Certified Pool/Spa Operator’s Courses

Aqua-Guard Management is pleased to partner with the Aquatic Council in offering the Pool and Hot Tub Association's Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Program. Upon successful completion you will receive certification and registration as a Pool/ Spa Operator valid for five years. The CPO is recognized world wide as the leading training standard of the swimming pool industry. The CPO seal of approval is assurance to commercial pool and spa owners that their facilities and guests are under the care and supervision of a trained professional. Participants are trained in the most advanced techniques of chemical treatment, filtration, and mechanical system operation and maintenance. The curriculum is academically based. University educators with no bias of commercial pool manufacturers or suppliers sponsor these courses.


Course Information

Who should attend this course?

Pool managers, facility managers, club managers, hotel and motel engineering and housekeeping staff, seasonal aquatic staff, recreation facility managers, and public health department sanitarians have all benefited from this course. If you are planning to build or renovate a pool, you will find this course extremely valuable.

Why should you be certified?

State and municipalities are constantly editing and/or revising their pool/spa operating codes; pool operators are expected to know this information. All states require that a person knowledgeable in the pool’s mechanical and chemical operation be available when the pool is in use. New pools with unique design features require specialized operation and maintenance practices. The growing number of indoor and outdoor water parks, swimming pools, spa, and fountains has increased the need for professional trained operators who have technical knowledge. Rapid advances in technology require constant updating of operator knowledge and skill. Older pools are less efficient, creating a challenge for even a skilled operator to maintain and operate them with current health standards. With operating funds becoming more and more limited, good training can result in more efficient operation, saving thousands of dollars.

What is our experience?

We have been offering this course since 1986. This course is designed to offer a practical experience that will personally benefit you. If you are not completely satisfied, your registration fee will be fully refunded. Contact us for a list of satisfied participants.

Who will teach the course?

Tim Auerhahn is a six-time recipient of the Distinguished Instructor Award issued by the World Aquatic Health Conference. Since 2015 he has certified more operators worldwide than any other instructor. As an alumnus of The Ohio State University (B.S. Sports Management, M.S. Strategic Leadership), Tim has served in various operations, education, risk-management and leadership capacities with nationally recognized brands, athletic facilities and universities. Combining real world experiences and a fast-paced, exciting curriculum, Tim’s seminars are among the highest reviewed in the industry. Tim combines over 20 years of aquatic operations expertise with adult education, business strategy and leadership principles that bring an exciting mix to the outstanding CPO curriculum..

Our 1-Day Fusion Courses are taught by industry veteran, Katie Crysdale. In addition to teaching the CPO Program, Katie holds instructor certifications with the Lifesaving Society and the Canadian Red Cross. Katie was awarded The Royal Life Saving Society's Certificate of Thanks in 2015 for valuable service in water safety and drowning prevention. Katie's online presence is unmistakable - in 2020 she launched the tremendously popular PoolAide webinar series, which produced nearly 50 hours of live webinar content viewed by thousands of operators worldwide.

What options do I have for a CPO course?

The CPO program is available in three great formats. Our traditional 2-day classes are scheduled for in-person sessions or live, online programs via Zoom. Your third option is our online Fusion CPO course. In this format you'll begin with 8 hours of self-paced E-Learning. Once completed, you join an instructor online for a 1-day session where you'll review content in the morn- ing and complete your exam in the afternoon. Each class if fully accredited. For more information on these formats please call our office or visit us at AquaticCouncil.com anytime.

How can I prepare?

The new and exciting textbook includes the most complete and current information available. It is helpful to review the textbook before the course. We will ship it to you if we receive your paid reservation 10 days prior to the course.

What if I can’t pass the course examination?

If you read the text, pay attention in class, and complete the first day’s homework you will probably pass the open-book/opennote exam but a re-take can be scheduled for $100.00.

What if I must cancel my registration?

Cancellations more than five business days in advance are entitled to a full refund, less material fees ($175.00 Traditional/ $200.00 Fusion). However, you may also transfer your registration to a future course or substitute someone, simply call us.

Can I earn continuing education credit for attending this course?

Yes, if your organization is on our list of approved providers. A complete list can be found on our website. We will do the paperwork; simply notify our office two weeks prior to the course.

Can I receive a discount if I enroll several staff members?

Yes, discounts of 10% are given if you enroll five or more individuals.

How do I enroll?

You have several options...

  • Mail us the Registration Form with a check payable to Aqua-Guard Management. You may also use your MasterCard, Visa, or American Express.
  • Fax or mail this Registration Form with a signed Purchase Order and we will send you an invoice. Our fax number is 1-847-277-9845 and our email address is cpo@aquaguardmanagement.com.

When should I enroll?

For the past several years, all of our classes sold out. To avoid disappointment, we recommend that you secure a place in class as early as possible. When a course sells out, we will maintain a wait list.

activities of a certified pool operator

Schedule Options

In-Person 2-Day CPO

Class Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT each day

Tuition: $395.00, includes materials, textbook, examination and five year certification

Online 2-Day CPO

Class Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT each day

Tuition: $395.00, includes materials, textbook, examination and five year certification

Online Fusion 1-Day CPO

Class Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT

Tuition: $395.00, includes materials, textbook, examination and five year certification


Additional Information & Registration

If you have questions regarding the course, please call Chris at 1-847-277-9840, ext. 1 or send an email to cpo@aquaguardmanagement.com.

To register for one of the courses above, complete our Registration Form.