Certified Pool Operator Test Review
Questions Answered 2023/2024 GRADED A+
12 Reasons why the health inspector will close your pool
1. pump filter not working for more than an hour
2. main drain is not visible
3. chemical readings out of range
4. no pool operator (15 minute grace period)
5. no lifeguard or cpr certs present
6. water is below the skimmer line
7. danger to the public
8. chlorinator is not working
9. health inspector is not allowed in
10. bathrooms + drains not working
11. flow rate is too low
12. no phone (landline)
Measuring records as the CPO
Operator must test the water for Cl and pH every hour, and Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and
Cyanuric Acid once per week. Records must be maintained on site and available for at least 2 years at
the pool and 3 years total.
5 Factors of Water Balance
pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Temperature, and total dissolved liquids
Corrosive water
pH is too low, dissolves everything it contacts
scaling water
pH it too high, mineral deposits on walls or pipes
Regulated pH range
7.2-7.8
pH reading is tested with Phenol Red
To lower pH,
add muriatic acid
To raise the pH,
add sodium carbonate (Soda Ash)
2. sodium bisulfate
3. carbon dioxide
Total Alkalinity
represents the amount of carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides in a solution - you want this to be
high, because the pH resists changes in fluctuating
pH Bounce
Questions Answered 2023/2024 GRADED A+
12 Reasons why the health inspector will close your pool
1. pump filter not working for more than an hour
2. main drain is not visible
3. chemical readings out of range
4. no pool operator (15 minute grace period)
5. no lifeguard or cpr certs present
6. water is below the skimmer line
7. danger to the public
8. chlorinator is not working
9. health inspector is not allowed in
10. bathrooms + drains not working
11. flow rate is too low
12. no phone (landline)
Measuring records as the CPO
Operator must test the water for Cl and pH every hour, and Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and
Cyanuric Acid once per week. Records must be maintained on site and available for at least 2 years at
the pool and 3 years total.
5 Factors of Water Balance
pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Temperature, and total dissolved liquids
Corrosive water
pH is too low, dissolves everything it contacts
scaling water
pH it too high, mineral deposits on walls or pipes
Regulated pH range
7.2-7.8
pH reading is tested with Phenol Red
To lower pH,
add muriatic acid
To raise the pH,
add sodium carbonate (Soda Ash)
2. sodium bisulfate
3. carbon dioxide
Total Alkalinity
represents the amount of carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides in a solution - you want this to be
high, because the pH resists changes in fluctuating
pH Bounce
