Grit Game Product Education & Certifications
How to Install the LevelSmart Wireless Autofill Systems
PERFECT FOR: Builders, Renovators, Service Pros, Retailers, Property Managers, Public Fountains, Airbnb Hosts, and Pool Owners
This course walks you through how to install LevelSmart™ the right way. We’ll show you how to set it up, avoid common mistakes, and make sure it works exactly as it should every time.
api water: pool products training
PERFECT FOR: Service Pros, Retailers, Distributors, Property Managers, Airbnb Hosts, Commercial Pools, and Pool Owners.
Dive into more product knowledge with this course that is designed for industry professionals seeking expert product knowledge.
api water: spa products training
PERFECT FOR: Service Pros, Retailers, Distributors, Property Managers, Airbnb Hosts, Commercial Spas, and Spa Owners.
Dive into more product knowledge with this course that is designed for industry professionals seeking expert product knowledge.
easy Spa Care 101
PERFECT FOR: Service Pros, Retailers, Distributors, Property Managers, Airbnb Hosts, Commercial Spas, and Spa Owners.
Whether you're a new hot tub owner or a seasoned spa enthusiast, EASY SPA CARE 101 is the effortless solution to clean, trouble-free water—every time without having to have a chemistry degree.
easy POOL CARE 101
PERFECT FOR: Service Pros, Retailers, Distributors, Property Managers, Airbnb Hosts, Commercial Pools, and Pool Owners.
Whether you're a new pool owner or a seasoned pool enthusiast, EASY POOL CARE 101 ensures a clean, safe swimming environment using APi products. Transform your pool care routine for best results.
performance apparel 101
PERFECT FOR: Pool Service Professionals, Aquatics Teams, and Business Owners looking to elevate their brand, and create a more professional, cohesive team presence. It’s especially valuable for companies aiming to strengthen customer trust, increase visibility in the field, and turn everyday operations into effective marketing opportunities.
Ezarri 101: Design smarter. build better.
PERFECT FOR: Anyone who designs, selects, recommends, or works with mosaic finishes across residential or commercial spaces. Ezarri 101 introduces you to the fundamentals of recycled‑glass mosaics and gives you the clarity and design freedom to choose the right products, visualize your concepts, and confidently incorporate Ezarri into pools, spas, bathrooms, kitchens, and custom features.
how to tile concrete pools with ezarri tile
PERFECT FOR: Anyone who installs, specifies, recommends, or works with tiled concrete pools and aquatic environments. How to Tile Concrete Pools with Ezarri introduces the essential principles of mosaic pool installation—from surface preparation and waterproofing to adhesives, grouting, detailing, and long-term performance. This course gives pool professionals the knowledge and confidence to properly install Ezarri recycled-glass mosaics in concrete pools, spas, water features, and luxury aquatic spaces with precision, durability, and craftsmanship.
how to tile ICF (foam) pools with ezarri tile
PERFECT FOR: Pool builders, tile installers, designers, and aquatic professionals working with tiled ICF (Foam) pool systems, this course teaches the professional methods for installing Ezarri recycled-glass mosaics in Foam pools, spas, and aquatic environments. From surface preparation and waterproofing to adhesives, grouting, finishing, maintenance, and warranty best practices, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to create durable, high-quality mosaic installations built for long-term performance and craftsmanship.
Service 2211: Essential water chemistry
PERFECT FOR: Anyone involved in building, managing, or overseeing swimming pool construction, from newcomers entering the field to seasoned professionals looking to strengthen their technical expertise. This comprehensive course guides you through 22 expert-led modules that unpack the full construction process, covering core engineering concepts, layout and forming, utilities, shotcrete application, waterproofing, and finishing elements such as decking, plaster, and start‑up procedures. You’ll build practical, real‑world skills while developing a strong technical foundation that supports confident, high‑quality construction work.
service 2811: essential watershape operation & maintenance
PERFECT FOR: Facility operators, service technicians, and aquatics staff responsible for maintaining safe, efficient, and well‑run pool operations. This course clarifies the core tasks and responsibilities of operators, builds confidence in maintaining proper water chemistry and ongoing treatment, and strengthens understanding of mechanical systems including filtration, circulation, chemical feed, and heating. Participants also learn how to manage daily operational duties such as facility upkeep, documentation, and preparing the space for programs, events, and guest use—supporting smoother operations and a more professional standard of care.
