Certified Pool Operator Study Guide
Questions with Complete Solutions
What is neutral pH? Correct Answ_7
What is pH of human eye? Correct Answ_7.5
What is acceptable value of pH? Main pool is tested every _____ hours and spa be tested every
____ ? Correct Answ_7.2 - 7.8 (Although ideal range is 7.4 - 7.6) Main pool tested every 2
hours and spa tested every hour
How is pH tested? Correct Answ_Phenol Red or R-004
If pH is too high what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Muriatic Acid
If pH is too low what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Soda Ash ( sodium carbonate)
,What is Total Alkalinity represent? Correct Answ_The amount of carbonates, bicarbonates
and hydroxide in a solution.
What does Total Alkalinity information provide? Correct Answ_The measure of the pH-
buffering capacity, or the ability of a solution to resist change in pH. -- If the alkalinity is too
high then it will be difficult to either raise or lower the ph.
What is pH bounce? Correct Answ_If the alkalinity is too low, wide fluctuations in the pH
reading will occur. In these situations, the pH level will become so unpredictable that it may
change as frequently as hour to hour
What is acceptable Alkalinity values: _____ to _____? How often should it be tested for main
pool ____?
How often should it be tested for spa _____? Correct Answ_60-180 ppm ( ideal range is 80-
120 ppm with goal around 100)
Main pool: 1x a week
Spa: Daily
If Total Alkalinity is too High what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Muriatic Acid
, If Total Alkalinity is too Low what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Baking Soda ( Sodium
bicarbonate)
What is the difference between hard water and soft water? Correct Answ_Hard water will
produce scaling resulting in mineral deposits on wall or in pipes.
Soft water is too low in hardness and readily foams and will cause corrosion.
What is acceptable Calcium hardness values ____ to ___?
How often should it be tested for main pool _____?
How often should it be tested in spas _____? Correct Answ_150-400 ppm
Main pool: 1x a week
Spa: Daily
If Calcium Hardness is too high what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Drain and re-fill
pool
Questions with Complete Solutions
What is neutral pH? Correct Answ_7
What is pH of human eye? Correct Answ_7.5
What is acceptable value of pH? Main pool is tested every _____ hours and spa be tested every
____ ? Correct Answ_7.2 - 7.8 (Although ideal range is 7.4 - 7.6) Main pool tested every 2
hours and spa tested every hour
How is pH tested? Correct Answ_Phenol Red or R-004
If pH is too high what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Muriatic Acid
If pH is too low what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Soda Ash ( sodium carbonate)
,What is Total Alkalinity represent? Correct Answ_The amount of carbonates, bicarbonates
and hydroxide in a solution.
What does Total Alkalinity information provide? Correct Answ_The measure of the pH-
buffering capacity, or the ability of a solution to resist change in pH. -- If the alkalinity is too
high then it will be difficult to either raise or lower the ph.
What is pH bounce? Correct Answ_If the alkalinity is too low, wide fluctuations in the pH
reading will occur. In these situations, the pH level will become so unpredictable that it may
change as frequently as hour to hour
What is acceptable Alkalinity values: _____ to _____? How often should it be tested for main
pool ____?
How often should it be tested for spa _____? Correct Answ_60-180 ppm ( ideal range is 80-
120 ppm with goal around 100)
Main pool: 1x a week
Spa: Daily
If Total Alkalinity is too High what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Muriatic Acid
, If Total Alkalinity is too Low what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Baking Soda ( Sodium
bicarbonate)
What is the difference between hard water and soft water? Correct Answ_Hard water will
produce scaling resulting in mineral deposits on wall or in pipes.
Soft water is too low in hardness and readily foams and will cause corrosion.
What is acceptable Calcium hardness values ____ to ___?
How often should it be tested for main pool _____?
How often should it be tested in spas _____? Correct Answ_150-400 ppm
Main pool: 1x a week
Spa: Daily
If Calcium Hardness is too high what needs to be added? Correct Answ_Drain and re-fill
pool
