CPO Classes powered by the Grit Game
Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO)® Certification Course

Join the industry’s most recognized training program for pool and spa professionals! The Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO)® certification is the gold standard for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant pool operations. With over 700,000 certified individuals since 1973, this program has set the benchmark for excellence in aquatic facility management.
Pool Operator Certification isn’t just recommended—it’s required in 25 states and D.C., making it vital credential for compliance and safety.

Note: This map does not reflect all exemptions. Please consult your local code for specific requirements
JURISDICTIONS REQUIRING CERTIFICATION
- Baldwin County, AL
- City of Anchorage, AK
- Cochise County, AZ
- Maricopa County, AZ
- Pima County, AZ
- Los Angeles County, CA
- District of Columbia
- Cook County, IL
- Johnson County, KS
- Marquette County, MI
- Chippewa County, MO
- Kansas City, MO
- St. Louis, MO
- St. Charles County, MO
- Clark County, NV
- Washoe County, NV
- Southern Nevada Health District
- City of Albuquerque, NM
- Bernalillo County, NM
- Suffolk County, NM
- Alleghany County, PA
- City of Alexandria, PA
- Arlington County, VA
- Fairfax County, VA
- Loudon County, VA
- Manassas County, VA
- Teton County, WY
PROVINCES IN CANADA THAT REQUIRE CERTIFICATION

