Tape Measures vs. Trigonon Laser for Pool Liners and Covers
When it comes to replacing a pool liner or safety cover, the quality of the final fit depends entirely on the accuracy of the measurements. Even small measuring errors can lead to wrinkles, creases in wrong areas, installation challenges, and costly remakes.
For decades, pool companies have relied on the AB measuring process (using flexible tape measures) to capture pool dimensions. While tape measures are cheap and have been proven to work, they also introduce numerous opportunities for human error.
Using a modern laser measuring technology such as Trigonon, eliminates many of the errors caused by using tape measures. The result is a more precise pool measurement and, ultimately, a liner or cover that fits exactly as intended.
Problems Caused By Tape Measures when Measuring Pools for Liners and Covers
1. Skilled and detail-oriented employees are required
Traditional pool measuring for liners and covers involves using the AB Measuring process. Tape measures are typically used to measure points around the pool, so that a liner or cover can be cut to fit the measurements taken. While this process is accurate if done correctly, it depends heavily on the skill, consistency, and attention of the technician performing the measurements.
Every measurement requires multiple manual steps, and each step creates an opportunity for error. Most pool owners are hesitant to send employees out to measure a pool, because it’s just too easy to make mistakes… which leads to unhappy customers and lost revenue.
2. Reading the wrong side of the tape
Most flexible tape measures that are used for pool liners and covers, contain different measurements on both sides. During a busy measuring project, it is possible to accidentally read the wrong side of the tape.
A few distractions can lead to simple mistakes like this, that can create incorrect measurements. Bad measurements affect how the final liner or cover fits. So, you want to limit anything that can cause you to have these errors.
3. Slack in tape causes errors
Accurate tape measurements require consistent tension. So, when you are measuring a pool liner or cover, you have to “pull” out all of the slack in the line.
If the tape is not pulled tightly enough, slack develops and the measurement becomes longer than the actual distance.
Even small discrepancies compound throughout the whole measuring process, especially on larger or more complex pools.
Typically, the longer the distance, the more slack. Also, going around obstacles, tends to create a loose tape. Slack creates bad measurements… which creates bad projects.
4. Pulling too hard can move AB reference points
The opposite problem can occur when an employee pulls the tape too tightly.
To effectively measure pools for liners and covers, the AB measuring process requires setting up A and B reference points. It’s crucial that these points do not get swayed or even moved to a new location. A 1/4 inch change in an AB reference point, can result in a 4″ mistake showing up somewhere else in the pool.
Excess tension (to remove slack), can move an AB stake or bucket from its intended position. Once that reference point shifts, not only is that measurement affected, but every measurement after it will now be incorrect!
There’s always a dynamic tension involved with using tape measures. You’re either forced to have too much slack, or in danger of moving the bucket/stake. This is why tape measures are always more inconsistent and inaccurate than lasers…
NOTE: Some Pool Measuring Professionals use stakes to try to limit the movement… but even stakes offer either too much slack or move the AB points. While stakes my not move as much from the original position, they still move a little on every measurement taken. Being off a 1/4″ on the AB centers, can result in being off close to 4″ somewhere else in the pool. It’s the reason why one part of the pool fits great and another area doesn’t fit well.
Lasers have no slack and also cause zero movement. So a laser measuring device eliminates all “play” in the measuring line.
We did our own research and wrote a blog post about how even small AB errors can cause large mistakes throughout certain areas of the pool. Click here if you would like to read it.
5. Unique features make tape measures more difficult
Water features, raised walls, landscaping, and other poolside obstacles can interfere with pool liner and cover measurements.
Tape measures can snag, shift position, or require awkward routing around obstructions, increasing the likelihood of measurement inconsistencies.
Some water features such as Grottos…aren’t able to be reached by tape measures without getting into the water. Whereas, a Trigonon laser can be shot wherever needed, to obtain an exact measurement, without getting wet.
6. Manual data entry creates another opportunity for error
Once a tape measurement is taken for a pool liner or cover, the information still has to be recorded.
Typically, a pool technician either:
- Writes the measurement down manually, or
- Speaks the measurement into software. or to an employee, and relies on them to capture it correctly.
In either case, the measurement must be entered into a system before it can be used. A perfectly measured dimension can still become incorrect if it is written down wrong, spoken incorrectly, misheard, or entered improperly.
7. Tape measures often require two people
Because one technician typically holds a reference point while another reads and records measurements, traditional measuring methods often require two employees at every job site. As you can see from the picture above, one employee is holding one end and measuring the chalk point, while the other is having to make sure his end doesn’t move and also needs to record the measurement correctly. This is the reason most pool companies send out two employees anytime they have to measure a pool for a replacement liner or cover.
This increases labor costs and scheduling complexity while still leaving room for human error.
The Benefits of Using a Trigonon Laser to Measure Pools for Liners and Covers
1. Lasers have no slack or tension movement
With laser technology, there is no tape to pull, stretch, snag, or reposition. That means, there is no slack, or extra tension to worry about. The Trigonon laser simply shoots out from the chalk point, directly to the AB buckets and takes the measurements automatically.
