When a tech taps Check in at a stop, the app captures the device's GPS location and compares it to the customer's geocoded address. The result — On-site, Nearby, or Off-site — is stamped on the visit and shows up on the customer's receipt.
What "On-site" means
The check-in coordinates are within 100 meters of the customer's geocoded lat/lng. This is the default threshold and covers most residential lots, gated communities, and commercial properties with a driveway.
What "Nearby" means
Between 100 and 500 meters. Usually one of:
- The customer's address geocoded to the front curb but the pool equipment is in the back yard.
- The service address is inside a large HOA that geocodes to the main entrance.
- Weak GPS signal (thick tree canopy, tall buildings, indoor equipment room) is snapping to a cell tower fallback.
"Nearby" is not a red flag — it's the honest answer for the majority of visits where the geocode isn't a pinpoint.
What "Off-site" means
More than 500 meters. This is worth a look. Common causes:
- The tech checked in from home, in the truck, or at the wrong customer.
- The customer address is wrong in the app (they moved, or the CSV import geocoded the billing address).
- GPS was off for the first 30 seconds after the app opened — retrying usually fixes it.
Turning it off
GPS check-in is on by default. Some techs prefer to disable it (privacy, phone battery). Turn it off in Settings → Visits → Require GPS check-in. The visit will still record — you just won't have the distance stamp.
Data retention
Only the check-in coordinates are stored — PoolStamp does not track the tech between stops or record background location. There is no route breadcrumb.