Grit Game Product Education & Certifications

CPO Certification Swimming Pool operator Grit Game

THINKING ABOUT GETTING CPO CERTIFIED?

There’s an industry-wide price increase coming January 1st and classes are filling up FAST as a result.  Don’t wait- Sign up for your CPO today!

  • Lock in the 2025 Pricing- $350 
  • Handbook & exam included  
  • Payment plan available
  • Access to additional study materials 
  • Jurisdiction check done for you
  • Elite PHTA Instructors
  • FREE exam retake

now back to your regularly scheduled program

Grit Game Courses

Pick a product. Start a course. Get certified.

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.

cpo certification for the U.S.A. AND canada

PERFECT FOR: Aquatic Facility Managers, Maintenance and Engineering Staff, Residential Pool Service Technicians, Lifeguards and Swim Instructors, Health Inspectors and Environmental Health Officers, Property Managers and HOA Boards, School and University Facility Staff, Military and Government Personnel, and Recreation Directors and Camp Staff.

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.

EPA 608 CERTIFICATION COURSE

PERFECT FOR: All technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants. The EPA 608 Technician Certification course prepares you to meet this federal requirement and work confidently with refrigerants in compliance with environmental regulations.

Low gwp A2l Safety course

PERFECT FOR: All HVAC technicians. As the HVAC industry shifts toward environmentally responsible refrigerants, Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) A2L refrigerants are becoming the new standard. These mildly flammable refrigerants offer significant climate benefits, but they also require specialized knowledge and handling procedures.

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.

Alum Certification Class

Aluminum sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃), commonly known as alum, has been used in water treatment since 1500 BC. From municipal systems to cosmetic products, its versatility and effectiveness have stood the test of time. This focused training explores how alum continues to play a vital role in modern pool care and how to use it safely and strategically. Whether you’re troubleshooting cloudy water, tackling stains, or exploring flocculation techniques, this course delivers the insights you need to make informed, result-driven decisions.

More Courses coming soon

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.