On-Demand Courses

This course is an excellent preparation for the CBP (Certified Building Professional®) exam. The course takes you through the PHTA Builders Manual and gives you what you need to know to conform to industry standards. The course covers all types of pool and spa water feature construction and reviews the construction process in detail from design to pool and spa start-up.

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Target Audience: The PSCC is for novice and experienced pool builders, as well as designers who need to know more about pool and spa construction.

How You Will Benefit:

• Advance your career and earn the in-demand skills employers want.
• Become eligible to sit for the CBP exam.
• Earn 24 CEUs.

What You Get with The Course:

• Eight weeks access to the virtual course
• PHTA Builders Manual
• PHTA Pool and Spa Construction Workbook

Course Fee: $599/member and $749/non-member. An additional $24 shipping and handling fee for the books will be charged.

Course Outline:

Safety

• Workplace Safety
• Chemical Safety
• Electrical Safety
• Structural Safety

Business Practices

• Business and Finance
• Insurance
• Loss Control

Preliminary Planning and Layout

• Layout and Staking
• Pool Math
• Project Layout

Excavation

• Excavating Equipment
• Applicable OSHA Regulations
• Excavation Guidelines

Circulation, Filtration and Hydraulics

• Circulation and Piping
• System Requirements
• Filtration
• Filter Types
• Using TDH Information
• Turnover and Flow Rate

Electrical

• Basic Electric Circuit
• Electrical Code Requirements
• Pool and Spa Lighting

Basic Structures

• Working with Concrete and Related Materials
• Concrete Pool and Spa Structures
• Fiberglass Pool Construction
• Vinyl Liner Construction
• Aboveground/Onground Pool

Water Features

• Vanishing Edge Pools
• Perimeter Overflow Pools
• Fountains

Deck Work

• Concrete Decks
• Non-concrete Decks

Coping, Tile and Interior Surfaces

• Coping, Tiling, Paint
• Interior Finishes for Concrete Pools

Accessories

• Chemical Feeders
• Dehumidying, Heating, Venting and Air Handling
• Pool and Spa Covers
• Fire Elements

Start-up

• Basic Water Chemistry
• Informing Your Customers About Safety

This course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to know to conform to industry standards. After completing this course, the student will have gained a strong understanding of Safety, Pool Circulation and Filtration, Pool Maintenance, and Water Quality; learned about other important topics such as electrical systems, pool structures and finishes, heaters and controls, and customer service; and earned a name for yourself in the pool industry as a maintenance person in the know!

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Target Audience: The CMS course is for those new to the pool and spa industry or working a pool maintenance route.

How You Will Benefit:

• Advance your career and earn the in-demand skills employers want.
• Become eligible to sit for the CMS exam.
• Earn 24 CEUs.

What You Get with The Course:

• Eight weeks access to the virtual course
• A copy of the PHTA Service Tech Manual
• The CMS (Certified Maintenance Specialist) Workbook

Course Fee: $499/member and $549/non-member. An additional $24 shipping and handling fee for the books will be charged.

Course Outline:

Safety

• Chemical Safety
• Drowning and Accident Prevention
• Electrical Safety
• Filter Safety

Business Practices

• Basic Calculations
• Customer Service
• Legal Considerations
• Troubleshooting Resources

Water Quality

• Basic Water Chemistry
• Chemical Safety
• Pool and Spa Water Sanitizers
• Water Balance
• Water Testing

Structures and Finishes

• Pool and Spa Structures
• Interior Finishes and Repairs
• Spa Shell Repairs

Circulation, Filtration, and Hydraulics

• The Circulation System
• Filter Rate, Efficiency, and Performance
• Hydraulics
• Pumps
• New Design Considerations

Electrical Requirements

• Basic Electrical Circuit
• Basic Electricity
• Pool and Spa Lighting

Heaters and Optional Equipment

• Gas Heaters
• Heat Pumps
• Chemical Feeders and Generators

Control Systems

• Electromechanical (Pneumatic) Controls
• Understanding Control Systems

Maintenance

• Routine Maintenance
• Seasonal and Special Care
• Covers
• Startup Procedures

This online self-paced course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to know to conform to industry standards. You will be able to explain common problems with pool finishes and how to repair them; keep pools running more efficiently with a better understanding of circulation, filtration, hydraulics, and electricity; grow your practical knowledge and gain troubleshooting skills and resources; and distinguish yourself as an experienced and knowledgeable service technician.

