Why Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification?
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification is required by many health departments to operate a public swimming pool or hot tub/spa. The CPO certification provides training in water chemistry, mechanical operations, filtration, pool safety, hot tubs/spas, etc. (see below).
The National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) is an internationally-recognized, non-profit organization and creator of the original CPO certification over 50 years ago to standardize the training of swimming pool operators. The NSPF Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification is currently recognized in most Canadian provinces and in 104 countries around the world.
Note: effective April 1, 2019 the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) and the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) are merging to form the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). Certification programs are unaffected. Branding for the foreseeable future is a mix of NSPF & PHTA.
All teaching materials are grounded in current, scientific research regarding all aspects of swimming pool operation. Standards and best practices taught in the NSPF Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course are applicable anywhere. Click here for a brochure.
Two formats are available: in-class (2 days / 16 hours) or blended learning (fusion), by completing the Pool Operator Primer online followed by attending a classroom component. Successful completion of an open-book, licensing exam is required to achieve certification. The certification is valid for 5 years.
The Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course follows the outline of the reference manual, covering the following topics:
1. Pool & Spa Management
2. Regulations & Guidelines
3. Essential Calculations
4. Water Contamination
5. Disinfection
6. Water Balance
7. Pool & Spa Problems
8. Chemical Testing
9. Chemical Feed & Control
10. Water Circulation
10. Water Circulation
11. Filtration
12. Air & Heat Circulation
13. Spa & Therapy Operations
14. Facility Safety
15. Record Keeping
16. Maintenance Systems
17. Troubleshooting
18. Facility Renovations & Design
If you have specific topics of interest, please contact us to discuss learning outcomes.