In the State of Massachusetts, it is required to have a certified pool operator for all public and semi-public swimming pools.
Section 435.17: Pool Supervision states
(1) All public and semi-public swimming pools when open for use shall be under the management of a supervisor, who shall be responsible for all phases of the pool operation. The pool supervisor may be the property owner, a facility employee or an employee of a contracted pool service. The pool supervisor shall be available to respond to mechanical and maintenance problems, and to detect the potential of such problems before they occur. It is not required that the pool supervisor be on the premises at all times. The pool supervisor shall be:
(a) at least 21 years of age,
(b) knowledgeable of 105 CMR 435.00, and
(c) responsible for all phases of the operation.
(2) Effective January 1, 1999 the pool supervisor of all public and semi-public swimming pools shall have successfully completed a course in the safe and effective operation and maintenance of swimming pools as evidenced by certification as a Pool Operator from the YMCA, the
National Swimming Pool Foundation, or from any other organization providing equivalent training, subject to the approval of the Department.”
Operators must follow state, county, city and local laws as well as federal laws pertaining to the operation and maintenance of pools and spas.
CPO Certification Massachusetts State Pool Forms
Code Excerpts
| Criteria | CPO Certification Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| What is to be recorded | TAC, FAC, CAC, pH, Alkalinity, Calcium, Cyanuric Acid, Water Temperature |
| Water Testing Frequency | 4x’s per day, at least 1time during peak use (alkalinity & calcium hardness weekly) |
| Chlorine Levels (Min-Max) | POOL: 1.0-3.0 CH, 2.0-6.0 BR (gas prohibited) SPA: 1.0-3.0 CH, 2.0-6.0 BR (gas prohibited) WADING: 1.0-3.0 CH, 2.0-6.0 BR (gas prohibited) |
| pH Levels (Min-Max) | 7.2-7.8 CH (50-150 ppm alkalinity) |
| Chlorine Test Kit Requirements | DPD replace annually |
| pH Test Kit Requirements | phenol red |
| Cyanuric Acid Levels (Min-Max) | 30-100 ppm |
| Water Clarity | 6″ black disk on white field, visible at deepest point from sidewalks up to 10 yds |
| Turnover Rate | POOL: 8 hrs SPA: 30 minutes WADING: 4 hrs |
| Bather Load (per bather) | POOL: <5ft 15 sq ft, >5ft 20 sq ft, Diving 300 sq ft SPA: 10 sq ft drain, clean once/14 days WADING: 15 sq ft |
| Depth Markings | POOL: Deck & Pool black line in pool & on steps SPA: Deck & Pool black line in pool & on steps WADING: Deck & Pool black line in pool & on steps |
| CPO® Required | All Pools |
Class Schedule
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 |
| November 2-3, 2024 | Plymouth, MA |
| 2025 | 2025 |
| February 18-19, 2025 | Plymouth, MA |
| February 20-21, 2025 | Worcester, MA |
| March 11-12, 2025 | Norwood, MA |
| March 13-14, 2025 | Lowell, MA |
| March 18-19, 2025 | Pittsfield, MA |
| March 20-21, 2025 | Worcester, MA |
| March 22-23, 2025 | Cape Cod, MA |
| April 12-13, 2025 | Norwood, MA |
| April 26-27, 2025 | Peabody, MA |
| May 13-14, 2025 | Taunton, MA |
| May 15-16, 2025 | Springfield, MA |
| May 17-18, 2025 | Lowell, MA |
| June 11-12, 2025 | Norwood, MA |
| July 19-20, 2025 | Peabody, MA |
| September 27-28, 2025 | Norwood, MA |
| October 11-12, 2025 | Taunton, MA |
| November 1-2, 2025 | Plymouth, MA |
| November 4-5, 2025 | Lowell, MA |
| November 6-7, 2025 | Norwood, MA |
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.