You do not need to have completed the CMS certification in order to attend this course and sit for the CST exam, but you will be expected to have acquired the core knowledge covered in that course. We recommend that you have at least 1–2 years of experience in pool/spa service and repair to expect to be successful on the certification exam.

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Target Audience: The CST course is for individuals with at least 1–2 years of experience in pool and spa service and repair.

Learning Objectives: After completing this course, the student will be able to explain common problems with pool finishes and how to repair them; keep pools running more efficiently with a better understanding of circulation, filtration, hydraulics and electricity; grow your practical knowledge and gain troubleshooting skills and resources; and distinguish yourself as an experienced and knowledgeable service technician.

How You Will Benefit:

• Advance your career and earn the in-demand skills employers want.
• Become eligible to sit for the CST exam.
• Earn 24 CEUs.

What You Get with The Course:

• Eight weeks access to the virtual course
• PHTA Service Technician Manual
• CST (Certified Service Technician) Workbook

Course Fee: $549/member and $699/non-member. An additional $24 shipping and handling fee for the books will be charged.

Course Outline:

Safety

• Chemical Safety
• Drowning and Accident Prevention
• Electrical Safety
• Filter Safety

Business Practices

• Basic Calculations
• Customer Service
• Legal Considerations
• Troubleshooting Resources

Water Quality

• Basic Water Chemistry
• Chemical Safety
• Pool and Spa Water Sanitizers
• Water Balance
• Water Testing

Structures and Finishes

• Pool and Spa Structures
• Interior Finishes and Repairs
• Spa Shell Repairs

Circulation, Filtration, and Hydraulics

• The Circulation System
• Filter Rate, Efficiency, and Performance
• Hydraulics
• Pumps
• New Design Considerations

Electrical Requirements

• Basic Electrical Circuit
• Basic Electricity
• Pool and Spa Lighting

Heaters and Optional Equipment

• Gas Heaters
• Heat Pumps
• Chemical Feeders and Generators

Control Systems

• Electromechanical (Pneumatic) Controls
• Understanding Control Systems

Maintenance

• Routine Maintenance
• Seasonal and Special Care
• Covers
• Start-up Procedures

Designed for new or junior Retail Associates, this course will teach the fundamentals of Retail sales and service for pool and spa dealers. Upon completion, the student will have an understanding of residential pool operations, maintenance, chemistry, and safety. They will understand proper sales techniques and customer service as well as how to maintain an organized and functional Retail environment.

Purchase Course

Target Audience: Individuals new to the pool and spa Retail environment.

How You Will Benefit:

• Advance your career and earn the in-demand skills employers want.
• Earn 24 CEUs.

What You Get with The Course:

• Eight weeks access to the virtual course
• PHTA Service Technician Manual
• CST (Certified Service Technician) Workbook

Course Fee: $549/member and $699/non-member. An additional $24 shipping and handling fee for the books will be charged.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of proper customer relations and communication and have the ability to carry out tasks in an organized manner.
• Understand proper housekeeping and store layout in the Retail environment.
• Understand the basics of how a pool functions and the types of pools common in the residential market.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of Retail sales techniques, identify clients’ needs, and distinguish between benefits and features.
• Explain basic functions and maintenance requirements to customers/clients.
• Recognize the importance of a safe Retail environment and learn to identify potential hazards and how to eliminate them.
• Understand the importance of proper water chemistry and identify the key components of water balance and sanitation.
• Explain to customers/clients the aspects and importance of properly maintained water.
• Identify the key parameters needed to accurately treat pool or spa water and provide instructions to clients on water treatment.
• Recognize key elements pertaining to a safe backyard and be able to list the potential hazards.

