CERTIFIED POOL OPERATOR TEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% PASS

CERTIFIED POOL OPERATOR TEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% PASS "5 Factors of Water Balance - CORRECT ANSWER pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Temperature, and total dissolved liquids" "Corrosive water - CORRECT ANSWER pH is too low, dissolves everything it contacts" "scaling water - CORRECT ANSWER pH it too high, mineral deposits on walls or pipes" "Regulated pH range - CORRECT ANSWER 7.2-7.8 pH reading is tested with Phenol Red" "To lower pH, - CORRECT ANSWER add muriatic acid" "To raise the pH, - CORRECT ANSWER add sodium carbonate (Soda Ash) 2. sodium bisulfate 3. carbon dioxide" "Cyanuric Acid (CYA) - CORRECT ANSWER chemical used to stabilize an outdoor pool (not UV light sensitive) added directly through the skimmer," "Regulated Cya levels - CORRECT ANSWER 30-100 ppm" "Sodium Hypochlorite NaOCl - CORRECT ANSWER Liquid Chlorine, or bleach" "You are the operator of a 330,000 gallon outdoor pool. Your local health department requires you to perform a water balance calculation once monthly. Upon performing the water tests necessary to perform this calculation, you observe the following readings in your pool: Total alkalinity is 50 ppm pH is 7.2 Calcium Hardness is 150 ppm Temperature is 76 degrees F Total Dissolved Solids is 500 ppm Using these readings, what is the Saturation Index for this pool? - CORRECT ANSWER -0.8" "In testing for Chlorine/Bromine in a commercial pool, DPD is preferred over OTO because: - CORRECT ANSWER OTO only tests for Total Chlorine" "Safety and rescue equipment should always be: - CORRECT ANSWER Kept easily accessible around the pool" "Which type of filter system will remove the smallest micron particles? - CORRECT ANSWER diatomaceous earth" "If the pump fails to prime, which of the following does not have to be checked? - CORRECT ANSWER filter system pressure is too high" "Oxidation Reduction Potential testing (ORP) is measured in? - CORRECT ANSWER mV" "When performing a water test, sample water should be collected: - CORRECT ANSWER 18 inches below the surface, away from return line" "Swimming pool circulation systems should be adjusted to remove: - CORRECT ANSWER 75% from the surface" "Vacuuming of the pool bottom should be done: - CORRECT ANSWER after foreign matter has settled" "You are a service tech and have gotten a contract to maintain a small motel pool. Upon examining the operational records, you find that the number of gallons in the pool is not listed in the records. You visit the pool and observe that it is a fairly rectangular concrete pool, with the following dimensions: length = 40 feet; width = 20 feet. The pool bottom slope is constant from the shallow end, which is 3 feet deep, to the deep end, which is 8 feet deep. What is the total number of gallons of water in this pool? - CORRECT ANSWER 33,000 gallons" "b.)You are a service tech and have gotten a contract to maintain a small motel pool. Upon examining the operational records, you find that the number of gallons in the pool is not listed in the records. You visit the pool and observe that it is a fairly rectangular concrete pool, with the following dimensions: length = 40 feet; width = 20 feet. The pool bottom slope is constant from the shallow end, which is 3 feet deep, to the deep end, which is 8 feet deep.B). To achieve a 6 hour TOR in this pool, what flow rate would be needed? - CORRECT ANSWER 92 GPM" "c.) You are a service tech and have gotten a contract to maintain a small motel pool. Upon examining the operational records, you find that the number of gallons in the pool is not listed in the records. You visit the pool and observe that it is a fairly rectangular concrete pool, with the following dimensions: length = 40 feet; width = 20 feet. The pool bottom slope is constant from the shallow end, which is 3 feet deep, to the deep end, which is 8 feet deep.C). You notice a clear greenish tint to the water. What could be the problem? - CORRECT ANSWER presence of copper" "You are the aquatics manager at a very busy local gym that is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. This gym has a 1,850 gallon spa. This spa is in almost constant use with about 100 bathers per day using the spa (on - CORRECT ANSWER " "average). You begin to get complaints from the bathers that their eyes are burning and their skin itches after soaking." - CORRECT ANSWER 6 days" "When performing a color matching water test, when using the comparator, you should: - CORRECT ANSWER hold the sample up to the horizon opposite the sun or a daylight illuminator" "Which of the