Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why choose the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) CPO certification?
The PHTA CPO is internationally recognized as the gold standard for pool operator training with over 35,000 people certified each year. For over 50 years, content in the PHTA CPO program has evolved to meet the needs of pool operators and maintenance personnel around the world. The CPO textbook is updated every two years with current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).
Is this PHTA Certified Pool Operator (CPO) class accredited in my area?
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (formerly National Swimming Pool Foundation) Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification is accredited across Canada, the USA and 105 countries around the world. Specifics are below:
Canada
Alberta: meets training standard
British Columbia: meets training standard
Manitoba: exceeds - no training standard
New Brunswick: exceeds - no training standard (pools not regulated)
Newfoundland & Labrador: exceeds - no training standard (legislation under review)
Nova Scotia: meets training standard
Nunavut & Northwest Territories: exceeds - no training standard
Ontario: meets training standard
Prince Edward Island: exceeds - no training standard
Quebec: exceeds - no training standard
Saskatchewan: meets training standard
Yukon: exceeds - no training standard
USA:
Can I complete the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Certified Pool Operator (CPO) class entirely online?
Yes! As of April 2020, the CPO class is accredited online via live instruction in a virtual meeting. Live attendance on Zoom in real time is required by all participants (no recordings). The CPO certificate issued at the end of the course is exactly the same as an in-person CPO class.
How does the online Zoom CPO class work?
Live attendance on Zoom is required by all class participants. Classes are capped at 30 people. The class is a dynamic learning environment with PowerPoint slides, videos, news articles, chat plus Q & A sessions.
What formats of CPO class do you offer?
We offer several types of PHTA CPO classes to meet different learner needs and work schedules. Unless otherwise specified, all classes are online via Zoom. In-person classes will be marked as such.
- Option #1: 4 hours x 4 days (16 hours) on Zoom
- Option #2: 8 hours x 2 days (16 hours) on Zoom
- Option #3: 8 hours of self-paced Pool Operator Primer (POP) modules + 1 day x 8 hours on Zoom
Where will the CPO test take place?
The CPO test takes place during class on Zoom. The test is done online via an internet browser by going to the website Prometric. Participants must have access to a computer or tablet with a stable internet connection plus camera capabilities. The CPO test cannot be completed on a smartphone. Java software must be up-to-date and VPNs turned off.
Who will be my CPO instructor?
All CPO classes are taught by Katie Crysdale. Katie has received numerous awards from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) for high quality instruction. She also sits on the CPO Instructor Assessment Committee, certifying new CPO instructors, and the PHTA CPO Textbook Taskforce.
When do you ship materials?
For all Zoom CPO classes, textbooks are shipped from Calgary on Tuesdays (orders received by Monday night) and Thursdays (orders received by Wednesday night). We use Canada Post for domestic orders, and UPS or FedEx for expedited/international orders. You will receive a tracking number automatically when your shipping label is created. Please check your spam/junk folder.
For in-person CPO classes, textbooks are not shipped in advance; all materials are provided on the first day of class. Please contact us to pay S&H if you would like to receive your materials early.
Can I transfer CPO class dates?
Yes, one transfer is provided free of charge pending availability. Repeated transfers will incur a $60 administration fee per change.
Can I switch CPO class participants?
Yes, however this must be done prior to the start of the CPO class; this cannot be done after the class has started.
Are CPO classes ever cancelled?
CPO classes are rarely canceled.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations for a refund must be received at least one week (7 calendar days) in advance of the scheduled start date of a class. Cancellations received less than one week in advance will result in the registration fee being forfeited, unless the participant agrees to transfer to a future class date. The CPO textbook must be physically returned to Lakeview Aquatic Consultants in Alberta before the refund will be issued.
Pool Operator Primer (POP) modules are a software/program that cannot be refunded once setup in the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) learning management software. Any outright cancellations for CPO Fusion classes, irrespective of date, will result in forfeiting a portion of the class fee ($100) for the Pool Operator Primer (POP) modules.
What happens if a participant fails the CPO exam?
