CPO Course Curriculum

Certified Pool/Spa Operators Course

The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (formerly NSPF) offers this extensive training program. Upon successful completion you will receive certification and registration as a Pool/Spa Operator valid for five years.

Full Curriculum

Swimming Pool/Spa Codes and the Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO)

Pool and Hot Tub Alliance History
Codes and Regulations
- Annual Permit
- Approval of Plans
- Water Chemistry
- Water Testing
- Water Filtration and Recirculation
- Water Clarity
- Safety Equipment
- Records
- Chlorine Gas
- Markings
- “Grandfather Clause”
- Pool Closure
Types of Pools
- Public
- Semipublic
- Special-use
- Private
Certification of Pool/Spa Operators
Job Description
- Spa Operators
- Public Pool Operators
- Pool Technicians
Liability
- Violations
- Responsibility
- Performance
- Insurance

Swimming Pool Calculations

Equivalents
- Metric Equivalents
Calculating Surface Area
- Geometric Formulas
- Multisided Pools
- Circular Pools
- Free-form Pools
- Interior Walls and Floors
- Coved Pools
Calculating Pool Capacity
- Volume/One Inch in Depth
Makeup Water
Calculating Maximum User Load
- Spas
- Public Indoor Pools
- Public Outdoor Pools
- Private Pools and Spas
Calculating Filter Surface Area
Determining Flow Rate

Filters and Filtration

Water Clarity
- Turnover Rate
- Filter Area
- Filter Media
- Filter Systems
Filter Sizing
- Turnover
- Filter Flow Rate
Rapid Sand Pressure Filters
- Filtering Rates
- Backwashing
Vacuum Sand Filters
High Rate Sand Filters
Diatomaceous Earth Filters
- Types of D. E. Filters
- D. E. elements
- Slurry Feeding
- Precoating
- Extending Filter Runs
- Cleaning D. E. Filters|
- Regenerative D. E. Filters
Cartridge Filters

Pool Circulation and Recirculation Equipment

Water Distribution
- Outlets
- Inlets
Recirculation Equipment
- Recirculation Pump
- Pump Sizing
- Measurement of Total Dynamic Head
- Hair and Lint Strainers
- Surge Chamber or Balancing Tank
- Piping
- Valves
- Flow Controllers and Flow Switches
- Pressure Gauges
- Flow Meters
Interpreting Gauges and Flow Meters
Performance Checks
- Vacuum System
- Pressure System

Pool Water Sanitizing and Chemical Balance

Chlorination
- Sanitation
- Oxidation
- Superchlorination
- Combined Chlorine
- Breakpoint Chlorination
- Inorganic and Organic Chlorine
- Effect of pH on Chlorine
- Chlorine Gas
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Calcium Hypochlorite
- Lithium Hypochlorite
- Chlorinated Isocyanurates
- Chlorination Summary
Alternative Sanitizers
- Bromine
- Iodine
- Ozone
Electrolytic Cells
- Brine Method
- In-Line Method
- Automation
Silver
Non-Chlorine Oxidizers
Other Pool Chemicals
- Flocculants
- Algicides
- Chelating or Sequestering Agents
- Degreasers
- Defoamers
- Cyanuric Acid
Chemical Equilibrium
- Calcium Carbonate
- Hot Water
- Understanding pH
- Control of pH
- Total Alkalinity
- Control of Total Alkalinity
- Understanding Calcium Hardness
- Controlling Calcium Hardness
- Water Saturation Summary
Chemical Balancing
- Corrosive vs. Non-corrosive
- Irritating vs. Non-irritating
- Staining vs. Non-staining
- Clarity

Pool Water Testing

Testing for Bacteria
Testing for Chlorine
- OTO Method
- DPD Methods
  - Free Available Chlorine Test
  - Total Chlorine Test
  - Combined Chlorine Calculation
- Dilution Method
Testing for pH Values
- Solution Method
- Tablet Method
Testing for Hardness
- Total Hardness
- Calcium Hardness
Testing for Total Alkalinity
Testing for Cyanuric Acid
Testing for TDS
Testing for Copper
Testing for Iron
ORP Testing
Test Strips
Analyzing and Adjusting Water Chemistry
Summary

Spas, Tubs and Hot Water Therapy Pools

Codes and Regulations
- Codes and Standards for Operation
Bather Load
- Calculating Load
- Controlling Load
Chemical Operation Standards
Alkalinity
Water Hardness
Spa Chemical Adjustments
- Dilution of Chemicals
- TDS Standards
Chlorine or Disinfection Concentrations
Filtration Standards
Filter Maintenance
Recirculation
Spa Designs
- Types and Construction
Start-Up Procedures
Maintenance
- Fiberglass Repairs
- Hot Tub Care
Maintenance Problems and Procedures
- Troubleshooting
“Dumping” the Spa
- When to Dump
- Problems of Dumping
Drains and Drain Covers
Heaters and Heating System Efficiency
Heater Sizing
Safety
- Timer Switch
- Supervision
- Signage
Safety Procedures
Records

