Welcome to Tropical Aquatic Pool Education, LLC
Specialized Online or In-Person CPO Class Training & Certification
CPO Certification / Certified Pool Operator / CPO Course $350 online or in-person, taught by Tropical Aquatic Pool Education. Scott Ford, the owner of Tropical Aquatic Pool Education, teaches the PHTA CPO course at many public venues and can offer private courses to your staff at your facility. The CPO certification is recognized nationwide and approved by the State of Florida Department of Health as an Approved Pool Service Technician Certification Course.
About CPO Certification
The Certified Pool/Spa Operator CPO® Certification is a nationally recognized program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate and manage public swimming pools, spas, and water features. The certification covers essential topics such as water chemistry, equipment operation, maintenance, and health regulations. In many areas, health departments require this certification for anyone responsible for the operation of public pools.
During the course, participants learn how to maintain proper pool and spa chemistry, understanding the importance of pH balance, chlorine levels, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Water balance is a key focus, helping operators prevent both corrosion and scaling of equipment and surfaces. The training also covers various disinfection methods, including the use of chlorine, bromine, salt systems, and UV technology. In addition, students become familiar with different types of filtration systems, learning maintenance procedures and troubleshooting techniques.
Participants also study circulation and hydraulics, focusing on how pumps function, how to calculate flow rates, and understanding turnover times. Health and safety guidelines from organizations such as the CDC and OSHA are a major component, along with best practices for record keeping and chemical testing. The program ensures that operators understand how to comply with state and local health codes while emphasizing risk management and drowning prevention.
The CPO certification can be earned by completing a two-day in-person class with the exam administered on the second day, or the online Zoom class with the exam administered online.
Frequent Questions
The certification covers both, commercial and residential pools and the class discusses both.
Yes, Tropical Aquatic Pool Education is accredited through The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance nationwide.
No, reference Florida code 64-e9.18
No, all that is needed to take the course is a government issued photo ID
Please bring a highlighter, pen, paper, and a calculator that is not on a cellphone.
The PHTA CPO certification is good for 5 years.
Private Group Classes Available
If your organization has multiple employees who need certification, Tropical Pool Aquatic Education offers private classes tailored to your team. These sessions can be held at your facility pool, allowing staff to train in their actual work environment. You choose the date that works best for your group, and the class will be exclusive to your employees—no outside participants.
We’re happy to schedule a private class at your location for groups of 10 or more. Let’s find a date that works for both of us!
Contact us to schedule your Class.
Who Has Attended a Tropical Aquatics' CPO® Course?
This pool certification is essential for a wide range of professionals, including pool maintenance companies, hotel and resort staff, apartment complex managers, water park operators, fitness center maintenance teams, school facilities staff, and parks and recreation departments. Many homeowner associations and condominium complexes also require their maintenance teams to have a certified pool operator.
- State of Florida – Department of Health (all counties)
- Disney’s MGM Studios
- Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club
- Caribbean Circuits Corporation
- Bay Area Apartment Association
- Brevard Pools – Melbourne
- CWS Communities – Orlando
- Nalco Chemical Company – Chicago USA
- Department of Homeland Security
- Ritz Carlton – Palm Beach
- Busch Gardens – Tampa
- Embry Riddle University
- Collier County Parks & Recreation
- University of Florida
- Gainesville Apartment Association
- Equity Residential
- The Villages of Lady Lake
- City of Fort Myers
- Orlando YMCA
- Radisson Sand Key Resort
- Hilton Key West
- Suncoast and St. Pete YMCA
- Manatee County Parks & Recreation
- University of South Florida
- Ritz Carlton – Naples
- and over 12,000 other students from as far away as Kuala Lumper