the device, to lift the unit higher every time you want to drop down to another stair in the water. Then, you can easily measure the edge of each step.
We also provide an extra pole attachment that does not get glued onto the pole. It can be fitted to the end of the device pole, as an extra extension for underwater stairs that are deeper. There is also an extra piece we include that fits to the bottom of the pole that fits to the edge of the stairs. It allows the very edge of the stair to measured!
Here are a few more items that are included. Also, some ideas on shading the buckets, which helps the laser find and take measurements at a faster pace.
1. Two White Buckets – These will be used for your AB points. We have found white buckets are the best for attracting the targeting and measuring lasers. We’ve labeled one bucket “A” and the other “B”. Remember that if you are standing at the pool facing outwards towards the buckets, A is always on the right side.
There is reflective tape on each bucket. In certain sunlight conditions the laser works better on the reflective tape. At other times, it works better on the bucket itself. This just gives you options, depending upon the level and glare of the sunlight.
2. Two Trigonon “Donuts” – We include “Trigonon Donuts” which fit around the bottom of the buckets. They simply slide up until they hold themselves in place. They help shade the buckets.
3. Two Clamp-on Umbrellas – If you happen to be working when the sun is rising or setting and therefore have direct sunlight hitting the white buckets, extra shade can help. With direct sunlight, the device still works, but it can take a little longer for the laser to get the measurement. Since we know every second counts, we have found that shading the buckets allows the measuring laser to work better and faster. By using an umbrella that clamps onto the white pails you purchased, it will allow the bucket to still be shaded in direct sunlight. You can also purchase cheap, clamp on umbrellas at Walmart or on Amazon.
Lesson 2
One of the key features that sets the Trigonon Swimming Pool Measuring Device apart is our Patent Pending Green Targeting Laser. Unlike traditional measuring devices that use low-power red lasers, which are nearly impossible to see in bright sunlight, our high-power green laser is designed specifically for outdoor visibility, even in direct sunlight. This makes aiming and targeting much easier and more accurate.
However, due to the brightness and power of the green laser, there are some important safety precautions to follow:
- Always wear the provided green safety glasses when operating the Trigonon. This helps protect your eyes and makes the laser easier to see.
- Ensure anyone in the vicinity also wears eye protection if they may be exposed to the laser beam.
- Only aim the laser at approved targets such as the AB targets, pool walls, or pool features. Never point the laser at people, animals, reflective surfaces, or aircraft. Pointing the laser toward the sky or unauthorized objects may violate Federal Laws.
- Turn off the green laser when operating indoors. The high-power laser is not necessary for indoor use and may pose an unnecessary safety risk. Please refer to the Setup and Configuration section of the manual to learn how to disable the laser when working indoors.
The green laser is a powerful tool that significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of your measurements, but it must be used responsibly. Always prioritize safety when operating the Trigonon.
Product: 12mm Green Laser Module 532nm 50mW
Product Description:
This 12mm green laser module features a powerful 532nm 50mW green laser head, designed for high visibility and performance. Equipped, it operates at 3V.
Key Features:
- High Performance: Utilizes advanced chip technology to enhance brightness and power efficiency while keeping costs reasonable.
- Compact Design: Diameter of 12mm and overall length of 55mm (including spring), with a copper head measuring 30mm.
- Stable Output: Produces a 532nm green light with a consistent 50mW output power.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials for reliable performance.
Specifications:
- Operating Voltage: 3V
- Wavelength: 532nm (green light)
- Output Power: 50mW
- Dimensions:
- Diameter: 12mm
- Total Length: 55mm (including spring)
- Copper Head Length: 30mm
- Application: Trigonon Swimming Pool Liner & Cover Measuring.
This module offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making it perfect for outdoor measuring.
The Hover Timeout (Sec) setting is also located on the Capture Controls screen. The default is 20, we advise using between 10 – 20. This is the amount of time in seconds before a failed measurement will stop trying. If the laser gets lost or you are taking bad measurements the Trigonon will continue to try and get a good measurement for this amount of time before it stops and you have to try again.
The Hover Time for Find (secs) setting is defaulted to 2 seconds. When performing a Hover measurement on a bucket, the Trigonon requires a short period to take multiple readings and accurately determine the bucket’s center.
- Too short: If the hover time is too low, the device may not collect enough data, leading to inaccurate measurements.
- Too long: If it’s set too high, you’re simply wasting time without improving accuracy.
For optimal results, keep this setting at 2 or 3 seconds.
Once you have your device configured, you’re ready to start doing some practice measurements! We have found that it’s much better to practice a little at home, or in the office, before using it for the first time in the field.
We made a “Training University” section that explains how to get started and even takes you through a practice test. When you open the app, click on the “Training” icon, so you can see how to go about your first practice shot!
