Frequently Asked Questions:
 

Q.          What is PRO-SUITE^TM ? 

A.     PRO-SUITE 3D^TM is easy-to-use 'add-in' software designed for pool builders and pool designers to create professional 3D pool plans & movies and 1D/2D construction drawings much faster and easier than CAD based systems.

We install the professional 'Pool Industry' into popular and easy to use programs like Realtime Landscaping Architect and more!

It is built using the power of Microsoft Office and Realtime Landscape Architect (RLA 2023/2020 must be purchased separately). This provides the user with an easy-to-use design interface that virtually anyone can use without the need for training classes, etc.

Once our pool-industry 'add-in' is installed, you will have over 400 new custom fully-editable pool designs (geometric & freeform w/ true radiuses), as well as hundreds of editable pool industry & outdoor living items (new 3D shapes & models, new MFR materials & textures) as well as our full 1D CAD symbol set (plumbing & electrical items) to create detailed building & permit plans). You'll be able to create complete plumbing & electrical layouts, plans & schematics including pool/spa equipment rooms (w/ valves & actuators, etc.)

We've also created many custom design elements such as water-features, rock work, hardscapes, outdoor kitchens and latillas, as well as new design templates as well as new MFR material libraries (including the top pool tile mfrs, decking, pavers, stone, travertine, MFRs and pool interiors (including Sunstone, WetEdge, SGM, etc), all of which you can 'drag-n-drop' or edit. You will also enjoy many time-saving features and 'smart tools' for creating all pool styles & coping features as well as various measurement & triangulation tools and other advanced features.

You can also design from scratch & create your own shapes, items and 3D objects as well as import custom materials to your  library, or start with our robust professional designs, templates, and sample 3D/2D pool plans to speed up your design time - so you can design all of your plans in minutes instead of hours. We also include our quick tutorial videos to show you how!

Our PRO-SUITE 3D^TM also may include our ESI Pool Estimator^TM an easy-to-use and customizable Excel-based spreadsheet program that can estimate your projects in just minutes then creates instant customizable Proposals, Contracts, Addendums, Job Schedules and new 'drag-n-drop' PE Plumbing & Equipment Layouts, plumbing flow-calculations & site plan maker!

Also import your existing Excel spreadsheets and use the built-in PDF custom form creator and VBA code buttons that lets you customize it! So you can use our programs 'as is' right away or choose to customize any way you wish and with access to all Excel functions!

Our programs are always a low 'one-time' cost with no monthly fees!
Includes free support and updates, tutorial videos, and more!

Q.         What do I need to use your Pro-Suite?

A.     All you need is your Realtime Landscaping Architect 2023/2020 program and
MS Office (or 365) installed (Excel is required only if using our Estimator).

Q.        Do I have to use 'Realtime Landscape Architect' software
or can I use their less expensive 'Pro' version?

A.     You must use the 'Realtime Landscaping Architect' version.
 

Q.         What computer do I need?  for Windows PC only (No Macs)

A.     Windows computer (desktop, laptop, 2-in-1) with Windows 10 or 11:
CPU: 1.2 Ghz (min) i5, i7, etc
Ram: 8 GB (16 GB or more recommended)
HDD: 30 GB (60 GB recommended)
Graphics: DirectX 11-compatible Video Card with at least 2 GB Video Memory
(dedicated video card with 4GB or more is recommended) ie: RTX-1060 or better
Other: Keyboard, Mouse (with scroll-wheel preferred)
 

Q.         What version of Microsoft Office do I need for the Estimator?  

A.     You will need Microsoft Office for Windows (not Mac) (v2010 or higher) or 365 Desktop version installed. Microsoft 365 is available in two forms: a 'Desktop' version which you download and install,
and as a 'web app' that uses the internet, you need the installed 'Desktop' version of 365
(not the 365 'Personal' or the free one that comes with new PCs).
 

Q.         So which program are you using (adding into) on this website?

A.     All our pics, movies, etc are using our Pro-Suite with 'Realtime Landscaping Architect' 2023/2020.

The PRO-SUITE Upgrade is ready now to purchase!

Q.         Can I create a plan from scratch or make custom shapes ?

A.     Yes, our shapes, tools and textures will help speed up the design process by allowing you to 'drag-n-drop' many features, also, you can create a plans, pools, shapes from scratch, or modify any of our shapes & objects and save them and edit as you wish, as well as import your own 3D models, MFR materials & textures!

Q.         Can I import surveys, plot plans and also existing hand-drawings and 1D plans ?

A.     Yes, import & insert surveys, plot plans, hand-drawings and pictures into your drawing and make them to scale in 1-click!
You can can also convert to-and-from any scale - and you can include the plot plan, Google Earth satellite image (or other) into your drawing, and also 'View/Hide' or 'Lock' individual layers.

Q.        Can I design or convert plans to different plan scales and/or plan sizes ?

A.     Yes, you can design in any scale (Architectural, Engineering) and any plan size up to 34" x 44".  You can also convert your plans and scans to-or-from any scale at any time, even faxed plans (which typically are not scaled) can be made to scale! You can also:

 

Q.         Is there a way  to insert the Google Earth map to show & measure the property ?

A.    Yes, just enter the job address into Google Earth Pro and import it into the program You can also import a plot plan or survey on top to show easements, even use your laser measurements or import from a geo measure device!

Q.        Can I also use my own measurement data from a geo-measuring device ?

A.     Yes, Pro-Suite for RLA is compatible with:

SmartLevel^TM,  U-Level^TM,  Moasure ONE^TM,  ZipLevel  w/ SmartLink^TM
and any other device that can export a csv or dxf file.

Q.         Which version of MS Office can I use ?

A.     Any installed version of Microsoft Office or 365 for Windows is supported (Office Excel 2010 or higher).

The full Microsoft Office must be locally installed on a Windows computer, not just the Excel App.

Free Excel-like programs such as 'Open Office' or 'Libre Office' or Mac-based Office are not supported.

Q.          Do I need to be on the internet to use the programs ?

A.     No our programs are not 'cloud-based' which means you do not need to be on the internet or within wi-Fi reach to operate our programs.
You can design/estimate anywhere without the need to be tethered to the internet or online at all.
You only need to go online to download the program, or if you want to update it.

Q.     How does ESI Estimator not charge any monthly/yearly fees?

A.     We do not charge any monthly/yearly server or maintenance fees. Your program is installed on your own computer (PC installed) and is not stored on a 'web-based' server, therefore you cannot lose access or data due to 'no internet', we only need to periodically update your 'activation key' via email (up to 2x times per year) free of charge.

Q.           Can I use this program to produce a permit plan ?

A.     You can create a pool plan for the permit process using this program to show all the necessary items for the build plan submittal. In some cities or counties you may be required to also show a 'standard-plan' (stamped by a PE Engineer) of the pool wall which can be obtained by your local engineer's office.

Q.           Can this be installed on a 'network' or virtual desktop ?

A.     All programs must be locally installed on a Windows device. You cannot install the programs onto a network drive or virtual desktop.
Of course all your work files (plans, estimates, etc) can be saved locally and/or uploaded to any cloud drive or network.

Q.           Who can I contact if I have any questions ?

A.     Please contact us (24/7) by email using Contact Us anytime,
or you may call us at 800-200-4670 (9am-4pm PST Mon-Fri)

Q.          What Windows computer do I need to run this software ? 

A.     Please see the minimum and recommended computer hardware below:

  System Requirements: 2023 (or higher):

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