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Water Protection Program

Hours
7:45 am - 4:45 pm

Mon - Fri

Contact
(614) 645-8191

[email protected]

Certified Pool Operator Course

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Certified Pool & Spa Operator® Certification Program

PHTA CPO Logo

About the Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) Course

This course is designed to help broaden your knowledge for the safe operation of swimming pools, spas and spray grounds in our community. Students who complete the course and pass the final exam obtain CPO® Certification that is valid for 5 years. 

The course is designed for:

  • operators and owners
  • homeowners 
  • health inspectors
  • lifeguards
  • anyone who wants to know the workings of a swimming pool or spa                                                                                                                                                                                                        Formerly:  CPO Logo

CPO® certification program includes:

  • pool and spa chemistry
  • testing
  • treatment
  • filtration
  • maintenance
  • automatic feeding equipment
  • government requirements
Click here for more information about the CPO® Course for Operators


Course Options

  1. Classroom Course: Two-Day Program 
    $350
    The Two-Day Classroom Course covers all chapters of the Pool & Spa OperatorTM Handbook and local codes following the Two-Day Course Schedule. Student must attend both days of instruction and pass the exam to obtain CPO® certification.                             
    14-16 hours

  2. In-Person Blended Format Course: Online Pool Operator Primer Course and 1-Day Instruction
    $350 
    The Blended Format allows the student to obtain CPO® Certification by completing the prerequisite online Pool Operator PrimerTM training through the PHTA, attending the second day of a scheduled Two-Day Classroom Course, and passing the exam. To attend the 1-day class and take the exam, you must bring your Pool Operator PrimerTM Certificate of Completion along with a photo ID. 
    Online Primer = 6-8 hours; One-Day instruction = 6-8 hours

  3. Virtual Blended Format Course: Online Primer Course and 1-Day Virtual Instruction
    $350
    The Virtual Blended Format allows the student to obtain CPO® Certification by completing the prerequisite online Pool Operator PrimerTM training through the PHTA, attending a 1-Day Virtual Course with instruction following the Fusion Course Schedule, and passing the online exam. To attend the 1-Day Virtual Course and take the exam, you must bring your Pool Operator PrimerTM Certificate of Completion along with a photo ID. 
    Online Primer = 6-8 hours; One-Day instruction = 6-8 hours

  4. Recertification Options: Must hold an active CPO® Certification 
    $300
    - Online Pool Operator PrimerTM, followed by exam (in-person or virtual) 
    - Attend second day of a schedule Two-Day Classroom Course, followed by exam (in-person or virtual) 
    - Attend 1-Day Virtual instruction, followed by exam (in-person or virtual) 
    Online Primer = 6-8 hours; One-Day instruction = 6-8 hours

  5. Expired? Two option to obtain CPO® Certification: 
    1. Attend Two-Day Classroom Course 
    2. Attend Blended Format Course

With each of the above course options, the fee includes the Pool & Spa OperatorTM Handbook, Pool MathTM Workbook, supplemental course materials, examination, a subscription to the CPO® Newsletter, and 5-year CPO® Certification.                   


Click on the below course date you wish to attend to register for the CPO® course online. 

Registration Form

Please complete the form electronically (or by hand), print, and mail with your payment to:
Columbus Public Health
Water Protection Program
240 Parsons Ave
Columbus, OH 43215

Cash, check or money orders accepted. Do not mail cash. Checks must be made out to “Columbus City Treasurer”.  All payments are non-refundable.

Contact

If you have any questions, please call us at 614-645-7005 or email [email protected]. 

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