The AB target points remain fixed, eliminating many of the variables that affect traditional liner and cover measurements.
2. Laser accuracy is precise to 1/8″
The Trigonon laser is so accurate, it measures down to an 1/8″. To visualize how precise that is, just take a Sharpie and make a mark on a piece of paper. That thin line is what 1/8″ looks like!
Unlike tape methods, the Trigonon device either catches a measurement, or it misses it. The device does not “guess” at a measurement. Meaning, if it has a glitch, it doesn’t just enter any given number into the system. It either grabs the correct measurement (middle of the bucket) or it produces an error message. For instance, new users of the Trigonon device may hit the bucket and then move the laser off the bucket, as they are learning to aim. The Trigonon laser takes multiple measurements to ensure it’s getting the exact middle of the bucket. If you move off the bucket, it gets “confused” by the wide swing in measurements. It will give an error message and ask you to simply retake that measurement, by pushing the button again.
This allows measurements to be collected with precision down to 1/8 inch, every single time! If you want your liners and covers to fit like a glove when you install them, you need this type of accuracy!
3. One employee can measure the whole pool
Because a Trigonon laser device records measurements automatically, a single employee can complete the entire measuring process.
This improves efficiency and saves money. It will allow that employee to take on extra measuring jobs, to bring in more revenue for the company. So, if you want to grow your local pool liner and cover replacement business, make sure you only have to send out 1 person to measure!
4. Trigonon can easily measure underwater stairs and shelves
Underwater features are some of the most difficult areas to measure accurately using traditional methods.
There are many errors that can happen using a tape measure for underwater stairs and shelves, including:
- not being able to reach the stairs or shelves
- the tape measure isn’t level
- measurements aren’t precise enough (not to an 1/8″ like a laser)
- the normal drawbacks of tape measures (slack and tension movement).
Luckily, using a laser like Trigonon minimizes or removes all of these types of errors. When replacing pool liners there is no room for error on underwater stairs and shelves… or your seams won’t line up and you will see creases and other issues.
Underwater Stairs
Tape measurements on stairs require pool technicians to compensate for elevation changes and maintain proper positioning throughout the entire measuring process.
Laser systems like Trigonon use self-leveling technology. So, it one less human error that can be made. with lasers you can pinpoint the exact dimensions of each stair and precisely pinpoint every curve or change. So, liners fit perfectly where they are supposed to during install.
Tanning Ledges and Underwater Shelves
Sun shelves and tanning ledges can create additional challenges for traditional measuring techniques. Due to how strenuous and accident-prone tape measures are, many pool professionals end up trying to do as few measurements as possible. But, the more points you measure, the more accurate the drawing will be. Since manufacturers cut the new liner based on your measurements, you want to be sure to measure as many points as possible, so the liner can be cut perfectly. You will see the difference when you install it and everything lines up perfectly and fits like it is supposed to.
Because Trigonon automatically maintains accurate reference geometry, measurements remain consistent across varying elevations and underwater features.
5. Automatic Data Capture Eliminates Input Errors
Capturing accurate measurements is only part of the process. Those measurements must also make it into the design software without being altered.
Trigonon uses laser technology to take measurements and uses proprietary software to automatically store the measurement data as it is collected. There is no need to manually write dimensions down, read them aloud, or enter them later.
This removes another significant source of human error from the measurement process for liners and covers.
Read more about this in the PoolPro Magazine article featuring Trigonon
6. Direct integration into Manufacturer’s CAD systems
Once measurements are complete, Trigonon can transfer directly into liner and cover manufacturers’ CAD systems.
This seamless workflow eliminates additional data entry steps and helps ensure the dimensions used to create the final product are the exact dimensions captured in the field.
Fewer manual input steps means fewer opportunities for mistakes.
7. Saves your back
Using tape measures requires bending over for every point you measure for a liner or cover. Between the pool outline, anchors, water features and other measurements, that can end up being 50-100 times per project! With Trigonon, you simply stand comfortably and shoot the laser. No bending required!
Make sure your covers and liners fit like a glove
The ultimate test of any measuring system is the finished product.
Pool professionals using the Trigonon laser technology, consistently report that liners and covers fit perfectly.
Many describe their underwater stairs and shelves fit “like a glove”.
When human error is removed from the measuring process, manufacturers receive more accurate information. More accurate information leads to better designs, and better designs lead to better-fitting liners and covers.
Lasers help even the most experienced tape measure professionals
The Trigonon laser still uses the AB measuring process. So, if you are a professional pool expert that already knows how to appropriately AB measure a pool… that experience will still be utilized. However, you would still receive all the benefits a laser offers over tape measures:
Laser measuring technology removes many of those variables by:
- Eliminating tape-reading mistakes
- Eliminating tape slack and tension issues
- Preventing shifted reference (AB) points
- Avoiding manual recording errors
- Reducing labor requirements
- Improving stair and shelf measurements
- Automatically capturing measurement data
- Seamlessly integrating with CAD systems
The result is a faster measuring process, elimination of human error, and liners and covers that fit the way you hoped they would!
If you would like to learn more about how Trigonon works and how we provide training, click here: