New Poolmath Look?

[Sunbaby]

The update definitely doesn’t look as nice, it’s difficult to know at a glance what needs to be looked at/adjusted. It doesn’t have the details on ideal/recommended. I literally jacked up my additions today because it prompted me to add - it only tells you the ideal numbers not the acceptable numbers. Im super disappointed and I’m back to using the excel spreadsheet and just logging it in the app for my warranty. I’m hoping they will continue to work on it.

If you don’t have to update, don’t do it!

 

[Mdragger88]

I somewhat agree-
It wil take a minute to get used to.
Although the warnings drove me mad I appreciated seeing the ranges to quickly tell whether my “target” was low/high etc.

 

[Newdude]

Folks !!!! You tell the calculator what you need to know, not the other way around.

And just in case anyone doesn't realize it for FC, when it says 3 to 7 is acceptable (etc), the low number is min. It is not an acceptable # to run. It's only acceptable at your next test time because you didn't cross over into Swampville. Give yourself plenty of wiggle room at the low end so that you land free and clear above min tomorrow.

As we all know, you may need to dose over target range during the peak season, in order to land above min at the next test.

 

[Sunbaby]

I somewhat agree-
It wil take a minute to get used to.
Although the warnings drove me mad I appreciated seeing the ranges to quickly tell whether my “target” was low/high etc.

Folks !!!! You tell the calculator what you need to know, not the other way around.

And just in case anyone doesn't realize it for FC, when it says 3 to 7 is acceptable (etc), the low number is min. It is not an acceptable # to run. It's only acceptable at your next test time because you didn't cross over into Swampville. Give yourself plenty of wiggle room at the low end so that you land free and clear above min tomorrow.

As we all know, you may need to dose over target range during the peak season, in order to land above min at the next test.

I understand how to care for my pool, thanks to this forum, and the previous version of this app. I share the app at least once a week in FB pool forums, trying to help new users. I’ve been blessed to have the knowledge at the tip of my fingers and an amazing app that made it fluid and dummy-proof. The current app is definitely going to confuse users — maybe not you, but it’s important to be able to see things from other’s POV, not everyone has your capabilities.

 

[Newdude]

but it’s important to be able to see things from other’s POV,

I get it.

But it's a common misconception that the app will advise them and we aren't at that point yet. Instead, everyone needs to know what they would like to accomplish and only use the calculator for the maths part.

Pollmath doesn't know all the users variables such as what their fill water will do to their previously acceptable TA or CH levels, their climate, how their Ph trends, or the UV demand at the point in the season. It only gives vague parameters as a suggestion that may or may not apply to the user.

 

[Leebo]

The update definitely doesn’t look as nice,

Can we add to your list that we’ve also introduced some new bugs that weren’t there before?

If you don’t have to update, don’t do it!

The framework that “runs” things behind the scenes of PoolMath and is used to build the App is being (or maybe even has been) phased out and we’ve hit a time where we were gonna slowly start seeing issues if we didn’t do something. PoolMath has been around now for roughly 7 years and there’s not really been any major updates to the code running the program, until now. The update you see basically was a total redo of the App to update things behind the scenes to a new modern framework that will allow the App to continue to be built up in the future and will help guarantee device compatibility as newer devices are introduced. We simply wouldn’t be able to say this had we not of made the switch.

I’m hoping they will continue to work on it.

Right now we’ve been testing the current version on the new iOS 18 Beta to ensure everything works as expected once the new operating system is introduced by Apple later this year. We also need to test the Android OS Beta’s soon to ensure everything is running as expected. Once this testing is complete we’ll loop back to building/addressing the things you see in front of you and continue to improve the App.

it’s difficult to know at a glance what needs to be looked at/adjusted. It doesn’t have the details on ideal/recommended.

Here’s one example where I’m having everybody call for my head no matter what is done……and I see everybody's point of view. The old method of notices front and center definitely helped guide newbs in the direction they needed to go. Bluntly telling them for sure worked. These notifications are missed by some……and I get why. At the same time many others feared that these blunt notifications helped install “fear” in some users as they attempted to alter their levels to be perfect, even though their levels kicked butt as they were. This was especially true when you looked at TA.

What we did was we took the logic behind the blunt levels and built it into the little icons you see on each advice tab. You’ll notice that these icons will change to help indicate if you need to alter the levels or not. This switch isn’t nearly as “in your face” and we’re not 100% sure we’re not gonna alter this more in the future, but our goal was to be more subtle as we guide new users with their chemistry. At the end of the day it’s my firm belief that neither way is perfect, and we’ve got some new ideas to try in the future. It’s just a matter of calculating exactly what areas we need to focus on first.

At the end of the day, I fully understand that the App did take a step backwards. I’ll agree in some ways with that statement. At the same time it was a calculated step backwards to help ensure PoolMath can be improved and utilized in the future. It will be improved upon as we move forward, we do have some really neat features we’re (very) slowly working on. We’ve just gotta make sure the foundation is perfect before we start building more.

If you do have any feedback I encourage you to email us at [email protected]. This email reaches myself and the lead developer and we do view all of them. We’re chewing several ideas and several pieces of feedback daily.

 

[Mdragger88]

I know Its a double edged sword-
Previously, With the ranges shown, people often took that guidance as a staunch requirement. But at least it was a range not a singular number.
Now, Without the ranges shown the most obvious thing is the recommended addition based on whatever target appears in the box (unfortunately many don’t realize its changeable and assume its a finite requirement based on their other input)
Maybe it should be blank until you add something? Or have an informative pop up about ranges based on their settings/pool type?
I don’t really know of a great solution for the conundrum nor what is actually possible to achieve technically.

 

[Sunbaby]

Can we add to your list that we’ve also introduced some new bugs that weren’t there before?



The framework that “runs” things behind the scenes of PoolMath and is used to build the App is being (or maybe even has been) phased out and we’ve hit a time where we were gonna slowly start seeing issues if we didn’t do something. PoolMath has been around now for roughly 7 years and there’s not really been any major updates to the code running the program, until now. The update you see basically was a total redo of the App to update things behind the scenes to a new modern framework that will allow the App to continue to be built up in the future and will help guarantee device compatibility as newer devices are introduced. We simply wouldn’t be able to say this had we not of made the switch.



Right now we’ve been testing the current version on the new iOS 18 Beta to ensure everything works as expected once the new operating system is introduced by Apple later this year. We also need to test the Android OS Beta’s soon to ensure everything is running as expected. Once this testing is complete we’ll loop back to building/addressing the things you see in front of you and continue to improve the App.



Here’s one example where I’m having everybody call for my head no matter what is done……and I see everybody's point of view. The old method of notices front and center definitely helped guide newbs in the direction they needed to go. Bluntly telling them for sure worked. These notifications are missed by some……and I get why. At the same time many others feared that these blunt notifications helped install “fear” in some users as they attempted to alter their levels to be perfect, even though their levels kicked butt as they were. This was especially true when you looked at TA.

What we did was we took the logic behind the blunt levels and built it into the little icons you see on each advice tab. You’ll notice that these icons will change to help indicate if you need to alter the levels or not. This switch isn’t nearly as “in your face” and we’re not 100% sure we’re not gonna alter this more in the future, but our goal was to be more subtle as we guide new users with their chemistry. At the end of the day it’s my firm belief that neither way is perfect, and we’ve got some new ideas to try in the future. It’s just a matter of calculating exactly what areas we need to focus on first.

At the end of the day, I fully understand that the App did take a step backwards. I’ll agree in some ways with that statement. At the same time it was a calculated step backwards to help ensure PoolMath can be improved and utilized in the future. It will be improved upon as we move forward, we do have some really neat features we’re (very) slowly working on. We’ve just gotta make sure the foundation is perfect before we start building more.

If you do have any feedback I encourage you to email us at [email protected]. This email reaches myself and the lead developer and we do view all of them. We’re chewing several ideas and several pieces of feedback daily.

Wow! I’m so impressed that you guys are listening and taking concerns into consideration! That’s refreshing and exciting. Thank you guys for continuing to work on this for us TFP junkies.

 

[JMPool99]

All my historical data is gone now. Super lame. New look is hard on the eyes and unncessary changes for sake of change. The old layout and colors were superior. I used to promote this app with pride on folks struggling with pool care. I really don't feel comfortable doing that anymore - it kind of stinks now.

And again... where the heck is all my historical data? I can't believe is was all just nuked without warning. Stinks.

The ranges being gone is also a bummer. I have to ask, anyone know of another app for pool maintenance tracking? Now that I know how to manage my pool well (thanks TFP for that), I'm not sure I want to put up with this silly new app version. Just not worth it. Even if it is only $5-10/yr or whatever it is.

 

[Leebo]

All my historical data is gone now.

Already replied to your ticket. Let me know if it works.