Participants are not required to retake the entire CPO class if they fail the exam, however some do (at no additional cost) as a personal choice. Participants can rewrite the CPO exam up to three times.
How much is a CPO retest?
$65 + tax per attempt with the next regularly scheduled CPO class. An additional fee will apply if a specific date/time is required.
How many times can I rewrite the CPO test?
Effective October 1, 2025 the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) set a limit of two (2) retests for a total of three (3) test attempts per person per CPO class. After three (3) test attempts, the student will have to resit the entire CPO class again before rewriting the CPO test.
How do I know if there is still space available in a CPO class?
If there is no number displayed on a class (product), there are more than 10 spaces remaining. Inventory will be displayed below 10 spots. You will not be able to add a class to your if it says sold out. If a specific class date works best for your schedule, do not wait to register; our classes often sell out 7-10 days before they start.
Do you have a waitlist?
Yes, you can contact us to be added to the waitlist for a sold out class. Sometimes there are last-minute cancellations or transfers.
Do I need experience to take the CPO class?
No prior experience is required. This is why you take a class - to learn.
Do I need to pre-register for a CPO class?
Yes. Registration closes one week before the first day of class or when the class sells out, whichever is sooner.
Do your Zoom classes actually sell out? Why can't you just add one more person?
Yes, our CPO classes routinely sell out. We set a hard limit on how many students can participate in a class (30). Too many students means less personal attention, and detracts from the quality class experience our clients have come to expect and appreciate.
Can I book a space in the CPO class on behalf of someone else?
Yes. During the checkout process, there is a space to add the employee/participant's contract information if it is different from the payer. Please be sure to enter the correct shipping address for class materials to reach the participant.
Is there a membership fee to take this class?
Neither Lakeview Aquatic Consultants nor the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) charge a membership fee. The only fee is the CPO class registration fee.
Can I book a private CPO class?
Yes. We offer both in-person and Zoom private CPO classes for a minimum of ten participants. This can be shared by multiple facilities or organizations. Please contact us for availability. We are currently booking 2026 & 2027.
How many people can I register at once?
The website allows you to register up to eight (8) people in a single CPO class at once. Please contact us to request a private class if you have more than that eight people you wish to train simultaneously.
Is this CPO class Level 1 or Level 2?
The National Swimming Pool Foundation (now Pool & Hot Tub Alliance) created the first Certified Pool Operator (CPO) class 50+ years ago. Copycat organizations have since created courses that may split content into Level 1 & 2 or basic versus advanced. This omits key information pool operators require to do their job. These courses may also not be accredited outside of your region or meet IACET standards. The PHTA CPO class covers "Level 2" or "advanced" information - no additional training is required.
When in doubt, check with your public health inspector (PHI) for the regulatory requirements for pool operator training in your area and/or your job description to see what organization (if any) is specified for your specific situation.
Where do I get the Zoom link for a CPO class?
A welcome email with information - including Zoom link - is sent out to registered participants one week before the start of class. So, for example, if your class starts on Monday, April 10 the welcome email will be sent on Monday, April 3. Please check spam/junk/social/promotion folders, especially if you have a Hotmail, Yahoo or iCloud account.
Do you teach imperial or metric math?
Lakeview Aquatic Consultants is a Canadian company, so the standard is all CPO classes are taught with metric math (e.g. liters, centimeters, etc.) Private CPO classes can be imperial or metric, per the client's request.
Can I use an AI Assistant/Transcriber during the Zoom CPO Class?
No. The apparent use of AI assistant and/or transcription tools will not be allowed during Zoom CPO classes.
How long is the CPO certificate valid?
The certification is valid for 5 years from the date of your CPO exam.
Why does the PHTA CPO certificate expire?
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) sets an expiry of 5 years on all CPO certificates. Even knowledgeable pool operators actively working in the aquatic industry need to refresh their knowledge at least every five years.
Some other training organizations do not assign an expiry to their training programs or certificates. However, an employer/union/public health inspector/jurisdiction may require more recent training (e.g. within a certain time period, such as 5 years) irrespective of there being no expiry date on a training certificate.
Is CPO eligible for provincial funding, grants or scholarships?
