CERTIFIED POOL OPERATOR TEST REVIEW
2026 UPDATE
12 Reasons why the health inspector will close your pool - correct answers-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 answers-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.
5 Factors of Water Balance - correct answers-pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Temperature, and
total dissolved liquids
Corrosive water - correct answers-pH is too low, dissolves everything it contacts
scaling water - correct answers-pH it too high, mineral deposits on walls or pipes
Regulated pH range - correct answers-7.2-7.8
pH reading is tested with Phenol Red
2026 UPDATE
12 Reasons why the health inspector will close your pool - correct answers-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 answers-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.
5 Factors of Water Balance - correct answers-pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Temperature, and
total dissolved liquids
Corrosive water - correct answers-pH is too low, dissolves everything it contacts
scaling water - correct answers-pH it too high, mineral deposits on walls or pipes
Regulated pH range - correct answers-7.2-7.8
pH reading is tested with Phenol Red
