AquaTech has found the sweet spot in virtual training

During this time of restricted travel, there are more options than ever to obtain your pool operator certification online - and the quality of the experience varies widely. Some traditional programs pivoted quickly to online courses. The delivery options are far from ideal: 2 days straight of signing in to watch PowerPoint presentations or mindlessly clicking through screens of dull content in online courses with minimal interaction. AquaTech is different.

An Effective and Exceptional Experience

The AquaTech difference

  • Practical approach to pool operations training

  • On-demand content - learn at your own pace and on your own schedule

  • You will be assigned to a small cohort with an experienced instructor who will be available to answer your questions within the online course or during virtual live meetings

  • Virtual proctored exam - no need to travel

  • Access to the online modules for the length of certification (five years)

  • Updated annually - stay current with industry trends

The First Pool Operator Course to be Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Certified!

AquaTech certification meets or exceeds all requirements for qualified operator training courses in the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and is considered a "CPO" or "AFO" equivalent. However, check with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for specific training regulations in your location to determine the acceptance of AquaTech certification or contact SAI at info@sai-intl.org.

What is Included

  • Part A (online self-study)

    9 interactive online modules with 75 topic-specific lessons - 12 downloadable reading assignments - 15 videos - 11 quizzes to check your knowledge - and more! Post questions to your instructor and other classmates at any time.

  • Part B (virtual, instructor-led)

    When you have completed the online modules you will attend a virtual session to review the course content with your instructor, and take the virtually-proctored certification exam.

  • PoolTool

    A downloadable quick-reference resource that includes Conversion and Calculation Essentials, Water Management Essentials, and Adjusting Chemicals Dosing Chart.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

  • Identify pool operator responsibilities and the varied types of aquatic facilities and jobs that will benefit from operator training

  • Understand how the water circulates to and from the pool through the mechanical system, and how dirt and particles are removed from the water during filtration

  • Understand the various methods to disinfect water and how to maintain appropriately sanitized and oxidized water

  • Maintain water balance using basic water chemistry principles

  • Identify strategies to reduce the risk of Recreational Water Illness (RWI), other illness, injury or drowning to self or patrons

  • Apply principles of pool water quality and safer operations to warm-water spas, hot tubs, and therapy pools as well as other type of special use pools

  • Recognize best practices for day-to-day operations and maintenance

Course curriculum

Part A

  1. 1

    • Welcome!

    • Before we continue...

    • Objectives

    • Reading Assignment 1 - Why Each Pool is Unique

    • Introduction Words to Know

    • The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)

    • The Role of Your Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

    • U.S. and International Swimming Pool Codes and Guidance

    • Now Meet the AquaTechs
  2. 2

    • Important Pool Calculations

    • The AquaTech Pool Tool: Conversion and Calculation Essentials

    • The AquaTech Pool Tool: Water Management Essentials

    • The AquaTech Pool Tool: Adjusting Chemicals
  3. 3

    • Module 2 Learning Objectives

    • Reading Assignment 2 - How a Pool Circulation System Works

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Circulation Words to Know

    • More About Gutters

    • Pumps and Pump Motors

    • Circulation System and Water Flow Activity

      FREE PREVIEW

    • All About Valves

    • Check Your Knowledge About Valves

    • Turnover and Flow Rate

    • Pump Priming

    • Suction Entrapment

    • Mechanical System Balance and Maintaining Water Levels

    • Return Inlets and Circulation Dye Testing

    • Circulation Summary

    • Reading Assignment 3 - How Filtration Systems Work

    • Filtration Words to Know

    • Filters and Backwashing

    • Determining Filter Media Rates and Filter Area

    • Filtration Summary

    • Check Your Knowledge About Circulation and Filtration
  4. 4

    • Module 3 Learning Objectives

    • Reading Assignment - How Chemical Feed and Automation Systems Work (Chapter 4)

    • Chemical Feed and Automation Systems Words to Know

    • Chemical Feed Systems

    • Automated Controllers and ORP

    • Reading Assignment- How to Test the Water (Chapter 5)

    • Water Tests Words to Know

    • Water Test Methods Words to Know

    • Water Test Equipment

    • Conducting Water Tests and Recordkeeping

    • Automation, ORP, and Water Testing Summary

    • Check Your Knowledge About ORP and Water Testing
  5. 5

    • Module 4 Learning Objectives

    • Reading Assignment 6 - How to Sanitize and Oxidize the Water

    • Water Disinfection Words to Know

    • More About Chlorine and Other Sanitization and Oxidation Options

    • The Problem With Chloramines and How to Perform Breakpoint Chlorination

    • Check Your Knowledge About Water Disinfection
  6. 6

    • How Does ORP Work?