Course Outline:

Basic Pool Operations

• Types of Pools
• Circulation
• Filtration
• Heating
• Maintenance
• Sanitizers
• Cleaning

Basic Pool Water Chemistry

• Water Balance
• Sanitation
• Oxidation

Water Testing Procedures

• Water lab maintenance
• How to obtain complete information from client
• Proper testing procedures
• How to analyze results and advise in a Clear, Concise, and Complete manner

Backyard Safety

• Drowning Prevention
• Chemical Handling and Storage
• Electrical Hazards
• Proper Pool Enclosures
• Proper Use of Pool Equipment (diving boards, etc.)

Customer Service

• How to effectively greet customers
• Email and telephone etiquette
• Disgruntled customer – how to handle
• How to properly handle a return
• How to handle multiple customers

Retail Sales Techniques

• How to listen to discover needs
• How to query for needs and desires
• Suggestive selling
• Benefits and features
• Basic merchandising and housekeeping
• How to review a water test with customers
• How to present products to customers
• Good Responses vs. Poor Responses

Safety in a Retail Environment

• Chemicals
• Compatibility (merchandising and storage)
• Parking Lot Maintenance
• Fork Lifts
• Stack Outs
• Proper disposal of trash or chemicals

After completing this course, the student will have gained a wide body of practical knowledge on servicing and troubleshooting factory-built portable hot tubs regardless of brand; mastered the essentials of hot tub water chemistry, electrical systems, circulation, and filtration; and learned tips and tricks for basic repairs to interior surfaces. The Certified Hot Tub Technician program covers the essentials of servicing portable hot tubs, and equipment repair and replacement. Instruction is given by industry experts, based upon the PHTA Hot Tub Technician Manual and Workbook. Upon completion of the training program, you will be eligible to take the CHTT exam. There are no experience requirements; new employees are eligible.

The registration fee includes the PHTA Certified Hot Tub Technician Manual and Workbook.

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Target Audience: Individuals in the service industry who service and repair portable hot tubs. Taking this class makes you eligible to take the PHTA CHTT test to become a CHTT (Certified Hot Tub Technician®). There are no experience requirements; new employees are eligible. 24 CEUs are earned after successfully completing this course.

How You Will Benefit:

• Advance your career and earn the in-demand skills employers want.
• Become eligible to sit for the CHTT exam.
• Earn 24 CEUs.

What You Get with The Course:

• Eight weeks access to the virtual course
• PHTA Hot Tub Technician Manual
• PHTA CHTT (Certified Hot Tub Technician) Workbook

Course Fee: $549/member and $699/non-member. An additional $24 shipping and handling fee for the books will be charged.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe 5 basic safety considerations for tools used on the job.
• Identify basic chemical hazards.
• Identify 5 warning signs of hot tub contamination.
• Know how to respond to and use customer complaints.
• Describe the difference between a self-contained and a non-self-contained hot tub.
• Explain the concept of volts, amps, ohms, and conductors.
• Name the most common types of electrical tests.
• Describe the different circulation system components.
• Describe two different hot tub plumbing configurations.
• Know what key factors to consider when replacing a pump motor.
• Understand the major function of each component connected to the control unit.
• Describe the basic steps in troubleshooting 4 common heating problems.
• List guidelines for safe handling, transport and storage of hazardous chemicals.
• Know how to decontaminate a hot tub.

