NEW MEXICO SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR EXAM
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
2024 NM POOL, SPA & HOT TUB CODE | GUARANTEED PASS
| DETAILED RATIONALES | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP
| PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
1) According to the 2012 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code (NMSPSHTC), what is
the primary purpose of the code?
A) To establish minimum standards for swimming pool, spa, and hot tub construction in New Mexico
B) To ensure all public pools are operated by certified professionals
C) To provide guidelines for pool chemical storage and handling
D) To regulate the business practices of pool contractors
Correct Answer: A) To establish minimum standards for swimming pool, spa, and hot tub
construction in New Mexico
Rationale: The New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) explicitly states that the purpose of the
NMSPSHTC is to establish minimum standards for the construction of swimming pools, spas, and hot
tubs . Other options represent broader or different regulatory concerns. The code is a construction
standard, not a business or operations manual.
2) Under the New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code, the provisions of Chapter 45
shall control the design and construction of pools installed on what type of property?
A) All commercial properties
B) Public aquatic venues
C) The lot of a one- or two-family dwelling
D) Multi-family residential properties with more than four units
Correct Answer: C) The lot of a one- or two-family dwelling
Rationale: The official New Mexico code specifies that Chapter 45 applies to "swimming pools, spas
and hot tubs installed in or on the lot of a one- or two-family dwellings" . This distinguishes
residential requirements from commercial or public pool regulations that are covered under other
sections of the code or by different authorities .
3) What is the minimum required barrier height for a residential outdoor swimming pool in New
Mexico?
A) 48 inches
B) 54 inches
C) 60 inches
D) 72 inches
Correct Answer: A) 48 inches
Rationale: New Mexico code requires that an outdoor residential swimming pool be surrounded by a
barrier with a top height of at least 48 inches . This requirement is intended to restrict access and
,provide protection against potential drownings and near-drownings. A 60-inch barrier is typically
required for public pools .
4) Which of the following ANSI/NSPI standards applies to the design and construction of in-ground
pools in New Mexico?
A) ANSI/NSPI-3
B) ANSI/NSPI-4
C) ANSI/NSPI-6
D) ANSI/NSPI-8
Correct Answer: B) ANSI/NSPI-4
Rationale: The New Mexico code explicitly mandates that in-ground pools be designed and
constructed in conformance with ANSI/NSPI-4 . This standard provides specific technical requirements
for the structure. ANSI/NSPI-3 applies to permanently installed spas, while ANSI/NSPI-6 applies to
portable spas .
5) Under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), public pools are required to
have what safety feature to prevent suction entrapment?
A) A safety vacuum release system (SVRS) as the sole method of protection
B) At least two independent suction outlets per pump (dual-drain system)
C) A single, large main drain with a flat, anti-entrapment cover
D) A pressure-sensing device that shuts off the pump if suction increases
Correct Answer: B) At least two independent suction outlets per pump (dual-drain system)
Rationale: The VGBA requires public pools to have a dual-drain system, or an approved alternative
like an SVRS, to prevent suction entrapment . This system reduces the risk of entrapment if one drain
becomes blocked . An anti-entrapment cover is also required, but the dual-drain system is the primary
safety design feature.
6) What is the maximum allowable opening size for an approved anti-entrapment drain cover
under the VGBA?
A) 1.5 inches
B) 2.0 inches
C) 2.5 inches
D) 3.0 inches
Correct Answer: B) 2.0 inches
Rationale: The VGBA requires that anti-entrapment covers have openings no larger than 2.0 inches to
prevent a child's head or limbs from becoming lodged in the drain . This dimension is a key safety
specification for compliant covers used on public pools.
7) When testing pool water quality at a public aquatic venue, which reagent must be used for
measuring free and total chlorine?
A) Orthotolidine (OT)
B) Phenol red
, C) Diethyl-P-phenylene diamine (DPD)
D) Potassium iodide
Correct Answer: C) Diethyl-P-phenylene diamine (DPD)
Rationale: New Mexico regulations require that water quality testing devices for public aquatic
venues use DPD as the reagent for measuring free and total chlorine or bromine . DPD is the standard
colorimetric method for accurate chlorine testing, and its use is mandated by the state health code .
8) According to New Mexico regulations, how often must a public aquatic venue with a manual
disinfectant feed system test its water while open?
A) Every 2 hours
B) Every 4 hours
C) Every 6 hours
D) Every 8 hours
Correct Answer: B) Every 4 hours
Rationale: Regulations require that public aquatic venues using a manual disinfectant system test the
water before opening and every four hours while open to the public . This ensures that disinfectant
levels remain adequate for bather safety throughout the day. Facilities with automated controllers
have different testing requirements.
9) What is the maximum allowed concentration of total available bromine in a public aquatic
venue?
A) 4 ppm
B) 6 ppm
C) 8 ppm
D) 10 ppm
Correct Answer: C) 8 ppm
Rationale: The New Mexico Administrative Code for public aquatic venues states that the total
available bromine shall not exceed 8 ppm . This limit is set to prevent over-chlorination and ensure
the water remains safe and comfortable for swimmers .
10) A pool contractor is planning a pool in a designated floodway. What must be submitted to the
building official?
A) A standard permit application
B) Documentation that the pool will not increase the design flood elevation
C) A soil compaction report
D) An erosion and sediment control plan
Correct Answer: B) Documentation that the pool will not increase the design flood elevation
Rationale: For pools located in designated floodways, the code requires documentation
demonstrating that the pool's construction will not increase the design flood elevation at any point
within the jurisdiction . This is a critical requirement to ensure that pool construction does not
exacerbate flooding risks.