following would not be considered an acceptable ADA access method? - CORRECT ANSWER corner steps with a vertical rise of less than 11 inches" "According to the Certified Pool - Spa Operator Handbook, which of the following should result in the immediate closure of a pool or spa? - CORRECT ANSWER ph level is 8.0" " One cubic foot of water contains gallons. - CORRECT ANSWER 7.48" "One cubic foot of water weighs pounds. - CORRECT ANSWER 62.4" "One gallon of water weighs pounds. - CORRECT ANSWER 8.33" "What effect does gas chlorine have on pH in water? - CORRECT ANSWER lowers" "What is the ideal range for total alkalinity? - CORRECT ANSWER 80 to 120 ppm" "The amount of unfiltered water is reduced to after four turnovers. - CORRECT ANSWER 2%" "What is considered the necessary backwash rate to achieve proper agitation when backwashing sand filters? - CORRECT ANSWER 15 gpm/sf" " Water clarity is measured in units of . - CORRECT ANSWER turbidity" " A valve has a vertical disc or wedge attached to a long threaded stem that when rotated either seals or unblocks the flow of water. - CORRECT ANSWER gate" " According to the Certified Pool - Spa Operator Handbook, cyanuric acid levels shall not exceed local health codes. In many cases the limit is ppm. - CORRECT ANSWER 100 ppm" " What is the name of the area of a centrifugal pump that converts water energy from velocity to pressure? - CORRECT ANSWER volute" " How much sodium bicarbonate should be added to a 2,000 gallon spa to increase the total alkalinity by 14ppm? - CORRECT ANSWER 6.27 oz" " Pools of similar surface area located in the same geographical region, but with differing water depths will have the same . - CORRECT ANSWER surface heat loss" " According to The Certified Pool - Spa Operator Handbook, pressure head is calculated by multiplying the psi by . - CORRECT ANSWER 2.31" " 1 pound per square inch (psi) is the pressure created by a column of water feet high. - CORRECT ANSWER 2.31" " In a pool containing 35,000 gallons which is 15 x 40 ft with the temp of 65 degrees F, BTU's would be required to raise the water temperature to 75 degrees F if the air temp is 65 degrees F. - CORRECT ANSWER 2,915,500" " To raise FC in a 20,000 gallon pool by 2.0 ppm would require ounces of calcium hypochlorite. - CORRECT ANSWER 8" " Pool surface area accounts for percent of heat loss. - CORRECT ANSWER 50" " Green water that is transparent is usually due to . - CORRECT ANSWER copper ions in the water" " The most widely accepted flow rate for rapid rate sand filters in a public pool is per sq. ft. - CORRECT ANSWER 3 gpm" " The flow requirement of a rapid rate sand filter during backwashing is gpm per sq. ft. - CORRECT ANSWER 12-15" " The backwash ratio for high rate sand filters is ____ - CORRECT ANSWER 1:1" "is the maximum flow rate per sq. ft. for both pressure and vacuum type DE filters in public pools without slurry. - CORRECT ANSWER 2 gpm" "The commonly accepted amount of precoat for DE filters is ____ pounds per each sq. ft. of surface area. - CORRECT ANSWER 0.125" " To destroy harmful organisms in pool water, the accepted minimum of free chlorine is ____ ppm and many health codes set the maximum FC at ppm. - CORRECT ANSWER 1, 5" "With an incident of diarrheal discharge in a pool, the free available chlorine should be raised to _____ ppm. - CORRECT ANSWER 20" "How many hours a day must the pump operate? - CORRECT ANSWER 24 hours" "How long must a pole with body hook be? - CORRECT ANSWER 12 ft" "How many days do you have to report a death, serious injury or complaint of illness caused by your swimming pool? - CORRECT ANSWER 2 days" "The CPO certificate is valid for how long? - CORRECT ANSWER 5 years" "Two daily readings and recordings of the disinfectant residuals and pH levels shall be taken a minimum of how many hours apart? - CORRECT ANSWER 6" "The CPO must complete a ________ provided by the Department of Environmental Services daily. - CORRECT ANSWER checklist" "The highest level of free chlorine allowed in pools is ______ - CORRECT ANSWER 10ppm" "A pool shall be closed for: - CORRECT ANSWER algae, bacteria, fecal material, no presence of disinfectant" "If fecal contaminati9on occurs in a wading pool or spa you should _____________________________. - CORRECT ANSWER Drain and disinfect it" "The height of any opening under the bottom of the enclosure shall not exceed _______ inches. - CORRECT ANSWER 4" "T/F Bathrooms shall be provided at all pools adjacent to the pool deck. - CORRECT ANSWER True" "T/F Chemicals shall be stored in a dry, weatherproof enclosure separate from the enclosure provided for pumps and other electrical equipment. This room shall be used from chemical storage only. - CORRECT ANSWER True" "Decks shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained free of trip hazards or offsets greater than ________ resulting from deterioration or changes from the original deck profile. - CORRECT ANSWER 1/2 inch" "T/F Pets are allowed on the pool deck. - CORRECT ANSWER False" "Pools shall have emergency telephone with a sign beside it stating: - CORRECT ANSWER EMERGENCY DIAL 991 Pool number Address" "T/F All drain covers should be in good condition and securely attached. - CORRECT ANSWER True" "All swimming pools must be equipped with at least _____ rinse shower which is located adjacent to the pool. - CORRECT ANSWER One" "Pools shall have at least one unit of lifesaving equipment present. A unit of lifesaving equipment shall include: - CORRECT ANSWER A pole A throwing rope" "______ units of lifesaving equipment must be provided for any pool which exceeds_______ square feet of surface area. - CORRECT ANSWER Two and 3000" "When a public swimming pool or wading pool does not have a lifeguard on duty, a sign shall be posted which has clearly legible letters of at least _______ in height stating, "WARNING NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY" - CORRECT ANSWER 4 inches" "All spas that have a hydrotherapy turbulence system shall provide a timer switch with a maximum of _____ minutes. - CORRECT ANSWER 15" ""NO DIVING" deck signs should be set apart in intervals of _______. - CORRECT ANSWER 25 feet" "Any pool where its Wake County Swimming Pool Operations permit has been suspended or revoked, the Operator shall affix a notice stating ____________ - CORRECT ANSWER pool closed" "If the emergency phone is not working, the pool _______. - CORRECT ANSWER must close" "T/F It is okay if depth marking is not visible to patrons. - CORRECT ANSWER False" "T/F If the CPO cannot inspect the pool, he must provide an alternate operator that day. - CORRECT ANSWER True" "The Total Alkalinity (TA) and Cyanuric Acid (CA) must be tested how often? - CORRECT ANSWER Once per week" "Pool water should be kept a such clarity that the _________ is clearly visible from the pool deck. - CORRECT ANSWER main drain" "The leading edge of stair treads shall be marked with a contrasting color band or line at least ____ inches wide visible from above the stairs. - CORRECT ANSWER two" "Depth markers shall be spaced so that the distance between adjacent markers is not greater than ______ - CORRECT ANSWER 25 feet" "Depth markings must be on the deck and _____________________________. - CORRECT ANSWER visible to swimmers in the water" "A fence around the pool area shall be atleast __________________ high. - CORRECT ANSWER 48 inches (4 feet)" "Pedestrial access gates shall open outward and be self-closing and self-latching except where both _________________________. - CORRECT ANSWER gate attendant and lifeguard are on duty" "T/F: No submersible pumps or mechanical pool cleaning equipment shall be placed or used in the pool while bathers are in the pool- may not be used in an area roped off to swimmers. - CORRECT ANSWER True" "Outdoor pool must have clearance of at least __________ of deck space around the pool. - CORRECT ANSWER 6 feet" "If glass is found in the pool, the pool must be __________. - CORRECT ANSWER Drained and cleaned" "Only ____________ or ____________ pools may obtain LH for a year round permit. - CORRECT ANSWER indoor or heated" "If a pool's operational permit is suspended, the pool must post a sign stating: - CORRECT ANSWER "Pool Closed"" "The caution sign at a pool must have __________ letters. - CORRECT ANSWER 1/2 inch" "The 911 phone should be located ________ the pool. - CORRECT ANSWER inside" "which of the following is required: - CORRECT ANSWER the chemical test kit" "Who can obtain year round permits? - CORRECT ANSWER indoor and heated pools." "What are the candles that are needed to light a pump room? - CORRECT ANSWER 10" "Pool ladders shall be _________ to the pool wall. - CORRECT ANSWER Flush" “12 Reasons why the health inspector will close your pool - CORRECT ANSWER 1. pump filter not working for more than an hour 2. main drain is not visible 3. chemical readings out of range 4. no pool operator (15 minute grace period) 5. no lifeguard or cpr certs present 6. water is below the skimmer line 7. danger to the public 8. chlorinator is not working 9. health inspector is not allowed in 10. bathrooms + drains not working 11. flow rate is too low 12. no phone (landline)" "Measuring records as the CPO - CORRECT ANSWER Operator must test the water for Cl and pH every hour, and Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Cyanuric Acid once per week. Records must be maintained on site and available for at least 2 years at the pool and 3 years total." "Total Alkalinity - CORRECT ANSWER represents the amount of carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides in a solution - you want this to be high, because the pH resists changes in fluctuating" "pH Bounce - CORRECT ANSWER low alkalinity" "Regulated Total Alkalinity range - CORRECT ANSWER 60-180 ppm ideal goal is 100ppm" "To lower Total Alkalinity, - CORRECT ANSWER add muriatic acid" "To raise Total Alkalinity, - CORRECT ANSWER add Baking Soda" "Calcium Hardness - CORRECT ANSWER amount of calcium and magnesium in the water (mineral content in water)" "Regulated calcium hardness range - CORRECT ANSWER 150-400ppm" "To raise Calcium Hardness, - CORRECT ANSWER add calcium chloride" "Total Dissolved Liquids (TDS) - CORRECT ANSWER sum of all organic and inorganic materials dissolved in the water- cannot be eliminated with a chemical----- <1500 ppm allowed in water" "Temperature - CORRECT ANSWER Max temps = 88 for swimming pool 96 for therapy pool 104 for hot tub" "Saturation Index - CORRECT ANSWER -.5-.5 check once a week for a pool, everyday for a spa" "Employees have the right to know: - CORRECT ANSWER - may come into contact w/blood -may come into contact w/ dangerous chemicals - personal protection - material safety data sheet" "Chlorine Breakdown FAC's and CAC's - CORRECT ANSWER Free Available Chlorine = good chlorine (disinfects) Combined Available Chlorine = Chloramines = bad stuff you can smell, ammonia and no disinfectants" "Regulated range for FAC's - CORRECT ANSWER 1.5-10 for a pool 3-10 for a wading pool 4-10 for a spa" "Breakpoint for FAC (SHocking the Pool) - CORRECT ANSWER TAC-FAC= CAC Breakpoint= FAC + 10(CAC)" "To lower chlorine levels, - CORRECT ANSWER add sodium thiosulfate" “You operate a 120,000-gallon pool, and upon performing your hourly chemical tests you observe the following readings: Total Available Chlorine reading is 1.6 free available chlorine reading is 1.5 pH is 7.4 Your supervising lifeguard has just informed you that you have had a fecal incident occur; a solid stool has been discharged into the pool. According to the Centers for Disease Control, as the CPO, you should do the following: - CORRECT ANSWER clear the pool and raise the free chlorine to 2 ppm" "Assuming that your local health department requires you to raise the free chlorine to 5 ppm, how much sodium hypochlorite would be needed to raise the free chlorine in the pool in question #1 to that level? - CORRECT ANSWER 3.5 gallons" "You are the CPO for an indoor health club pool. The facility manager informs you that he is receiving complaints about a strong chlorine odor in the pool area, and several members have complained of eye irritation. The most likely cause of these complaints is: - CORRECT ANSWER high levels of chloramines in the pool" "To determine the level of chloramines in the water, you should do which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER test for total chlorine and free chlorine, then subtract the free chlorine number from the total chlorine" "You operate a 45,000 gallon indoor pool, and upon doing your hourly chemical tests you observe the following readings:Total available chlorine is 2.2 Free available chlorine is 1.4 and pH is 7.6 What is the level of chloramines in this pool? - CORRECT ANSWER 0.8" "To adjust the tested Total Alkalinity in the pool in question #7 to an acceptable level, which chemical would be most appropriate? - CORRECT ANSWER Sodium Bicarbonate" "To adjust the tested pH in the pool in question #7 to an acceptable level, which chemical would be most appropriate? - CORRECT ANSWER Sodium Carbonate" "You are the CPO for a 28,000 gallon hotel pool. You perform a water balance chemical test, and to your surprise, the Calcium Hardness is only 100 ppm. How much calcium chloride (77%) would be required to increase this to 400 ppm?" - CORRECT ANSWER 8 lbs." "You are the CPO for a 100 foot long, 50 foot wide country club pool. The average depth of this pool is 7 feet. You return to the pool on Monday morning, after a rare weekend off, and find that the auto-fill feature has failed to work, and the pool water level is four inches too low. How many gallons of water must be added to return the water to the proper level? - CORRECT ANSWER 12,495 gallons" "You are the operator of a 3,000 gallon health club spa, which has an average of 100 users per day. According to the CPO Handbook, how often should the water in this spa be changed? - CORRECT ANSWER 10 days" "You are the CPO for a large municipal swimming pool. This pool has