Not every state or county requires pool operator certification.  While some require pool operators to maintain certification from a recognized program, other states only require that pool operators be "knowledgeable" in pool operations. Following a catastrophic incident such as a drowning or spinal injury, demonstrating adequate operator "knowledge" becomes a burden of the defense.   Unfortunately, some states have no mention of pool operator training requirements in their codes. 

DeRosa Aquatic Consulting strongly recommends that all swimming pool operators maintain current certification from an approved, nationally-recognized pool operator certification program.  For aquatic professionals, this has become a standard of care in the industry.  Research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and others has shown that a properly certified pool operator makes a significant difference in the safe and healthy operation of an aquatic facility.  From a business perspective, minimizing risks of injury and financial loss by having a properly certified manager on staff is a prudent business choice.

Practical Pool Management and Practical Pool Management Plus are nationally-recognized pool operator training programs developed and taught by water safety and lifeguarding expert Shawn P. DeRosa. Certification is provided by Aquatic Safety Research Group, LLC. 

Swimming pool operators currently certified in the following programs are eligible to sit for the Practical Pool Management Plus exam:

• Certified Pool Operator, National Swimming Pool Foundation

• Aquatic Facility Operator, National Recreation and Park Association

• Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician, American Swimming Pool & Spa Association

• Tech I / Tech II, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP)

* Connecticut:  The Connecticut Department of Health does not approve pool operator programs even though the state regulations require a pool operator to be "knowledgeable" in pool operations. We believe the PPM and PPM+ programs will help operators meet the knowledge requirement established by the state code.

** Ohio/Oklahoma: Both states required that pool operators be "trained" but fail to specify whether certification is needed. Oklahoma recommends pool operators participate in certification courses. We believe our PPM and PPM+ programs will help operators meet the training requirement established by the state codes.

*** Texas: Texas Department of Health states that aquatic facilities (and not the Texas Dept. of Health) must determine whether individual programs are "equivalent" to the programs listed in the applicable state regulation. We believe the PPM and PPM+ programs are equivalent to the programs listed in the Texas code.

**** Vermont: Health Regulations is Vermont require pool operators to be "qualified" in the operation of pool equipment, and chemical testing procedures. We believe our PPM and PPM+ programs will help operators meet the "qualification" requirement established by the state code.

+ Illinois: The Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Code (77 Illinois Admin Code 820) does not require pool operator certification. However, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health strongly encourages pool operators/managers to receive certification and offers a "self-study" course to prepare pool operators to sit for the state's Swimming Pool Operator's Certification Exam.  Successful completion of the exam qualifies the operator/manager to be awarded as certificate as a Certified Swimming Pool Operator by the Illinois Department of Public Health.  We believe our PPM and PPM+ programs will qualify pool operators to sit for the exam with the added benefit of having achieved a nationally-recognized certification. 

++ Minnesota: State law mandates CPO or AFO certification.  Without language recognizing an "equivalent" program, only CPO and AFO prorams will be recognized in Minnesota absent a variance request and payment of the applicable variance application fees.  If a group wishes to host a PPM+ workshop in Minnesota, we will work with the state to obtain the required variance. To date, PPM+ has never been rejected as an "equivalent" training program to the CPO or AFO programs.