NOTE: It will only take about 20 minutes to go through the University Training. If you have not yet used the device, this 20 minutes will save you hours of time and frustration in the field. Going through the correct setup is the difference between getting started and moving along quickly, or getting sidetracked with issues that could have been prevented.
click on the Training icon
go through each training box
Once you have completed Trigonon University, you will know how to setup your AB targets and be ready for measuring in the field. However, we have found that pool companies still like to be able to take additional practice shots, or just show employees how it works!
So, we set up a “Practice” button when the App opens.
You get two choices:
- Target Hover
- Point & Shoot
After you click on the “Practice” button, you can then decide which shot you want to to take. The “Target Hover” is what you will be using 90% of the time. This is a proprietary feature of the Trigonon device! It allows you to shoot a laser at a round object and have the device calculate the middle of the bucket. Why is that important? If you are 20 feet away from an object, there is a certain amount of “sway” that happens naturally. Without our “hovering” technology, the device may take a measurement that is slightly off from the precise location of the targets. With the hover technology built-in, the device still gives the precise point at the middle of the bucket. So, you can be moving slightly and it will still get the correct measurement!
For a Target Hover shot, simply click on the “Target Hover” button.
It will display both “A” and “B” buttons. You can choose either button first.
NOTE: We suggest choosing A first and always shooting the A bucket on the right and then the B bucket. You can do the reverse… but it helps to have a process. Meaning, if you do that every time, you will always choose the button and then measure the correct corresponding bucket! If on the other hand, you choose “B” but shoot at the A bucket by accident, you will cause a measuring error. So, it helps to have a process of “always hit A first and then always measure bucket A” to eliminate possible errors in measuring.
click on the Practice button
click Target Hover
start with A then B
Taking the Measurement
Once you hit the A button, it will turn yellow, which lets you know the green targeting laser is on and is waiting for you to aim it at the A bucket. Once there, click A again and the green laser will go off and it will start measuring. Just leave it held there until you hear the beep. The A button will also turn white once the measurement is complete.
Then, repeat with the B button and remember to aim at the B bucket!
Press A to aim green laser
press A again to take measurement
If you haven’t yet reviewed “Target Measurements” (that precedes this section), it would be helpful to start there. Then, continue on to this section. It explains the main types of measurements you will be doing in the field. It also shows what the screen looks like when it takes a measurement.
For a “Point & Shoot”, we will simply discuss the differences with this type of measurement.
Where a Target Hover grabs the center of a round object, to keep your measurement precise during AB measurements… a Point & Shoot measures the exact spot the laser is on.
If you wanted to pinpoint something, you would use this measurement. For example if you wanted to show where a Funbrella was located in a pool, you could do a Point & Shoot and it will measure the exact spot you were aiming for.
The majority of scenarios where the Point & Shoot would be used:
- Pinpointing something in the pool without getting into the water to make the measurement
- A wall that cannot be reached, except by getting into the water. You can shoot multiple spots to pinpoint it
- Ladder or Slide rails
- Any area that needs to be pinpointed in an exact spot
click on the Practice button
click Point & Shoot
choose with or without pointer
You can choose to use the green laser to find the bucket (pointer) or leave it off. If you are indoors, you will not need the pointer. It’s overly bright for indoor use with a bucket, just a few feet away from you. So, you can turn it off if you choose to. In the field, it will come on automatically.
You press the button and the measuring laser (and green laser in the field) come on to help you find your point. Then when you press the button again, you will hear “warning” beeps (like a countdown) so you can start holding still. The last, longer beep is your last warning given and the measurement will be taken at the precise point the beep ends.
It’s that easy! As with a Target Hover, the device automatically records the measurement. No need to write or speak it into your phone.
Lesson 3
AB Setup
New Project – Setup AB Line & Buckets
IMPORTANT
- AB length should be 2/3 of the pool or at least 15ft
- If you are standing at the AB line and looking at the pool, A is on your Left, B is on your Right
- The AB line should NOT be closer than 3ft from anything you are measuring
- The AB line should NOT cross anything you are measuring.
You’ll chalk the pool just as you would with traditional AB measuring. As you become more experienced with the Trigonon device, you’ll find that not every point needs chalking. However, until you’ve mastered the process, it’s best to chalk every point you plan to measure to ensure accuracy and consistency.
AB Measuring a Swimming Pool with Chalk
AB measuring is a precise method used to determine a pool’s shape and dimensions for tasks like installing a liner or cover. This process involves marking reference points around the pool’s perimeter with chalk, using two fixed points—A and B—as a baseline for measurement. These points are typically placed about two-thirds the length of the pool apart on the deck.
Key Aspects of AB Measuring with Chalk:
🔹 A and B Reference Points
- Placed on the pool deck a few feet from the edge.
- Serve as fixed reference points for all perimeter measurements.