a volume of 560,000 gallons of water,and has an average daily bather load of 1300 people. The pool is operated using high rate pressure sand filters. How often should you backwash the filters?" - CORRECT ANSWER When the influent and effluent gauges are 10 to 20 psi apart" "High calcium hardness can result in what condition? - CORRECT ANSWER cloudy water" "Head first entry dives are: - CORRECT ANSWER only allowed in areas of the pool that are not marked as 'NO DIVING'" " Opening and closing checklists: - CORRECT ANSWER all of the above" "You can become sick from ingesting water infected with Legionella bacteria - CORRECT ANSWER false" "Channeling of filters occurs when: - CORRECT ANSWER the FMR is exceeded, and water cuts a channel through the media" "The only physical factor that affects water balance is: - CORRECT ANSWER temperature" "To be classified as a disinfectant, a compound must kill or inactivate 9% of contaminants as well as: - CORRECT ANSWER leave a measurable residual in the water" "Pools using chlorine gas as a disinfectant produce hydrochloric acid, which can be neutralized with: - CORRECT ANSWER caustic soda or soda ash" "When balancing swimming pool water, the following should be adjusted first: - CORRECT ANSWER total alkalinity" "A spa with water tested as pH 7.2, temperature 103, calcium hardness 600, total alkalinity 120, and tds of 1,500 will be: - CORRECT ANSWER scale forming" " According to the Certified Pool - Spa Operator Handbook, to provide proper building protection and comfort to users the humidity levels for indoor pools and spas should be maintained between - CORRECT ANSWER 40 to 60%" " What is the process of replacing used diatomaceous earth powder with fresh powder called? - CORRECT ANSWER ng" " According to the Certified Pool - Spa Operator Handbook, the acceptable pH reading is: - CORRECT ANSWER 7 2 to 7 8" " When determining the degree of saturation and pool water the constant (12.1) includes a factor for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), assuming a value of less than 1,000 ppm TDS. When the TDS is found to be higher (1,000-2,000 ppm) a value of should be used for the constant." - CORRECT ANSWER 12.2" " Water with a pH of less than 7.0 is said to be: - CORRECT ANSWER acidic" " According to the Certified Pool - Spa Operator Handbook, the ideal level for total water alkalinity is ppm - CORRECT ANSWER 80-120" " Spas and hot tubs require a higher level of chlorine than in swimming pools. The free available chlorine concentration should be maintained at ppm with hourly checks during heavy use. - CORRECT ANSWER 3 0-5.0" " According to the Certified Pool - Spa Operator Handbook, filtration and recirculation pumps should operate _______________ hours continuously for public spas and therapy pools. - CORRECT ANSWER 24" " The addition of Trichlor Tables to a swimming pool has what effect of the pH level? - CORRECT ANSWER lowers pH" " Heat loss to the ground from a pool through its sides, bottom, pipes and filters is called . - CORRECT ANSWER conduction" "Chlorine added after the breakpoint is reached will exist as . - CORRECT ANSWER free chlorine" "Sodium hypochlorite in its commercial form contains percent available chlorine. - CORRECT ANSWER 10-12" "Calcium hypochlorite contains percent available chlorine by weight. - CORRECT ANSWER 65" "Bromine is similar in many respects to chlorine, however, bromine cannot be used for . - CORRECT ANSWER stabilization" "The solid chlorine compound which is used when a slow release of chlorine over time is desired is called: - CORRECT ANSWER trichlor" "Proper pH control of provides better chlorine efficiency. - CORRECT ANSWER 7.2-7.4" "It is essential to maintain total alkalinity at ppm in plaster pools. - CORRECT ANSWER 80-120" "To control scaling, pool water that exceeds ppm hardness should be diluted or replaced with water of substantially lower hardness. - CORRECT ANSWER 800-1000" "In determining cost for heating, it is best to size the heater to the number of gallons of water in the spa and in the spa and to the desired temperature. BTUs will heat 1 gallon of water 1 degree F. - CORRECT ANSWER 8.33" "A _________ is used to radiate the high temperature of the water and cool it enough to allow the remainder of the circulation piping to the PVC. - CORRECT ANSWER Heat sink" pH level must be between _____ and _____. - CORRECT ANSWER 7.2 and 7.8" "Water temp of a heated pool does not exceed _______. - CORRECT ANSWER 90 degrees F" "Water temp of a spa does not exceed ______. - CORRECT ANSWER 104 degrees F" "How many times is it required for the CPO to test the water der day? - CORRECT ANSWER At least once"