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Maryland Pool Operator Study Guide
Questions and Answers Latest 2026
operational public pool Ans: open for general admission;
open to the public.
semi-public pool Ans: a pool at a facility that has pool
use restricted to individuals. usually members
how often do you need to fill out daily/weekly operation
form Ans: every two hours or more (operation form)
how often do you need to fill out pool and spa
entrapment hazard checklist Ans: daily
how long do you need to keep your records for? what's
an exception? Ans: 3 years. exception: minor gets injured.
they can file until they turn 18. ex: 8 y/o has 10 years to
file.
9 possible immediate closure items: Ans: 1. staff has
improper credentials
2. disinfection levels aren't in legal ranges
3. pH isn't in legal range
4. poor clarity
5. loose, damaged, or missing suction outlet covers
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6. fecal, vomit, or blood
7. recirculation/ disinfection systems not properly
working
8. high/low water temp.
9. dangers
staffing requirements for public pool (Operator and
lifeguard) Ans: operator- on site at all times
lifeguard- always
staffing requirements for semi-public pool (Operator and
lifeguard) Ans: operator- on site/within 15 minutes call
lifeguard- not required
if your pool needs repairs when must you contact the
health department? Ans: always. except for identical
replacement.
how long do you have to file injury and illness report
form Ans: within 24 hours
how long do you have to file resuces Ans: every 3 months
or at the seasonal change, whichever is more frequent
suction entrapment Ans: condition where the bather is
trapped by the flow/suction created by rapid water flow
and/or turbulence around a main drain or other suction
outlets.
© 2025 All rights reserved
Maryland Pool Operator Study Guide
Questions and Answers Latest 2026
operational public pool Ans: open for general admission;
open to the public.
semi-public pool Ans: a pool at a facility that has pool
use restricted to individuals. usually members
how often do you need to fill out daily/weekly operation
form Ans: every two hours or more (operation form)
how often do you need to fill out pool and spa
entrapment hazard checklist Ans: daily
how long do you need to keep your records for? what's
an exception? Ans: 3 years. exception: minor gets injured.
they can file until they turn 18. ex: 8 y/o has 10 years to
file.
9 possible immediate closure items: Ans: 1. staff has
improper credentials
2. disinfection levels aren't in legal ranges
3. pH isn't in legal range
4. poor clarity
5. loose, damaged, or missing suction outlet covers
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
6. fecal, vomit, or blood
7. recirculation/ disinfection systems not properly
working
8. high/low water temp.
9. dangers
staffing requirements for public pool (Operator and
lifeguard) Ans: operator- on site at all times
lifeguard- always
staffing requirements for semi-public pool (Operator and
lifeguard) Ans: operator- on site/within 15 minutes call
lifeguard- not required
if your pool needs repairs when must you contact the
health department? Ans: always. except for identical
replacement.
how long do you have to file injury and illness report
form Ans: within 24 hours
how long do you have to file resuces Ans: every 3 months
or at the seasonal change, whichever is more frequent
suction entrapment Ans: condition where the bather is
trapped by the flow/suction created by rapid water flow
and/or turbulence around a main drain or other suction
outlets.
© 2025 All rights reserved