Pool Management

Pool Survey and Operations Report Form
Records and Files
- Record Keeping
- Equipment Data Form
- Operational Checklist
Training Personnel
- Job Performance
- Staff Orientation
Maintenance Schedules
- Spa and Hot Water Pools
- Residential, Motel, Hotel and Agency Pools
- Public and Commercial Pools
- Pool Area
- Halls, Lobby, and Passageways
- Pool Bottom
- Locker Rooms
- Office and Service Area
- Grounds
- Filter Room
Opening and Closing
Planning for Operation
- Calculating Swimmer and User Capacity
- Anticipating Operational Demands
- Water Recovery
- Maintenance Demands
- Establishing a Maintenance Formula
Budget Planning
- Energy Costs
- Operational Costs
- Maintenance Costs
- Personnel Costs

Swimming Pool and Spa Maintenance

Plans, Operation Manuals, Record and Codes
Codes
Tagging, Color Coding, Checklist
Routine Maintenance
- Pools and Locker Room Floors
- Pool Sides, Troughs and Skimmers
- Pool Bottom
- Diving Boards and Slides
- Locker Rooms
- Office, Basket Rooms, Staff Rooms, and Service Areas
- Entrance, Lobby and Halls
- Grounds and Outside Environment
- Lights
- Filter Pump and Motor
- Filter and Skimmer Strainers
- Pressure Gauges and Flow Meters
- Chemical Feeders
- Gas Chlorinators
- Chlorinator Maintenance
- Chlorine Leak
- Loss of Chlorine Feed
- Exchanging Chlorine Tanks
- Water Heaters
- Heat Loss from Pool Surface
- Underwater Lights
- Changing Underwater Lights
- Valves
Preventive Maintenance
- Filter Room
- Locker Rooms
- Pool
- Entry and Grounds
- Automation

Pool Operation Problems and Chemical Adjustments

Troubleshooting
Sensing Problems
Back-up Plans
Common Problems
Chemical Adjustments
Adding Chemicals
How Much of What Chemical
Superchlorination

Care of Seasonal Pools

Winterizing
- Hydrostatic Pressure
- Pool Blankets
- Preventing Deterioration and Freezing
- Vandalism
- Disassembling and Assembling
- Pool Water Chemistry
- Utilities
Spring Start-up

Energy Conservation and Alternative Energy Sources

Types of Heat Loss
- Radiation
- Conduction
- Convection
- Evaporation
Factors Affecting Amount of Heat Loss
Energy and Cost Conservation Methods
Pool Blankets
Additional Tips to Conserve Energy
- Lighting
- Heaters
- Swimming Season
- Spas
- Pool Shelter
Alternative Energy Sources
- Geothermal
- Solar Energy
- Solar Collectors
- Design Considerations
Heat Pumps
Insulation
Summary

Energy Management

Training Staff
Energy Audits and Studies
Energy Calculations
Cost Comparisons
NSPI Energy Conservation Checklist
Reading Electric Meters
Energy Audit Outline
Major Areas of Energy Loss

Renovation and Modernization

Modernization
Renovation
- Survey for Dangerous Pool Conditions
- Survey for Water Conditions
- Survey for Water Loss
- Survey for Increased Space
- Meeting New Code and Operational Standards
- Survey for Facility Aging
- Survey for Maintenance Reduction
- Survey for Energy Cost and Loss
Developing a Renovation and Modernization Plan

Disease and Accident Prevention

Pool Water as a Disease Carrier
Other Sources of Disease
Disease Prevention
Accident Prevention
- Accidents
Safety Practices
- Chemicals
- Chlorine Safety
- Handling Chlorine Tanks
- Warning Signs for a Chlorine Room
Chlorine Room Emergency Procedures
- Minor Leak
- Major Leak or Cylinder Rupture
- Exposure: First Aid — Inhalation
- Exposure: First Aid — Contact with Skin or Eyes
Safety Features
- Lighting
- Marking
- Signs
- Obstructions and Obstacles
- Safety Inspection
- Diving Safety
- Fire Extinguisher
Emergencies
- First Aid Room and Equipment
- First Aid Kit
- Rescue Breathing
Hazard Communication Program
- Material Safety Data Sheets
- Labels
- Written Hazard Communication Program
- Employee Information and Training