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
2024 NM POOL, SPA & HOT TUB CODE | GUARANTEED PASS
| DETAILED RATIONALES | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP
| PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
1) According to the 2012 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code (NMSPSHTC), what is
the primary purpose of the code?
A) To establish minimum standards for swimming pool, spa, and hot tub construction in New Mexico
B) To ensure all public pools are operated by certified professionals
C) To provide guidelines for pool chemical storage and handling
D) To regulate the business practices of pool contractors
Correct Answer: A) To establish minimum standards for swimming pool, spa, and hot tub
construction in New Mexico
Rationale: The New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) explicitly states that the purpose of the
NMSPSHTC is to establish minimum standards for the construction of swimming pools, spas, and hot
tubs . Other options represent broader or different regulatory concerns. The code is a construction
standard, not a business or operations manual.
2) Under the New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code, the provisions of Chapter 45
shall control the design and construction of pools installed on what type of property?
A) All commercial properties
B) Public aquatic venues
C) The lot of a one- or two-family dwelling
D) Multi-family residential properties with more than four units
Correct Answer: C) The lot of a one- or two-family dwelling
Rationale: The official New Mexico code specifies that Chapter 45 applies to "swimming pools, spas
and hot tubs installed in or on the lot of a one- or two-family dwellings" . This distinguishes
residential requirements from commercial or public pool regulations that are covered under other
sections of the code or by different authorities .
3) What is the minimum required barrier height for a residential outdoor swimming pool in New
Mexico?
A) 48 inches
B) 54 inches
C) 60 inches
D) 72 inches
Correct Answer: A) 48 inches
Rationale: New Mexico code requires that an outdoor residential swimming pool be surrounded by a
barrier with a top height of at least 48 inches . This requirement is intended to restrict access and
,provide protection against potential drownings and near-drownings. A 60-inch barrier is typically
required for public pools .
4) Which of the following ANSI/NSPI standards applies to the design and construction of in-ground
pools in New Mexico?
A) ANSI/NSPI-3
B) ANSI/NSPI-4
C) ANSI/NSPI-6
D) ANSI/NSPI-8
Correct Answer: B) ANSI/NSPI-4
Rationale: The New Mexico code explicitly mandates that in-ground pools be designed and
constructed in conformance with ANSI/NSPI-4 . This standard provides specific technical requirements
for the structure. ANSI/NSPI-3 applies to permanently installed spas, while ANSI/NSPI-6 applies to
portable spas .
5) Under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), public pools are required to
have what safety feature to prevent suction entrapment?
A) A safety vacuum release system (SVRS) as the sole method of protection
B) At least two independent suction outlets per pump (dual-drain system)
C) A single, large main drain with a flat, anti-entrapment cover
D) A pressure-sensing device that shuts off the pump if suction increases
Correct Answer: B) At least two independent suction outlets per pump (dual-drain system)
Rationale: The VGBA requires public pools to have a dual-drain system, or an approved alternative
like an SVRS, to prevent suction entrapment . This system reduces the risk of entrapment if one drain
becomes blocked . An anti-entrapment cover is also required, but the dual-drain system is the primary
safety design feature.
6) What is the maximum allowable opening size for an approved anti-entrapment drain cover
under the VGBA?
A) 1.5 inches
B) 2.0 inches
C) 2.5 inches
D) 3.0 inches
Correct Answer: B) 2.0 inches
Rationale: The VGBA requires that anti-entrapment covers have openings no larger than 2.0 inches to
prevent a child's head or limbs from becoming lodged in the drain . This dimension is a key safety
specification for compliant covers used on public pools.
7) When testing pool water quality at a public aquatic venue, which reagent must be used for
measuring free and total chlorine?
A) Orthotolidine (OT)
B) Phenol red
, C) Diethyl-P-phenylene diamine (DPD)
D) Potassium iodide
Correct Answer: C) Diethyl-P-phenylene diamine (DPD)
Rationale: New Mexico regulations require that water quality testing devices for public aquatic
venues use DPD as the reagent for measuring free and total chlorine or bromine . DPD is the standard
colorimetric method for accurate chlorine testing, and its use is mandated by the state health code .
8) According to New Mexico regulations, how often must a public aquatic venue with a manual
disinfectant feed system test its water while open?
A) Every 2 hours
B) Every 4 hours
C) Every 6 hours
D) Every 8 hours
Correct Answer: B) Every 4 hours
Rationale: Regulations require that public aquatic venues using a manual disinfectant system test the
water before opening and every four hours while open to the public . This ensures that disinfectant
levels remain adequate for bather safety throughout the day. Facilities with automated controllers
have different testing requirements.
9) What is the maximum allowed concentration of total available bromine in a public aquatic
venue?
A) 4 ppm
B) 6 ppm
C) 8 ppm
D) 10 ppm
Correct Answer: C) 8 ppm
Rationale: The New Mexico Administrative Code for public aquatic venues states that the total
available bromine shall not exceed 8 ppm . This limit is set to prevent over-chlorination and ensure
the water remains safe and comfortable for swimmers .
10) A pool contractor is planning a pool in a designated floodway. What must be submitted to the
building official?
A) A standard permit application
B) Documentation that the pool will not increase the design flood elevation
C) A soil compaction report
D) An erosion and sediment control plan
Correct Answer: B) Documentation that the pool will not increase the design flood elevation
Rationale: For pools located in designated floodways, the code requires documentation
demonstrating that the pool's construction will not increase the design flood elevation at any point
within the jurisdiction . This is a critical requirement to ensure that pool construction does not
exacerbate flooding risks.