Course Outline:

Safety and Health

• Drowning and Accident Prevention
• Safe Work Habits
• Chemical Safety
• Electrical Safety
• Accessory Equipment Safety
• When to Close a Hot Tub
• Hot Tub Decontamination
• Health Benefits and Hazards
• First Aid
• Physical and Environmental Hazards
• Recreational Water Illness (RWI)

Practical Knowledge for Technicians

• Customer Service
• Legal Considerations
• Basic Calculations

Structures and Finishes

• Materials Used in Hot Tub Manufacture
• Surface Repairs
• Hot Tub Selection and Installation

Electrical Systems

• Safety and Electrical Systems
• Basic Electricity
• Basic Electrical Circuit
• Basic Terms / Components Used in Circuits
• Electrical Testing
• Electrical Safety Requirements

Circulation, Plumbing, and Filtration

• Circulation System Components
• Suction Side Components
• Pipes and Fittings
• Circulation System Renovation

Hydraulics

• Pressure
• Resistance
• Total Dynamic Head
• Using TDH Information

Filtration Systems

• Filter Design and Location
• Filter Maintenance and Cleaning
• How to Replace a Cartridge

Pumps and Equipment Systems

• Electromagnetism and Electric Motors
• Pump Motors
• Centrifugal Pumps
• Troubleshooting

Hot Tub Equipment

• Connections
• Loads
• Controls
• Plumbing
• Troubleshooting

Control Systems

• Control System Types
• Hot Tub Control Circuit Components
• Hot Tub Safety Device Requirements
• EM Control System
• Electronic Control Systems

Heaters and Accessories

• Heater Types and Sizing
• Heater Replacement
• Types of Immersion Heaters
• Electric Heater Failure Modes
• Technical and Troubleshooting Reference Guide
• Accessories: Air Blowers, Ozone Generators, and Lights

Water Chemistry

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Handling Chemicals
• Transporting Chemicals
• OSHA Safety Rules
• SARA
• Chemical Storage Data Sheets
• Basic Water Chemistry
• Preventive Practices
• Water Balance
• Hot Tub Water Sanitization
• Water Testing
• Ancillary Hot Tub Products

General Maintenance

• Routine Maintenance
• Seasonal and Special Care
• Covers

The Certified Pool & Spa Inspector (CPI) provides a standardized training program for health officials and pool operators to conduct pool and spa inspections. This course focuses on performing an inspection of the pool and spa area; evaluating swimming pool operation and maintenance; assessing the circulation system and its components; evaluating a facility for VGB Act compliance; recognizing the elements of spa inspections; understanding recreational water illnesses; maintaining supervision and operator records; recognizing the elements of aquatic play features; and understanding swimming pool design standards and their impact on public health.

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What You Get with The Course:

• Three months access to the virtual course
• PHTA CPI (Certified Pool & Spa Inspector) Workbook

Course Fee: $25/member and $75/non-member.

This online course provides a comprehensive and detailed background on the control of recreational water illnesses in treated aquatic facilities. Public health officials, pool operators, aquatic managers, service companies, and manufacturers will gain a comprehensive and detailed understanding about the control of recreational water illnesses and will be able to use this course to develop a robust recreational water illnesses control program that is tailored to their unique needs.

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What You Get with The Course:

• Three months access to the virtual course
• PHTA RWI (Recreational Water Illnesses) Workbook

Course Fee: $25/member and $75/non-member.

In July 2021, new federal regulation for energy-efficient pool pumps goes into effect, and it will eliminate the poorest performing pool pumps from the market. Compared to other home energy items, pool pumps are often cited as the second-highest usage of home energy followed by heating and cooling systems. As many homeowners wish to save energy and reduce their energy expenses, purchasing energy-efficient products, including pool pumps, allows consumers to benefit from ENERGY STAR rebates and long-term energy savings. Attendees of this session will review information on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pool pump regulations and how to address this issue with their customers effectively.

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Learning Objectives:

• Explain U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pool pump regulations
• Identify the types of pool pump designs that will be impacted by the new regulation
• Discuss product ratings, ENERGY STAR, and how it affects other national and state standards
• Communicate the benefits of energy-efficient pool pumps to how to peers and customers

Presenters: Scott Petty and Jeff Farlow

Course Fee: $29/member and $49/non-member.