🔹 Marking with Chalk
- Chalk is used to mark points along the pool’s perimeter.
- Points are numbered sequentially from the “A” point.
🔹 Measuring Distances
- Each chalked point’s distance is measured from both A and B.
- This data is used to map the exact shape of the pool.
Why is AB Measuring Important?
✅ Ensures a Perfect Fit
- Precise measurements result in an accurately sized liner or cover, eliminating gaps or misalignment.
✅ Captures Pool Contours
- The recorded measurements provide a detailed map of the pool, including curves, slopes, and irregularities.
By following this method, you can ensure accurate and reliable measurements, making the installation process smoother and more efficient.
number every 5th mark
Measuring the Anchor Locations
Anchor points can be precisely pinpointed with The Trigonon. To measure the anchors, simply:
- Find any anchor you want to start at and label it “1”
- Number every 5th Anchor (see below, in yellow)
- Then, start at #1 and measure all anchors
- Hit “Finalize” when finished!
How To Get Cross Measurements
Your Trigonon Device eliminates human error mistakes, by automatically measuring and storing each measurement. So, once you are used to using your device and see how accurate your projects are… you may feel you don’t need to do Cross Measurements anymore.
However, there are two great reasons to still do Cross Measurements:
- It’s still a great way to help verify the accuracy of the measurements you’ve taken
- Manufacturers still prefer or require them before manufacturing a cover or liner for you
So, we would still recommend doing them. Here’s some pointers on how to go about it with our device.
Understand how the lasers are measuring
Once you understand how the lasers work, it’s much easier to do measurements and also to troubleshoot. Review these pointers and it will make this step go quickly and easily.
Types of lasers used
There are TWO different lasers in our Trigonon Device:
- Red Measuring Laser – This is the laser that actually does the measuring. In bright sunlight, it may be difficult, or even impossible to see… especially at longer distances. The laser can still do the measuring, but it is difficult to place it in the proper place if you cannot locate it.
- Green Targeting Laser – This laser helps locate the position you plan to measure. We use a very bright green laser to target where the device is pointing. Since you can see it on sunny days, you can point this where you need a measurement and then you know where the red, measuring laser is also going to be.
How distance effects the lasers
Our lasers are set up to be in sync with each other so that you can find the point you need to hit with the green laser and then the red laser is in the same location, automatically measuring that specific spot.
However, as the distance increases, the lasers will have a tiny bit of space between them. From about 40 feet and longer, the red laser may be a little higher or a little lower than the green laser.
You can easily see where your red measuring laser is, in relation to your green targeting laser by practicing indoors, where you can see the red laser clearly. Then, you can see if the red laser ends up being a little higher or lower than the green at longer distances.
Then you can easily adjust, when you are at a pool, doing a Cross Measurement.
For instance, if you realize that at 40 feet, your red laser ends up being about a 1/2″ lower than the green, then you will know how to adjust later when you do this measurement. For instance, when you do your cross measurement, you can be sure to point the green laser high enough on the pool wall to ensure that the red laser is also hitting the wall and not the water. If it hit the water, it would end up making an error or using the water as a measurement, which will come up shorter than it actually should be.
Here’s a picture to help understand:
Once you understand how the lasers are used and also how distance effects them, it’s a very simple adjustment. In the picture above, if you know that your red laser is a little underneath your green laser, then when do your Cross Measurement, you will just make sure to lift the green laser maybe a little higher than you normally would have, to ensure the red laser is hitting the pool wall. Maybe you even just aim the green laser at the bottom of the coping or close to it. But, it’s very simple once you understand how they work together.
Remember to hold the Device still
For your AB measurements on the pool outline, you hit the round buckets and our device does a “hover” measurement. This is where the device takes multiple measurements and figures out the middle of the bucket for you.
However, the Cross Measurements are a different type of measurement. This is from one point to another point on the pool, so it is what we call a “point & shoot” measurement. You take one precise measurement from one point of the pool you measured, to the pool wall at another point you have already measured.
When doing this measurement, the last beep is the one that actually takes the measurement. So, you have a couple seconds to make sure you have it in the correct spot.
Tips on how to hold the device to keep it steady
If you do the following, we have found it really helps to keep the device steady:
- Extend the walking stick higher so that it comes up to your chest, so you can “hug” the device to your chest to keep it steady
- Have a wide stance with your feet, so you are stable
- While you are holding it, you can still have your phone right there to hit the button, to start the measurement.
Here’s a picture to help explain the point:
Check it against a tape measure
Now that you have a check measurement using Trigonon, use a tape measure as another way to check for validity:
- Pick two points on the pool outline that are easy for 1 person to measure (such as points 5 & 10 as seen below)
- Measure it with a tape measure
- Compare to your Trigonon measurement
Lesson 4
