About CPO - Certified Pool Operator Course
A Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification Course gives professionals the knowledge and confidence to manage aquatic facilities of every size—from hotel pools and community centers to large commercial waterparks. The training goes far beyond basic pool care, focusing on the certification requirements established by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the public‑health standards enforced by local and state agencies.
Participants learn how proper pool operation directly impacts public health, including preventing recreational water illnesses, maintaining compliant water quality, and ensuring facility safety for all swimmers. The curriculum covers essential topics such as chemical testing, water balance, filtration systems, circulation, and safe handling of pool chemicals. Operators also gain practical skills for identifying hazards, documenting water‑quality readings, and responding to equipment issues before they become costly problems.
For added flexibility, the CPO program is available as an online course or in a traditional classroom format. The online option allows operators to complete the educational portion at their own pace, followed by a proctored exam to finalize certification. Whether you manage a single pool or oversee multiple aquatic environments, the CPO credential ensures you meet industry standards, comply with health‑department regulations, and maintain a safe, clean, and legally compliant facility.
Our Course Instructor
Become a nationally recognized Certified Pool Operator (CPO) through The Pool Class with Scott Ford, a PHTA (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance) CPO instructor. Our CPO course is approved by the Florida Department of Health and it's required for operating public pools and spas.
Whether you manage a hotel pool, community association, waterpark, fitness center, or municipal facility, this certification gives you the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to operate pools safely, legally, and professionally.
What is a CPO Certification
CPO Certification (Certified Pool Operator® Certification) is the nationally recognized credential required for anyone responsible for operating, maintaining, or managing a public swimming pool or spa. The certification is issued through the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA®) and is accepted by health departments across the United States — including the Florida Department of Health, which requires a certified operator for most public pools.
The purpose of CPO Certification is to ensure that pool operators understand the science, safety, and regulations behind proper pool operation. A certified operator is trained to keep water clean, balanced, and safe for swimmers while preventing accidents, equipment failures, and health risks.
Why get CPO Certified?
Public pool operators are responsible for water quality, safety, compliance, and guest health. The CPO® Certification is the industry standard for proving you understand:
- Water chemistry
- Filtration & circulation
- Disinfection methods
- Health department regulations
- Equipment operation
- Safety & risk prevention
- Record keeping & compliance
Most Florida counties require a certified operator on staff. This course ensures you meet those requirements.
Who Should Take The Certified Pool Operator Course?
- Hotel & resort staff
- HOA & condo operators
- Apartment maintenance teams
- Municipal swimming pool operators
- Waterpark staff
- Fitness center operators
- School & university facility managers
- Anyone responsible for a public swimming pool or spa
What you will learn?
The certification course topics include:
- Regulations and Guidelines
- Swimming Pool Calculations
- Filtration and Circulation
- Pool Water Contamination
- Disinfection
- Chemical Feed and Control
- Pool Water Testing
- Spas and Warm Water Pools
- Pool Management
- Pool and Spa Maintenance
- Pool Operation Problems
- Renovation and Modernization
- Disease and Accident Prevention
Each Student Receives a Pool & Spa Operator Handbook
The Textbook is updated annually to include information on The Virginia Graem Baker Pool & Safety Act, Revised Americans with Disability Act Regulations, Model Aquatice Health Code Module Summary, and a Listing of Pool Industry Regulations & Standards.
Training Course Details
PHTA certifies those persons who successfully complete the 16 hours of Certified Pool~Spa Operator® instruction and pass the examination. The standard CPO® class is taught over a 2-Day period. Class hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM, both days.
Our CPO Certification Course is designed to provide the knowledge necessary to operate and manage public pools and spas. The Certified Pool~Spa Operator® class fulfills the local and state requirements for certification for pool service technicians as defined in many states, including Florida.
The CPO® Class Certification
is valid for a period of
5 years
You’ll leave with the knowledge to confidently operate any commercial pool or spa.
Course Price
$390 – Everything Included
No hidden fees. No extra charges. Includes textbook, exam, certification, and instructor support.
Register Today
Our Classes fill quickly — especially online sessions and weekend dates.
Reserve your seat now and get certified.
Why Choose The Pool Class?
You’re not just signing up for a class — you’re learning from one of Florida’s most experienced instructors.
- 20+ years teaching CPO® certification
- 13,000+ students trained
- Florida DOH‑approved provider
- Online or in‑person classes available
- Classes available Virtually for Nationwide Student
- Private group training for hotels, HOAs, and organizations
- Clear, practical instruction designed for real‑world pool operation
Our teaching style is simple: make complex pool science easy to understand, and make every student confident in their ability to operate a pool safely.....read more about our Instructor
Each Student Receives a Pool & Spa Operator Handbook