engineering 2311: essential fluid engineering workshop
PERFECT FOR: Designers, builders, engineers, and anyone responsible for creating reliable, high‑performing circulation systems in pools and watershapes. This course dives deep into hydraulic principles and applied science, giving students the knowledge needed to design systems that are efficient, durable, and straightforward to maintain. With guidance from industry innovator David J. Peterson, P.E., IWI, participants gain a clear, practical understanding of this critical component of watershape engineering.
business 3451: essential cost estimating workshop
PERFECT FOR: Builders, designers, and business owners who want to present accurate, trustworthy project estimates that strengthen client confidence and protect profitability. This course teaches you how to calculate markup using your own financials and apply those numbers consistently, while also showing you how to use the Watershape Advisor® Estimator software to streamline cost analysis, improve proposal presentations, and reduce financial risk throughout the project lifecycle.
ALGAE PREVENTION & ERADICATION SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION
Led by industry specialist, Rudy Stankowitz, this immersive training dives deep into the environmental, chemical, and mechanical factors that fuel algae growth—and how to stop it. Whether you’re a seasoned technician or just expanding your skill set, you’ll gain actionable knowledge that transforms your approach to pool care
Commercial Pool Service Basic Training
Created by industry educator, Rudy Stankowitz, with decades of experience in pool operations and training, this course was designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s aquatic professionals. Built on proven instructional methods and real-world expertise, it delivers targeted education that supports both new hires and seasoned technicians looking to sharpen their skills.
Residential Pool Service Basic Training
Created by a 30+ year pool industry veteran, Rudy Stankowitz, with a global reputation for instructional excellence, this foundational training program is designed to support professionals at the start of their pool care journey. With decades of experience developing and teaching education programs attended by students worldwide, award-winning CPO & AFO Instructor Professor Pool brings unmatched insight into this essential course.
More Courses coming soon
Thank you to our education Sponsor
CPO? beat the industry-wide price increase!
CPO Certification mandated prices are going up January 1st to a minimum of $390.
Don’t wait just to pay more. 2025 classes are filling up fast.Lock in 2025 pricing and reserve your spot today!
WHO GRIT COURSES ARE FOR
Service techs. Retail teams. Builders. Distributors. Manufacturers who want trained partners in the field.
WHY IT MATTERS
- Credibility: Show verified product knowledge.
- Compliance: Stay aligned with safety, codes, and manufacturer guidance.
- Competitive Edge: Certified pros win trust — and often the job.
What you'll learn
- What it is and why it matters to your customer
- How to explain the value in plain, powerful language
- How to install it clean, fast, and right the first time
- The real-world details most training skips
How it works
- Short, on-demand lessons (mobile friendly).
- Quick knowledge checks.
- Pass the quiz and earn a shareable certificate.
- Earn Grit Game CEUs
GET answers from AN expert.
Natalie Hood started her aquatics journey as a lifeguard before becoming a competitive swimmer. She even pushed herself to Olympic trials—sidelined only by injury, proving the grit and determination that defines her career. From teaching little ones how to swim to shaping the industry itself, Natalie’s impact runs deep. At the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), she contributed to maintaining and updating the CPO® certification program, working closely with state and local jurisdictions as well as the CDC to keep it aligned with regulations. She also played a role in the design and updates of the official handbook, strengthening the program’s reach through collaboration with U.S., Canadian, and international partners.Now at The Grit Game, Natalie is dedicated to helping more pros find success—whether you’ve got questions about EPA 608 requirements, navigating Low GWP A2L refrigerants, or exploring Watershape University (WU) education opportunities. She also brings her myth-busting energy to the microphone every Wednesday as host of the Talking Pools Podcast, the #1 podcast in the aquatics industry, where she tackles misconceptions and delivers straight answers for pool professionals and homeowners alike.You can book time with Natalie below and pick her brain one-on-one, or fire off your questions using the form here to get real answers straight to your inbox. Either way—you’re not waiting on hold, you’re getting the good stuff, fast.
Have Education Questions?
Contact THE Natalie Hood to get your questions answered fast!