Are you considering a future job as a pool technician? Pool technicians play an important role in keeping pools functional and safe in people’s homes and in commercial settings.
It’s a rewarding career if you enjoy being outdoors and think you may like performing technical tasks to support customers and care for their pools. Becoming a certified pool operator (CPO) may be easier than you think.
Whether you plan to work for a pool company or run your own business, a CPO certification can set you apart from the rest.
Here are some tips for becoming a certified pool operator.
Understand the Role of a Pool Technician
Do you think you might enjoy working as a pool technician? The job market for this career looks bright.
Before you can decide to become a pool technician, it’s important to understand the job. A pool technician is a professional who maintains and repairs residential and commercial pools.
Depending on the position, a CPO may clean pools or repair and replace parts and equipment to keep pools safe and comfortable for those using them.
Some common tasks of a pool technician include:
- Maintaining water pumps and filters
- Testing pool water for harmful chemicals or bacteria
- Using a vacuum or net to clear debris from the pool
- Adding chemicals to keep the pool safe and clean
- Cleaning and changing filters
People love their pools. It’s where they gather with family and friends, relax, and enjoy themselves. It’s a way to exercise and an important part of their home.
People are willing to pay for a professional CPO who knows the best ways to keep their pool sparkling clean and running as it should.
Pool technicians are in demand. Although the job requires some training and manual labor, the training is fast. You can learn these skills and gain experience to further your job opportunities in the industry.
What Is a CPO Certification?
Although you don’t need a college degree to become a pool technician, there is some training required.
Online CPO certification prepares you for the job and can help you stay updated on the latest guidelines and regulatory issues. You will learn how to care for pools and the chemicals and pool environment necessary to maintain water quality.
CPO certification is not difficult. A CPO course is about more than just passing the CPO exam. The courses you take will equip you with the knowledge you need to operate pools and hot tubs.
You will learn the technical knowledge and skills you need to deal with filtration systems, water chemistry, and pool safety guidelines. Once you sign up for the course you will do a self-paced online course first, then you will take the review and exam via Zoom.
This gives you the certification you need to make you marketable in the pool service industry. Online CPO classes are affordable and convenient.
You can do the online course at your own pace. If you have a job, a family, or other responsibilities, you can work on your online CPO certification at your convenience.
Typical CPO certification courses cover topics such as:
- Water chemistry
- Pool and spa management
- Chemical testing
- Essential calculations for chemicals
- Disinfection practices
- Heating
- Filtration
- Air circulation
- Pool Safety
- Pool and spa troubleshooting
- Industry guidelines and regulations
Polish Your Resume
After receiving CPO certification, you’re ready to look for a pool technician job. Before you apply, you may want to be sure to spruce up your resume and include your CPO certification.
Be sure to include any previous relevant experience as well. You may have to take an entry-level position to gain some experience in the industry.
Once you have experience, it makes it easier to get a better position or even begin your own business as a CPO. The longer you work in the industry, the more you’ll learn and form connections with customers and other professionals in the industry.
Practice Your Skills On-the-Job
When you’re just starting in the industry, it’s always helpful to have a mentor in your corner who can help you learn. Chad Bland (your instructor) offers himself as a mentor to all his students.
It’s a good idea to start working with someone who’s experienced in the pool industry. This could be as an employee or even a paid internship position.
Learning from someone who is an expert in their field is a great way to advance your skills, learn the day-to-day responsibilities of the job, and make some connections in the pool industry.
Find the Right Role for You
Once you have your CPO certification in place and have some experience in the industry, you have the skills to become a pool technician. At this point, you will be marketable and can be more selective about where you apply for a job.
You may want to work on residential pools or go for a commercial pool service position. You could try to get contracts with commercial hotels, resorts, community pools, and more. 25 states require a pool operator certification to work on commercial pools.
Learning how pool companies operate, the latest techniques for pool care and safety, and how to manage a business are all valuable skills you can use to advance your career as a CPO.
Larger companies and businesses typically pay more and have better benefits and opportunities. Getting a competitive job is the goal. Then, you can build your brand and establish yourself as a professional in the industry.
You can carve a niche in the industry or consider running your own pool business.
Get Your CPO Certification for a Bright Future
Are you thinking about a career in the pool service industry? Getting your CPO certification can pave the way to a good job and a promising future.
At Pool Certs, the process is simple. You sign up for the classes, complete the required training, and receive your pool operator certification. If you have questions, we’re here to help!
If you love working outside and are interested in working in the pool and spa industry, check out what PoolCerts has to offer today.