When you own or manage any type of Texas-based swimming pool company, you need to familiarize yourself with the importance of Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification.
It doesn’t matter if it’s for an apartment complex, hotel, or other public swimming area, CPO certification Texas is an absolute necessity for all Texas pool cleaners. However, you might be unsure of what a CPO certification is and why it’s so important. In this helpful article, we explain it all.
What Is CPO Certification?
A CPO certification is a program that’s nationally recognized. It teaches individuals how to operate and maintain swimming pools safely.
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) issues these certificates. They’re well-known and respected in the industry and their training courses are comprehensive. Some topics include:
- Water chemistry
- Pool maintenance
- Best practices for safety and compliance
These courses are designed to ensure that pool operators can:
- Maintain clean pools
- Provide a safe pool environment
- Ensure compliance in the industry
It doesn’t matter if you manage a commercial facility or other pool cleaning business, you need a CPO pool certification to show you’re operating at the highest standards possible.
Why Does Your Business Need CPO Certification?
Managing pools isn’t just about keeping them clean on the surface. Pools can transmit stomach and intestinal illnesses. This includes:
- Cryptosporidium (Crypto)
- Giardia
- Shigella
- E. coli O157:H7
- Norovirus
CPO certification pool operators works to reduce the possibility of swimmers becoming sick. It’s also essential to reduce the incidence of equipment failures. This all works to promote swimmer safety.
Comply with State Regulations
Each state has regulations for pool operation. In Texas, public pools have to meet strict sanitation guidelines and other safety measures.
Obtaining a Texas CPO certification works to ensure that a company and its staff are well aware of all these guidelines and take all proper measures to implement them. This is for the safety of everyone swimming and to avoid legal ramifications.
Enhanced Safety for Guests and Employees
The most important part of CPO certification is safety. When a pool is properly maintained, it reduces many risks. This includes:
- Drowning
- Waterborne illnesses
- Other safety accidents
There is nothing more important than water safety, and CPO certified pool operators work to keep a swimming environment safe for everyone.
Save Money
Like anything else, when a pool is neglected and/or poorly maintained, it’s more likely to have issues that lead to costly repairs. One of the best ways of preventing these expenses is by obtaining a CPO certificate. Since CPO-certified operators are trained to find potential pool-related issues before they arise, they can catch and repair them before they become major expenses.
Some of these regularly scheduled maintenance requests include managing chemicals. When pools are properly cared for, pool equipment can last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
Regardless of what type of pool you run, all swimmers expect a safe and clean pool to exercise or relax in. When you have a CPO certification, it shows clients that you have acute attention to detail and take safety standards seriously. Your guests will feel more secure with your business if they see your CPO certification, and understand that you have high standards.
Outpace the Competition
When you have a CPO certification, you’re setting yourself apart from the competition. This professional certificate shows that you’re serious and committed to pool safety and that you want your swimmers to experience the best pool time possible. If you’re looking to find new guests for your facility, a CPO certificate can help.
How to Get CPO Certified in Texas
Once you understand the benefits of a CPO certification program, you can enroll in a CPO course. Here are the most common steps for getting CPO certified in Texas:
Find a CPO Course
Begin by finding a CPO certification program, either in person or online. There are different program options available, each ideal for a variety of schedules. Be sure your training program is offered by a certified instructor.
Complete the Training
Once enrolled, complete your training. It’s important to take detailed notes to refer to after you complete your course. You’ll cover a variety of topics in your handbook, so be prepared to learn about:
- How to manage risks and common emergency procedures
- Water testing and basic pool chemistry
- How to maintain pools and spas
- The best way to handle chemicals, including safe storage options
- Different pool regulations on a state and federal level
You’ll also learn about pool filtration systems and pool circulation.
On average, training takes 16 hours. You can take the course in-person or virtual.
Take the Exam
After you complete your certified pool operator course, you’ll need to take a test. If you pass this exam, you’ll receive your CPO certificate. Make sure to pay attention during instruction because this exam is a culmination of everything you learned during your training course.
Each CPO certificate is valid for five years.
When choosing a CPO certification program in Texas, be sure you use an accredited program recognized by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). Your instructor should be an experienced industry professional in pool safety and maintenance.
Future Considerations
After you have your CPO certification, always apply what you learned about maintaining pools to implement high safety standards. You also need to stay on top of new regulations and other updates in the pool industry. After five years, you need to renew your certificate, so always keep track of when it expires to avoid any lapses.
CPO Certification Texas: Invest in Your Business Today
CPO certification in Texas is more than an instructional course — it shows your guests that you take pool safety seriously. It also teaches you and your employees the ins and outs of pool maintenance so you can provide swimmers with the best experience possible. Whether you run a pool at a gym, hotel, or apartment complex, it’s always a smart investment to obtain a CPO certificate.
If you’re looking for a CPO certificate in Texas, don’t hesitate to enroll in a certification course. Get CPO certified with Poolcerts.com today!