We have worked with provincial (e.g. Canada-Alberta Job Grant, WorkBC) and indigenous (e.g. Band/Tribal Council) organizations to get CPO training reimbursed as part of employment services programs. Many funding opportunities require approval prior to registering for a class. Please refer to the detailed information specific to the funding you are applying for, and contact us for support documentation before registering for a class.
What is the process to replace a lost CPO certificate?
If you do not have your Prometric password, please fill out this form. Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) staff will email you a PDF copy. They are open Monday - Friday from 8am - 4pm MST, closed on weekends and US statutory holidays.
If you have your Prometric password (an email was sent to you automatically after the CPO test), download your certificate from the Prometric Document Portal using your email address and CPO exam date.
How can I verify if my CPO certificate is still valid?
Please contact the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) by emailing service@phta.org or calling 719 - 540 - 9119. They are open Monday - Friday from 8am - 4pm MST, closed on weekends and US statutory holidays.
What is the process to recertify a CPO certification?
Please refer to the CPO Recertification Process for more information.
To register for a recertification, please contact us. Please be prepared to provide a copy of your current CPO certificate if not previously completed with Lakeview Aquatic Consultants. Pool operator courses from other organizations (not PHTA) do not meet the prerequisite for PHTA CPO recertification.
What time is the CPO class?
Please refer to individual class descriptions for program times. Be sure to convert to your time zone.
Do you offer the CPO Fusion or Pool Operator Primer (POP) program?
Yes.
Can I reuse my old CPO textbook?
Lakeview Aquatic Consultants is required to sell a new CPO textbook with each CPO registration. If you have older CPO textbooks you would like to get dispose of, please contact us to receive a shipping label to donate them to CPO scholarships.
Is the CPO class available in other languages?
The Pool & Spa Operator Handbook is available in English, French, Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian. The Pool Operator Primer (POP) modules are available in English, Spanish and Russian. CPO exams are available in English, French, Spanish, and Russian.
Please let us know in advance if you require resources in a language other than English. Textbooks are special order (3 weeks minimum for delivery to your location). POP modules and CPO exams must also be specifically setup in a language other than English.
What will I learn in the CPO class?
Please click here to read the 18 topics covered during the 16-hour class or click here to see a sampler video.
Can I pay by cheque?
Yes. Spaces are not held without payment, so start the requisition process early to avoid the disappointment of your preferred class selling out. Please make cheques payable to Lakeview Aquatic Consultants Ltd.
Can we pay on account?
Only clients with at least two (2) completed transactions will be offered credit terms.
Do I need to be in Canada to take the CPO class?
No. Anyone anywhere in the world can participate in a Zoom CPO class if they have a working knowledge in English. Time shifting for your organization to your preferred time zone is available for private CPO classes.
Is the math hard in the CPO class?
Some participants find the math very hard, others find it very easy. This will depend on how often you use math in daily life. Participants are expected to perform basic functions: multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition. All concepts are taught during class. For any specific concerns, please contact us to discuss further.
Do people fail the CPO exam?
Typically 1 in 10 participants does not meet the passing grade of 74% on the CPO exam. This could be for one of several reasons:
- Participant not following along during class, e.g. leaving to take phone calls, answering emails, texting, gaming, etc.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) participant not asking for extra help or using language translation app
- Undisclosed learning disability, and not asking for extra help or accommodation
- Lower levels of literacy
Our first priority is always for participants to leave the CPO course with a solid understanding of how swimming pools operate. We also want participants to succeed on the exam. For any specific concerns, please contact us to discuss the situation further.
What content is on the CPO test?
The PHTA CPO test is 50 multiple choice questions with a minimum score of 74% (37/50) to pass. The test must be completed within 3 hours (180 minutes). There is no practical test. Only concepts taught during the CPO class are on the CPO test. No prior knowledge is required. The test is not province/state/facility specific; it is generic to making good decisions and safety practices in pool operations.
The CPO test is also open book, so students can refer to the textbook and their notes to look up information. One of the goals of the program is to be able to use the textbook for independent troubleshooting on the job.