 

[JMPool99]

Already replied to your ticket. Let me know if it works.

Step #3 you suggested did the trick. Had to delete the app, reinstall then login and then it synced. First two steps is did a "Sync (1)" and that was it. When deleted and reinstalled it did "Sync (1), Sync (2), Sync (3)..."

I'm still not a fan of the UI. I get keeping things fresh. Maybe consider bringing the DARK color scheme back? I loved having the ranges on the main dash too.

Haven't checks functionality yet -- hope the actual MATH is right -- that's the most important part!

I've already warned folks I know using the app of potential problems so they have a heads up.

 

[JMPool99]

Appears to be missing:
- Dark theme << How can I re-enable?
- UV index (in the main screen and also in history) << This was very useful. How can I re-enable?

 

[Leebo]

Step #3 you suggested did the trick.

My main goal right off the bat is getting all the data updated on the new framework and getting everybody back up and running. Glad this worked for you!

I loved having the ranges on the main dash too.

As mentioned before we’re back and forth here. Thank you for the feedback and we’ll continue to gauge interest in whom misses this and who can live without it.

Haven't checks functionality yet -- hope the actual MATH is right -- that's the most important part!

Fun fact,


One thing that’s ran before every update is a list of countless “known entries” we created several years ago. This test helps us catch issues in the math before launch. If any of these fails the update warns us right away. There are still some instances where errors can occur, but this for sure helps us catch many of them.

Dark theme << How can I re-enable?

If you open the hamburger menu and click “About TFP” you’ll see an option for App Theme. Change that to “Always Dark” and the app will show dark mode every time.

UV index (in the main screen and also in history) << This was very useful. How can I re-enable?

I’ll add this to a list of items to review. I do know we’re still recording this data, I’ve just got peak why it’s not showing.

I've already warned folks I know using the app of potential problems so they have a heads up.

This update was actually launched about a month ago so many of the massive bugs (but not all) were hoping have been worked out. When we updated the App we opted for a “phased update” which meant not everybody got the update on day 1……it was to trickle out slowly so we could see if there were any massive issues before everybody got it. Additionally we even held off longer by manually pausing the automatic update for 30 days which is the limit Apple/Android allow. After the 30 days they enabled automatic updates for us. While we know it’s not 100% perfect we are rather hopeful the massive issues are addressed. If not, a simple email to [email protected] will reach us and we’ll be glad to assist.

Lee

 

[JMPool99]

Thanks @Leebo

One other thing -- just a thought, but seems like losing screen real estate by spelling our "FREE CHLORINE" "TOTAL ALKALINITY" etc. I mean, anyone who knows what they're doing and realy intending to use the app is going to know what FC, CC, TA, etc abbreviations mean. Might be a way to get back to some space to allow tings like the ranges again? : -)

 

[Leebo]

We’re looking at a few options to improve things as we move forward. We’re not setting any sort of timeline as our #1 goal remains getting everybody to the new framework, then we’ll really start diving into things more to really see what we can improve and where.

 

[LauraC]

I don't mind updates and I know they are necessary and usually create something that works better after getting used to it but I really really would like to see the ranges and goal put back on the overview screen with each category. That was such a helpful feature. Please and thank you (for all that you do, not just this)

 

[joshlarsen]

I don't mind updates and I know they are necessary and usually create something that works better after getting used to it but I really really would like to see the ranges and goal put back on the overview screen with each category. That was such a helpful feature. Please and thank you (for all that you do, not just this)

I agree with this would love to see the ranges get put back on as well as the targets added back to the Test Results page. Been maintaining my pool of for a couple years so I know what they are but with them showing right on the test results page I dont have to think about it and I thats gotta be really helpful for new users.

 

[Household6]

Yah, put me in the “resistant to change” category. Not a fan of the new look, but admittedly just got it this morning.

I see where one can go into advanced settings and click the “hide ideal range alerts.” Maybe that’s an option?

Another thought would be to have an option for clicking “old fart format.”

I’m sure I’ll survive either way.
First world problems!

Thanks for all you do!

 

[Mdragger88]

Another thought would be to have an option for clicking “old fart format.”

 

[mike.stocker]

Anyone else having an issue where when they add chemicals, the app often changes what you inputted when it saves the record? Here I added 68oz of 12.5% per the app recommendations and it saved it as 17oz of 10%. If you click on the record, it shows 17oz of 12.5%. Much of the time the record will actually show -1oz initially. I have a screenshot of that somewhere also.