CERTIFIED POOL OPERATOR CPO
HANDBOOK PRACTICE SCRIPT UPDATED
2026 TESTED SOLUTIONS
⫸ Second step of fecal accident procedure Answer: Manually remove as
much of the material as possible using a net or scoop and dispose of it in
a sanitary manner. Clean and disinfect the scoop or net. After cleaning
leave the net or scoop immersed in the pool during this infection.
Vacuuming the stool is not allowed.
⫸ Establish a fecal accident log documenting....? Answer: (1) the date
and time of the event
(2) if the accident is a result of a form stools or diarrhea
(3) The free available chlorine concentration at the time or observation
of the event and before opening the public pool
(4) The pH
(5) The procedures followed to respond to the fecal accident including
the process used to increase free chlorine residual if necessary
(6) The contact time
⫸ Procedures for form stool that is solid and not liquid Answer: Raise
the free available chlorine level to 2 ppm and ensure that the pH is
between 7.2 and 7.5
,Maintain the chlorine concentration for at least 25 minutes. Ensure this
concentration is found throughout all waters by sampling at least three
widely spaced locations away from return outlets
⫸ Procedures for diarrhea liquid or non-form stools Answer: Raise the
free available chlorine level two 20 ppm and ensure that the pH is
between 7.2 and 7.5
Maintain the chlorine concentration and pH for eight hours while
ensuring that the filtration system is operating. Backwash the filter
thoroughly discharging the effluent directly to waste. Where appropriate
replace the filter media
Bathers may be allowed into pool after chlorine concentration has been
returned to normal operating ranges
⫸ Acid demand Answer: The amount of acid required to reduce pH and
alkalinity to the correct range
⫸ Algae Answer: Microscopic plant like organisms that grow in water
do to warm temperatures and in adequate sanitizer. Algae can be green
blue green black or yellow green (mustard).
⫸ Alkalinity Answer: A measure of the ability of pool water to resist
changes in pH. Buffering capacity of water.
⫸ Balanced water Answer: The correct ratio of hardness, alkalinity,
temperature, dissolved solids, and pH that prevent pool water from being
either corrosive or scale forming
, ⫸ Bromine Answer: A chemical element that exists as a liquid in its
elemental form or as part of a chemical compound that is an oxidant and
a biocidal agent used to disinfect pool, spa and hot tub water.
⫸ Bromamine Answer: Bromine-ammonia compounds formed when
the bromine in the water combines with ammonia, nitrogen or swimmer
or bather waste. Unlike Chloramines they do not smell or irritate the
body. They are active sanitizers.
⫸ Calcium hardness Answer: The amount of dissolved calcium in the
pool. High levels promote scale and cloudy water. Low levels promote
corrosion of the pool or spa equipment.
⫸ Cavitation Answer: Formation of partial vacuums when the pump
exceeds the water supply
⫸ Chlorine Answer: A chemical element that exists as a gas in its
elemental form or as a part of a chemical compound that is an oxidant
and a biocidal agent used in pool, spa, and hot tub disinfection
⫸ Chlorine demand Answer: The amount of chlorine necessary to
destroy the germs, algae, and other impurities in the water. Demand
refers to the amount required before chlorine can be made available to
continue sanitizing the pool, spa, or hot tub water.
HANDBOOK PRACTICE SCRIPT UPDATED
2026 TESTED SOLUTIONS
⫸ Second step of fecal accident procedure Answer: Manually remove as
much of the material as possible using a net or scoop and dispose of it in
a sanitary manner. Clean and disinfect the scoop or net. After cleaning
leave the net or scoop immersed in the pool during this infection.
Vacuuming the stool is not allowed.
⫸ Establish a fecal accident log documenting....? Answer: (1) the date
and time of the event
(2) if the accident is a result of a form stools or diarrhea
(3) The free available chlorine concentration at the time or observation
of the event and before opening the public pool
(4) The pH
(5) The procedures followed to respond to the fecal accident including
the process used to increase free chlorine residual if necessary
(6) The contact time
⫸ Procedures for form stool that is solid and not liquid Answer: Raise
the free available chlorine level to 2 ppm and ensure that the pH is
between 7.2 and 7.5
,Maintain the chlorine concentration for at least 25 minutes. Ensure this
concentration is found throughout all waters by sampling at least three
widely spaced locations away from return outlets
⫸ Procedures for diarrhea liquid or non-form stools Answer: Raise the
free available chlorine level two 20 ppm and ensure that the pH is
between 7.2 and 7.5
Maintain the chlorine concentration and pH for eight hours while
ensuring that the filtration system is operating. Backwash the filter
thoroughly discharging the effluent directly to waste. Where appropriate
replace the filter media
Bathers may be allowed into pool after chlorine concentration has been
returned to normal operating ranges
⫸ Acid demand Answer: The amount of acid required to reduce pH and
alkalinity to the correct range
⫸ Algae Answer: Microscopic plant like organisms that grow in water
do to warm temperatures and in adequate sanitizer. Algae can be green
blue green black or yellow green (mustard).
⫸ Alkalinity Answer: A measure of the ability of pool water to resist
changes in pH. Buffering capacity of water.
⫸ Balanced water Answer: The correct ratio of hardness, alkalinity,
temperature, dissolved solids, and pH that prevent pool water from being
either corrosive or scale forming
, ⫸ Bromine Answer: A chemical element that exists as a liquid in its
elemental form or as part of a chemical compound that is an oxidant and
a biocidal agent used to disinfect pool, spa and hot tub water.
⫸ Bromamine Answer: Bromine-ammonia compounds formed when
the bromine in the water combines with ammonia, nitrogen or swimmer
or bather waste. Unlike Chloramines they do not smell or irritate the
body. They are active sanitizers.
⫸ Calcium hardness Answer: The amount of dissolved calcium in the
pool. High levels promote scale and cloudy water. Low levels promote
corrosion of the pool or spa equipment.
⫸ Cavitation Answer: Formation of partial vacuums when the pump
exceeds the water supply
⫸ Chlorine Answer: A chemical element that exists as a gas in its
elemental form or as a part of a chemical compound that is an oxidant
and a biocidal agent used in pool, spa, and hot tub disinfection
⫸ Chlorine demand Answer: The amount of chlorine necessary to
destroy the germs, algae, and other impurities in the water. Demand
refers to the amount required before chlorine can be made available to
continue sanitizing the pool, spa, or hot tub water.