From chemical and microbiological contamination resulting from both environmental and anthropogenic sources, several challenges are facing the pool operator. Microbial contamination in pools can range from nuisance, as in algae, to serious health risks in the form of pathogenic bacteria and parasites. Best practices to achieve clean and sanitary water have varied over the decades as a function of time, geographical location, and type of venue. These changes in practices have included assay methods, minimum disinfectant levels, changes in filtration type, turnover rates, and pathogens of concern. This presentation will consider examples from the scientific literature with an emphasis on practical learnings from real pools. Decades of interest from scientists and public health officials have provided us with valuable insights and case studies about when disinfection failures occur. This session was presented at the 2020 World Aquatic Health Conference by Jeffery Gaulding, Ph.D. and John Weber.

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Learning Objectives:

• Examine proper pool disinfection
• Review sanitation field studies

Presenters:

Dr. Jeffrey Gaulding is a Senior Formulation Chemist with Biolab and received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Georgia Tech and his B.S. from Emory University. During his doctoral work, he was awarded several fellowships, including being appointed to a National Institutes of Health training grant. He began his career in the pharmaceutical industry and has been working in the pool and spa industry for several years. Dr. Gaulding is also a Certified Pool & Spa Operator and recently joined the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance's Recreational Water Quality Committee.

John Weber is a Senior Formulation Chemist with Biolab and has been in the swimming pool and hot tub industry for more 23 years. He has served on the Recreational Water Quality Committee for the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance for many years and was involved in the creation of the ANSI Standard 11 for Water Quality in Commercial Pools and Spas. He has been involved in many articles, educational presentations, and publications and currently holds two patents. John is a Certified Pool Operator and has managed many pools in his years in the industry.

Course Fee: $29/member and $49/non-member.

Outbreaks of recreational water illness readily fall into two categories: chlorine sensitive and chlorine resistant. Designing adequate management systems to prevent these illnesses requires understanding how each type occurs. The prevalence of these easily controlled RWIs and the reports of widespread closures during an inspection indicate a widespread systemic failure in management at many facilities. This presentation will focus on numerous practical considerations that can be implemented to reduce both the chlorine-sensitive and chlorine-resistant RWI outbreaks. This session was presented at the 2020 World Aquatic Health Conference by Dr. Roy Vore.

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Learning Objectives:

• Identify the most common operating parameters leading to facility closure
• Identify instances where each type of mismanaged parameter has resulted in RWI outbreaks
• Describe how improved management practices can prevent RWI outbreaks

Presenter:

Dr. Vore is a Senior Consultant with Vore and Associates, LLC., located in Suwanee, GA. Previously, Dr. Vore was the technology manager at BioLab, Inc. His work focused on the control of microbial growth in recreational water and household surfaces. Roy is a Certified Pool & Spa Operator, a member of the Education Committee, an active contributor to the Recreational Water Quality Committee, was a major contributor to the Disinfection Water Quality module of the Model Aquatic Health Code (the "MAHC"), and the lead author of NSPF's Recreational Water Illness handbook. Dr. Vore holds a Ph.D. in bacterial physiology, master's and bachelor’s in microbiology. Dr. Vore has over 90 scholarly papers and presentations on the selection and use of industrial biocides, biocide testing methodology, the microbiological of swimming pools and spas, and the governmental regulation of biocides.

Course Fee: $29/member and $49/non-member.

Learn the correct methods for creating the tremendous visual and functional applications of water-in-transit such as vanishing edges, deck-level slot overflows, and elevated perimeter overflows. Understand flow rate requirements and different edge details for creating various effects, and their relationship to edge tolerances and special conditions, establishing line-of-sight goals and project objectives. Presentation will also cover hydraulic system design criteria, catch basin dimensions, surge tank sizing, proper slopes, and air venting of gravity flow systems to enable efficient flow rates while minimizing noise.

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Learning Objectives:

• Identify vanishing edges, slot-edges, gutters, deck-level pools, raised perimeter-overflow pools.
• Examine attached surge basins, detached surge basins, basin volume sizing rules-of-thumb, gravity lines.
• Review line-of-sight considerations, edge details, flow rates, and tolerances.
• Discuss aesthetic and functional considerations.

Instructor: Skip Phillips, SWD Master

Course Fee: $39/member and $59/non-member.