Swimming Pool Operator Certification
Questions and Correct Answers
First step of fecal accident procedure - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Direct all bathers to leave the
pool. All affected waters must be closed to swimming until proper procedures for
contamination have been completed
Second step of fecal accident procedure - <CORRECT 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....? - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT ANSWER >>The amount of acid required to reduce pH and alkalinity
to the correct range
Algae - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT ANSWER >>A measure of the ability of pool water to resist changes in pH.
Buffering capacity of water.
Balanced water - <CORRECT ANSWER >>The correct ratio of hardness, alkalinity, temperature,
dissolved solids, and pH that prevent pool water from being either corrosive or scale forming
Bromine - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT 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.
Questions and Correct Answers
First step of fecal accident procedure - <CORRECT ANSWER >>Direct all bathers to leave the
pool. All affected waters must be closed to swimming until proper procedures for
contamination have been completed
Second step of fecal accident procedure - <CORRECT 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....? - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT ANSWER >>The amount of acid required to reduce pH and alkalinity
to the correct range
Algae - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT ANSWER >>A measure of the ability of pool water to resist changes in pH.
Buffering capacity of water.
Balanced water - <CORRECT ANSWER >>The correct ratio of hardness, alkalinity, temperature,
dissolved solids, and pH that prevent pool water from being either corrosive or scale forming
Bromine - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT 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 - <CORRECT 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.