    • So Why Chlorinate?

    • The ORP-PPM Relationship and Case Studies
  7. 7

    • Module 5 Learning Objectives

    • Reading Assignment 7 - How to Balance the Water and Add Chemicals

    • Water Balance Words to Know

    • Calculating Water Balance

    • Check Your Knowledge About Water Balance
  8. 8

    • Module 6 Learning Objectives

    • Reading Assignment 8 - How to Control Exposure to Pathogens

    • RWI Words to Know

    • What is Recreational Water Illness (RWI)?

    • Fecal Incident Response Guidelines

    • Exposure Control for Vomit and Blood

    • COVID-19 Considerations

    • RWI Summary

    • Check Your Knowledge About RWI
  9. 9

    • Module 7 Learning Objectives

    • Reading Assignment 9 - How to Operate Safely

    • Safety Words to Know

    • Entrapment Prevention and Pool and Spa Safety Act Guidance to Compliance

    • Pool and Spa Safety Act brochure

    • Chemical Safety

    • Electrical Safety

    • Rules, Signs, and Depth Markings

    • Drowning, Surveillance, Rescue Equipment, and Your Role in an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

    • Safety Summary

    • Check Your Knowledge About Safety and Risk Management
  10. 10

    • Module 8 Learning Objectives

    • Reading Assignment - How to Perform Routine and Preventative Maintenance (Chapter 10)

    • Maintenance Words to Know

    • Clean and Working: Details Make a Difference

    • Daily Inspection and Maintenance Items

    • Equipment and Vacuuming

    • Controlling Temperature and Humidity

    • Air Circulation at Indoor Aquatic Venues

    • Reading Assignment 11 - How to Perform Seasonal and Special Maintenance

    • Leak Detection

    • Renovation and Design

    • Summary

    • Check Your Knowledge About Maintenance and Operations
  11. 11

    • Module 9 Learning Objectives

    • Reading Assignment 12 - How to Safely Operate Spas and Warm Water Pools

    • Spas and Warm Water Pools Words to Know

    • More About Bromine

    • CDC - Operating Public Hot Tubs Factsheet

    • Hydrotherapy Tanks at Health Care Facilities

    • Summary

    • Check Your Knowledge About Spas and Warm Water Pools

Enroll Here

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FAQ

  • How long is the AquaTech certificate of completion valid?

    Five (5) years.

  • Is AquaTech recognized and approved in my U.S. location for pool operator certification?

    In the United States, AquaTech meets or exceeds all guidelines for qualified operator training courses in the CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and is considered a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) and Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) equivalent. Your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) such as the state or county health department may have specific requirements for course approval. We will be glad to help gain approval if we have not already. Contact info@sai-intl.org to request assistance regarding regulatory approval.

  • How will I receive my certificate?

    When you complete Part B and pass the exam you will be able to access your digital certificate at any time from the Part B course, You can download, print, and share your certificate.

  • How long will I have access to course content?

    For the duration of your certification.

  • How long does it take to complete the online learning modules (Part A)?

    Approximately sixteen (16) hours

  • What organization is behind AquaTech and who are the authors?

    AquaTech is a program of the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI). The initial AquaTech content was developed in 2005 by a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) of leading aquatic professionals for use within the SAI client family. Now that the program is expanding, many of those individuals remain active in updating it today, along with some new faces. A full list of former and current PAC members can be found at www.starfishaquatics.org

  • Is there an in-person training option?

    During this time of travel restrictions due to COVID-19, the in-person training option is being considered on a case-by-case basis. When in-person training resumes, students still complete Part A online, and then attend a one-day in-person workshop for Part B. This workshop includes hands-on learning activities conducted in a pool pump room, followed by the course review and proctored exam.

  • Is this course appropriate for use outside the U.S.?

    Yes! The content has been internationalized and matched to qualification standards as much as possible. If you have specific questions regarding approval in your country contact info@sai-intl.org

  • When can I start Part A, how often are Part B sessions conducted, and do I have to take Part B?

    You can start Part A at any time! Part B sessions are available twice a month, with additional times being added based on demand. Registration for Part B is through Splash-EDU. You need to take Part B only if you want to sit for the exam and earn your AquaTech Pool Operator Certification. Contact lake@sai-intl.org or sara@intl.org to register.