No Experience Needed!
Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance your career, this course is open to all.
Simply complete the training and pass the CPO exam to earn your certification.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
Fewer headaches. You’ll know how to fix problems before they turn into callbacks—water balance, equipment issues, safety checks.
Confidence with inspectors. No panic when a health inspector shows up; you’ll know the rules and how to meet them.
Safer pools, happier customers. Clean water, fewer complaints, and fewer liability risks.
Career boost. CPO is the credential everyone respects. It can help land better jobs, contracts, or even justify higher rates.
Legal and insurance protection. In 25 states and D.C., it’s required—and being certified can protect you and your business if something goes wrong.
WHY TAKE YOUR CPO® WITH GRIT?
You’re not just checking a box—you’re buying speed, access, and credibility. Here’s what you walk away with:
Instructors with real industry chops. Every trainer is hand-picked for their reputation and experience in the pool and spa world.
Resources built for pros. A full library of extras designed to help you solve problems faster and run smarter.
Support that sticks. We stay in your corner long after class so you stay sharp and compliant.
Perks that make it fun. Swag raffles, poolside giveaways, and a spotlight in our newsletter and social feeds.
Free continuing education. Keep growing without paying extra.
Complimentary Exam Retake. Didn’t pass on your first try? No problem—Grit Game has your back. We’ll cover the cost of your retake so you can jump back in with confidence.
Straightforward, useful, and built to make your certification worth more.
WHO TAKE CPO® COURSE?
The Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO)® course isn’t just another credential—it’s designed to solve the real problems pool professionals deal with every day: unsafe water, equipment breakdowns, failed inspections, and liability risks. No matter your role, CPO® certification helps you work smarter, stay compliant, and build credibility.
Aquatic Facility Managers
Facility managers juggle water quality, equipment performance, and strict health code compliance. A failed inspection or pool closure can cost thousands in revenue and damage your reputation. CPO® certification teaches you how to keep water safe, balance chemicals correctly, and maintain filtration systems—so you avoid shutdowns and keep operations running smoothly.Maintenance & Engineering Staff
Hotel, gym, and recreation center staff often face cloudy water, chemical dosing issues, and equipment failures that lead to guest complaints. CPO® certification provides step-by-step training on water testing, safe chemical feed systems, and troubleshooting filtration equipment—so you can fix problems fast and prevent costly downtime.Residential Pool Service Technicians
Homeowners expect crystal-clear, algae-free pools—but balancing water chemistry and preventing problems isn’t always simple. CPO® certification equips service techs with proven methods for water testing, dosing, and seasonal care that reduce call-backs, save time, and boost customer satisfaction. It also positions you as a certified professional, making it easier to earn trust, keep accounts, and justify premium service rates.Lifeguards & Swim Instructors
Moving into leadership or management requires more than lifesaving skills—you need technical knowledge of safe pool operations. CPO® certification gives lifeguards and swim instructors a respected credential in water chemistry, disinfection, and pool safety, helping you stand out for promotions and higher-paying roles.Health Inspectors & Environmental Health Officers
Inspectors need more than codebooks—they need to understand how pools should operate day to day. CPO® certification provides operational insight into water balance, recordkeeping, and disinfection standards. With this training, you can perform inspections with greater accuracy and credibility while ensuring facilities meet public health requirements.Property Managers & HOA Boards
Community pool oversight comes with liability—cloudy water or unsafe conditions can lead to lawsuits and angry residents. CPO® certification teaches you how to maintain safe water, reduce risk, and meet legal and insurance standards—protecting your property value and your community’s trust.School & University Facility Staff
Campus pools serve athletes, students, and the public, which makes compliance and safety critical. CPO® certification gives you the tools to prevent hazards, maintain proper disinfection, and keep your pool inspection-ready—so your facility remains a safe, valuable asset to your campus.Military & Government Personnel
Pools on bases and in public facilities demand the highest safety and compliance standards. CPO® certification ensures you know how to manage chemical systems, maintain safe water quality, and meet strict regulatory requirements.Recreation Directors & Camp Staff
Camps and recreational programs depend on safe, uninterrupted pool time. Without proper training, seasonal staff often miss critical details that lead to accidents or illnesses. CPO® certification prepares your team to prevent water issues, maintain healthy pools, and keep activities running smoothly.
Bottom line: If you’re responsible for maintaining, managing, or inspecting a pool or spa, CPO® certification gives you the skills and confidence to run safer, cleaner, and more compliant operations—while building your professional credibility.
WHY CHOOSE CPO CERTIFICATION?
- Endorsed by leading organizations: CDC, CMAHC, ISPSC
- Developed with input from aquatic science experts
- Covers both commercial and residential pool operations
- Approved by IACET, Florida CILB, California Department of Public Health, and Environmental Health Association
- Valid for 5 years
- Includes a digital badge to showcase your certification
- PHTA Continued Education Units (CEU’s)
- First step in the PHTA Certified Pool Service Professional Pathway
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN IN YOUR (CPO)® COURSE
- Preventing common hazards: drowning, recreational water illnesses, suction entrapment, evisceration, diving injuries, electrocution, chemical exposure, and slip-and-fall incidents
- Navigate and apply regulatory guidelines and local codes
- Maintain proper disinfection and water balance
- Conduct troubleshooting, chemical testing, and accurate record keeping
- Manage chemical feed systems safely and effectively
- Leverage automation and pool technology for streamlined operations
- AND MORE
cERTIFICATION LASTS 5 YEARS
Your Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) certifications are valid for five years from the end of the month in which they were issued. Example: A certification issued on March 2, 2025 will expire on March 31, 2030.
COURSE DELIVERY OPTIONS
The CPO® certification is taught by certified PHTA instructors and built around the Pool & Spa Operator™ Handbook and local codes. We keep it simple so you can choose what works best for your schedule:
No matter the format, you get:
Direct instruction from certified PHTA CPO® trainers
Ongoing help from your instructor and the Grit Game team
Every option below gives you the same certification, just pick how you want to learn.
Your options:
Classroom (In-Person): Two days, 16 hours, fully guided by an instructor. Perfect if you like learning face-to-face.
Classroom (Virtual): Same two-day, 16-hour class, but live online with a certified instructor.
Blended (In-Person): Start with an 8-hour online self-paced course (Pool Operator Primer), then finish with a one-day, in-person class.
Blended (Virtual): Same 8-hour online self-paced course, but the final day is live and online with an instructor. Perfect for flexible schedules or remote learners.
CPO® RECERTIFICATION OPTIONS
- Option 1: Purchase the CPO Fusion course from a certified instructor. Schedule the second day of instruction and take the exam at the end of the day
- Option 2: Register with an instructor for the second day of a CPO course. Includes a review of Day 1 content, jurisdiction updates, Q&A session, and the exam
- Option 1: Enroll in a full 2-day CPO course (in-person or virtual) with a certified instructor. Check with your local jurisdiction for virtual course approval
- Option 2: Choose the hybrid format. Complete the CPO Fusion online course. Attend the second-day session (in-person or virtual) with a certified instructor