AquaTech Pool Operator Certification
Presented by Total Aquatic Programming LLC
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
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
Part A
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
Important Pool Calculations
The AquaTech Pool Tool: Conversion and Calculation Essentials
The AquaTech Pool Tool: Water Management Essentials
The AquaTech Pool Tool: Adjusting Chemicals
Module 2 Learning Objectives
Reading Assignment 2 - How a Pool Circulation System Works
FREE PREVIEWCirculation Words to Know
More About Gutters
Pumps and Pump Motors
Circulation System and Water Flow Activity
FREE PREVIEWAll 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
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
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
How Does ORP Work?
So Why Chlorinate?
The ORP-PPM Relationship and Case Studies
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
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
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
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
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
Five (5) years.
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.
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.
For the duration of your certification.
Approximately sixteen (16) hours
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
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.
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
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.