In the State of New York, it is required to have a certified pool operator for a public swimming pool (requirements as noted below). CPO Certification in New York is essential.
Section 6-1.21 – Operator and operating records states “6-1.21 Operator and operating records.
(a) Each swimming pool shall be maintained by a pool operator familiar with its equipment. The pool operator shall comply with the regulations in this Subpart and any conditions of the permit.
(b) All pools larger than 3,000 square feet in surface area, or pools disinfected using gas chlorine, shall be maintained by a qualified swimming pool water treatment operator within one year of the effective date of this section [March 30, 1988].
(c) Complete daily operation records shall be kept of the operation of each swimming pool on forms approved or furnished by the State Commissioner of Health. Upon completion, a copy of such records shall be maintained at the facility for 12 months. The permit-issuing official may require submission of reports at periodic intervals.”
Operators must follow state, county, city and local laws as well as federal laws pertaining to the operation and maintenance of pools and spas.
New York State Pool Forms
Operations Record: https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-1323.pdf
Safety Plan: https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-4472.pdf
Code Excerpts
| Criteria | CPO Certification New York |
|---|---|
| What is to be recorded | TAC, FAC, CAC, pH, Alkalinity, Calcium, Chemicals Added, Bather Load, Clarity, Temperature |
| Water Testing Frequency | Beginning, during & end of hours in operation (3x’s per day) |
| Chlorine Levels (Min-Max) | POOL: Indoor & Outdoor 0.6-5.0 CH, 1.5-6.0 BR (lithium prohibited) SPA: Indoor & Outdoor 1.5-5.0 CH, 3.0-6.0 BR (shock weekly) WADING: Indoor & Outdoor 0.5-5.0 CH, 1.5-6.0 BR (lithium prohibited) |
| pH Levels (Min-Max) | not listed – 8.2 CH, 7.2-7.8 BR |
| Chlorine Test Kit Requirements | DPD replace annually |
| pH Test Kit Requirements | phenol red .2 increments (80-120 ppm alkalinity) |
| Cyanuric Acid Levels (Min-Max) | Prohibited (includes trichlor & dichlor) |
| Water Clarity | 4″ black object test |
| Turnover Rate | POOL: 6 hrs SPA: 30 minutes WADING: 2 hrs |
| Bather Load (per bather) | POOL: Shallow 15 sq ft. Deep 25 sq ft, Diving 300 sq ft SPA: 10 sq ft drain, clean every 2 weeks WADING: 15 sq ft |
| Depth Markings | POOL: Deck & Pool black line floats SPA: Deck & Pool WADING: Deck & Pool |
| CPO® Required | ≥ 3,000sq ft or gas chlorine (check w/local health department) |
Class Schedule
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026 |
| February 10-11, 2026 | Long Island, NY |
| February 24-25, 2026 | Albany, NY |
| March 10-11, 2026 | Newburgh, NY |
| March 12-13, 2026 | Binghamton, NY |
| March 19-20, 2026 | New York, NY |
| March 24-25, 2026 | Syracuse, NY |
| March 26-27, 2026 | Rochester, NY |
| April 7-8, 2026 | Long Island, NY |
| April 21-22, 2026 | Syracuse, NY |
| April 23-24, 2026 | Rochester, NY |
| May 14-15, 2026 | New York, NY |
| June 15-16, 2026 | Syracuse, NY |
| June 17-18, 2026 | Rochester, NY |
| October 20-21, 2026 | Albany, NY |
| October 22-23, 2026 | Newburgh, NY |
To register by check, print and complete registration form and mail with check to Pool Operation Management, 68 Edwards Road, Brick, NJ 08723. Please make checks payable to Pool Operation Management.
