Swimming is the 4th most popular sport in the US. In fact, about 15% of adults swim at least 6 times annually. Many of them own residential pools or go to one of the nation’s 3,100 professional swimming clubs, but others enjoy commercial or communal pools and spas.
If you’re passionate about pool maintenance and keeping swimmers safe, getting your CPO certification online is a great step toward an awesome career. Read on to learn how you can get this certification
What Is a CPO Certification?
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification is a nationally-recognized certification program. It helps those responsible for operating public pools and spas to understand their duties.
CPOs are responsible for keeping pools safe and sanitary. This means cleaning and managing them the right way. It also means expanding pool or spa facilities when necessary.
The certification course demonstrates how to maintain and operate a pool and spa the right way so that you can keep it safe, clean, and well-kept.
Some things that you will learn about in CPO courses include safety features, water chemistry and circulation, heating and air circulation in the water, chemical testing, and how to disinfect water. You will also learn about the mechanical operating systems of the pool and how to keep it well-filtered.
How to Become a Pool Technician
Becoming a swimming pool technician may initially sound like a challenge. However, it is well worth the effort.
You will learn about water quality management, system maintenance and components, and pool design features. Special maintenance requirements for spas and unique pools will also come into play.
Plus, with online courses and exams, getting CPO certified is convenient and accessible. All you need is access to a computer and 8-10 hours worth of time to invest.
Sign Up for a CPO Course
The first thing that you must do is sign up for a CPO certification class. Online courses are an ideal choice for several reasons:
- You can learn on your own time
- You can review materials as much as necessary
- You can set your own learning hours
- You’ll get access to information on many topics
- You can contact your top-notch instructor when necessary
To sign up for a course, simply choose a date that works for you. Select the state that you’re looking to be certified in. You can then begin taking the course that teaches you all the information necessary for the CPO exam.
Signing up for the comprehensive course costs $350 for most states. In Florida, it will cost $370. This price is all-inclusive.
Make the Most out of the Course
At this point, you’ll begin the self-guided Pool Operator Primer (POP) course. This is going to take you between 8-10 hours depending on your learning pace. There’s no shame in taking a longer time so that you can process and retain pivotal information about your future career.
There are several objectives to the course. The most important include:
- Knowing a pool operator’s role in maintaining pools and spas
- Listing out the aspects of a good management plan
- Developing resource networks and personal contacts
- Identifying pool-associated hazards
- Understanding how to tackle these hazards
- Knowing industry standards and regulations
Note that the course is comprehensive, so you’ll have the chance to develop relationships with other professionals and get all the relevant information.
Do the Review Material
Once you complete the course, you will need to complete about 5 hours of additional review material. This material will happen right before the exam. It covers all the things that you learned in the course and serves as a combination of a study guide and a practice test.
Complete the Exam
Your exam takes place over Zoom immediately after you complete the review material. You will engage with a certified instructor that will administer the test.
Available test times are:
- 6 AM – 4 PM Pacific
- 7 AM – 5 PM Mountain
- 8 AM – 6 PM Central
- 9 AM -7 PM Eastern
You must complete the test with a score of 75%. This means you need 37 points to pass.
At this point, you’ll become 100% certified! You can begin working as a CPO and helping maintain pools and keep them safe.
You can immediately print your results as proof of completion, but you’ll get your certification via email within 2 weeks. You also will get a snail mail certificate about a month later.
Why Is CPO Certification Online a Good Investment for Your Cleaning Business?
CPO certification is required for those looking to operate pools and spas in 26 states. However, it’s a good idea to get certified even if you are not in one such location. It’s a great educational tool that gives you the knowledge that you need to succeed within the pool operation industry.
A CPO certificate is also recognized nationally (and internationally in many nations). This means that you’ll stand out in the job market when put against those that have not undergone the program. You’ll be a more competitive hire, and you also are likely to be paid more than you would without licensing.
CPO courses are also short and your certification lasts for 5 years. You can then retake the test and update your documentation. It’s a long-lasting investment.
It also is an investment that comes with professional benefits. Beyond giving you extensive knowledge on a variety of pool-related topics, CPO certification also helps you form contacts within the industry. Your instructor will help you compile resources and contacts while helping you learn.
Take Pool Technician Courses Today
Now that you know the basics of getting CPO certification online, it’s time to begin the registration process. PoolCerts is committed to providing you with all the information needed to pass your certification exam.
Our expert instructor has 10 years of experience so that you can get the best quality information. Register for a class today to begin your journey toward being a CPO-certified swimming pool technician.