Did you know that Texas has more residential swimming pools than any other state except California and Florida?
If you’re thinking of becoming a pool operator, one thing’s for sure. There’s a lot of work.
But, there’s also lots of competition. Whether you want to open your own pool cleaning business or apply for a position in a team, you need to make sure you stand out.
One of the best ways to differentiate yourself from the crowd and further your career is through a CPO certification.
If you invest time and energy into getting a CPO certification, this will gain you credibility, further your knowledge, and more.
Kick back and keep reading to find out 6 important reasons why you need to get a CPO certification in Texas.
1. Getting a CPO Certification Will Increase Your Knowledge As a Pool Operator
Do you have personal or informal experience maintaining a pool? This is a great start, but it’s not enough to be a professional pool operator.
Getting a CPO certification will ensure you have all the fundamental knowledge required to maintain a pool. You will learn about the local and national codes around commercial pools. You’ll also learn how to calculate chemicals, effectively test pool water, accurately diagnose pool problems, and troubleshoot unforeseen issues.
If you get your CPO certification here at PoolCerts, here are some of the things you’ll learn in our course:
- How to create a comprehensive pool management plan
- The role that an operator has in pool operation
- How to identify chemical, physical, and biological hazards in a pool environment
- What steps to take to minimize these hazards
- What local regulations apply and how to comply with them
- What industry standards govern pool operation
- Why testing and documentation are so important for pool and spa operation
- How to carry out calculations for pool and equipment measurements and chemical usage
Once you have completed your training and passed your exam, you’ll be proficient in the following areas:
- Water quality management
- General pool management
- Spa and pool design
- Pool and spa system components
- System maintenance
- What special needs hot water spa environments have
With our training, you’ll be fully equipped to maintain any pool, whether it’s a residential pool, a commercial swimming pool, or a spa pool. If you do run into any issues or questions after you’ve passed your exam, we’re still there to offer advice and support.
2. You Can Ensure Compliance
Not all states require pool operators to hold a CPO certification. In Florida and California, you can currently operate without one.
However, here in Texas, you have to get CPO certified to legally service commercial pools and spas. All commercial swimming and bathing facilities are required to have a CPO that oversees the water quality.
If you only service residential pools, you aren’t legally required to hold a CPO certification. But, it’s still a good idea to have one. Even if you’re not planning on servicing large commercial pools, you never know when you might get a client that’s a multifamily residence.
If you do, you will need to be CPO certified to legally take on this client.
Another thing to know about pool operator compliance in Texas is that you might need an electrical license. Are you going to be servicing and maintaining any electrical swimming pool equipment, such as pool pumps or heaters? If yes, you will need a Residential Appliance Installer License (RAIL), as per requirements from the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR).
3. It Can Unlock Career Advancement Opportunities
Besides giving you the knowledge you need to operate pools professionally, a CPO certification can also unlock career development opportunities.
If you’re looking for a job as a pool operator, your application will stand out from those of applicants who aren’t certified. For certain positions, having a CPO certification is a requirement. These include positions like:
- Swimming pool inspector
- Lifeguard
- Commercial pool manager
- Spa operator
Even if the job you’re applying for doesn’t require you to hold a CPO certification, it can still give you an edge over other applicants.
For instance, office staff at pool maintenance and cleaning businesses don’t need to be CPO certified. However, having a CPO certification can allow you to provide better customer service outcomes, even if you’re just answering the phone.
If a customer calls with a specific water quality issue, you’ll have a strong understanding of the problem and what’s required to get their pool back on track.
Not only can this result in superior customer service, but it can also help you provide better information in work orders to technicians. Thanks to this, an increasing number of pool business owners are sending their office staff for CPO training.
The takeaway? No matter what type of job you’re looking for in the pool industry, a CPO certification could help your career development.
4. A CPO Certification Can Gain You a Competitive Advantage
If you have your sights set on running your own business as a pool operator, your CV isn’t a top concern. What is a concern is how you come across to clients.
If you invest in CPO certification training, this communicates to potential customers that you’re a professional. It demonstrates that you have the knowledge to flawlessly manage their pool and maintain the water quality.
If a potential client has to pick between a pool operator with or without a CPO certification, they’ll likely choose the latter.
5. A CPO Certification Will Help You Run a Better Business
Along with potentially gaining you more clients, a CPO certification can also help you run a more efficient, better business. The more knowledgeable you are, the fewer mistakes you’ll make, and the less time you’ll spend trying to rectify them.
If you can keep all your clients’ pools in pristine condition, with a minimum of hiccups, this will save you time and running costs. It will also help you gain a good reputation, and with that, referral clientele.
6. You Recieve Ongoing Support if You Certify With Us
If you get a CPO certification through us, you’ll come out of the exam equipped with all the fundamental knowledge you need to operate a pool. However, this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never run into issues or questions.
Back when our instructor Chad Bland did his CPO exam, he accidentally turned a pool purple. In a panic, he got in contact with his CPO instructor, and together they managed to turn the pool around and restore the water. In some ways, Chad owes his career to his coach’s help.
Today, more than a decade later, Chad is here to be that coach for you. The person you can call should things go south, or if you just have a couple of questions and you don’t know who to ask.
Are You Looking To Get a CPO Certification in Texas?
Getting a CPO certification in Texas can help you with career advancement, no matter where you are in the pool industry. If you own your own residential pool business, a CPO certification can give you a competitive edge and communicate expertise and professionalism.
It’s also a requirement if you want to service commercial pools and spas.
Are you looking to get certified the convenient way? Here at Pool Certs, we offer 100% online pool certifications.
Register for a CPO class here to get certified, fast.