Pooleh Industry Trade Certification Program
Become a qualified Aquatic Recreation Industry SPECIALIST (Level One – Fundamentals) or an EXPERT (Level Two – Advanced) through Pooleh’s certification program.
SPECIALIST (Level One – Fundamentals)
To earn the SPECIALIST certification, you must successfully complete 4 core courses and 3 elective courses.
EXPERT (Level Two – Advanced)
To achieve the EXPERT designation, you need to complete the SPECIALIST level first, then complete 4 additional core courses and 6 elective courses (i.e., 3 more electives beyond the Specialist level).
Note: Certain courses from affiliated organizations are recognized as electives. Please contact Pooleh’s national office for more details.
Time Limits:
- SPECIALIST Program: Must be completed within 5 years.
- EXPERT Program: Must be completed within 5 years.
Note: For companies servicing specific regions like the City of Toronto, the Water Discharge Management course must be renewed every 3 years to maintain accreditation.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for certification, the student must be employed by a company that carries general liability insurance and is covered under the provincial workers’ compensation program.
Previous Credits:
Those who have previously completed Pooleh’s ASPECT or Apprenticeship courses will be granted 4 elective credits toward this program. However, all core courses must still be completed to qualify under the new certification structure.
Course Delivery:
Courses are provided by Pooleh either in a class environment or via computer-based training on our website: www.pooleh.ca.
Re-certification:
Re-certification is required every 5 years, involving 1 core course and 3 elective courses.
Program Outline & Course Listings
SPECIALIST (Level 1 – Fundamentals)
To achieve SPECIALIST certification, you must successfully complete the following core courses:
- Pool Installation 101
- Water Chemistry 101
- Pool Operation 101
- Hydraulics 101
Additionally, choose 3 electives from the following list:
- Hot Tub/Spa Service and Maintenance
- Pool/Spa Handover – Orientation for the New Owner
- Water Discharge Best Management Practices
- Hot Water Chemistry
- Automation – Basic Operation and Programming
- Spa Pack & Pump Troubleshooting
- Tips, Techniques & Tricks of the Trade
- Marketing and Merchandising for the Modern Pool and Spa Retailer
- Certified Pool Operator® Course – National Swimming Pool Foundation offering endorsed by Pooleh
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) – From a provincially authorized provider
- Pooleh Chapter course approved by the Education Committee
- APSP Certification Course
- FPSIE Training Programs
EXPERT (Level 2 – Advanced)
To achieve EXPERT certification, you must complete the following core courses in addition to the SPECIALIST level:
- Pool Installation 201
- Water Chemistry 201
- Hydraulics 201
- Pool & Spa Business Concepts
Then, choose 6 electives from the following:
- Hot Tub/Spa Service and Maintenance
- Pool/Spa Handover – Orientation for the New Owner
- Water Discharge Best Management Practices
- Hot Water Chemistry
- Automation – Basic Operation and Programming
- Spa Pack & Pump Troubleshooting
- Tips, Techniques & Tricks of the Trade
- Marketing and Merchandising for the Modern Pool and Spa Retailer
- Certified Pool Operator® Course – National Swimming Pool Foundation offering endorsed by Pooleh
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) – From a provincially authorized provider
- Pooleh Chapter course approved by the Education Committee
- APSP Certification Course
- FPSIE Training Programs
For more information or to start your certification journey, contact Pooleh today!
Pool & Hot Tub Online Courses
Click any course below to download. You will be prompted to send a payment request via E-Transfer ($100 + HST).
Water Chemistry 101
Basics of swimming pool water balance, water maintenance, sanitizing, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, algae control, and saltwater pools.
Download CourseWater Chemistry 201
Build problem-solving skills for pool environments and advanced water chemistry scenarios.
Download CourseWater Chemistry 301
Advanced water chemistry techniques for algae removal, cloudy water, and metals management.
Download CourseHydraulics 101
Basics of water circulation, pump sizing, filtration optimization, turnover rates, and pipe diameters.
Download CourseHydraulics 201
Advanced pump selection, filter sizing, layout best practices, plumbing, and pressure testing.
Download CourseHydraulics 301
Advanced hydraulic design for pools and spas, variable speed pump issues, water feature balance, gutter and surge tank design.
Download CoursePool Inspection 101
Learn what to check during inspections, including equipment and structure, and communicate results to owners.
Download CoursePool Inspection 201
Detailed inspection for residential pools, recognize equipment issues, and communicate findings effectively.
Download CourseAutomation Basics
Learn operation and basic programming for common pool automation systems.
Download CourseMarketing & Merchandising
Techniques for retail professionals: product positioning, signage, advertising, online presence, and handling reviews.
Download CourseSpa Pack & Pump Troubleshooting
Maintain spa packs, identify pump problems, and correct issues efficiently.
Download CoursePool Installation 101
Intro to inground pool construction, fundamentals from contract prep to project completion.
Download CoursePool Installation 201
Advanced construction techniques and train-the-trainer guidance for experienced staff.
Download CourseWater Discharge
Proper operation, maintenance, and seasonal closure of pools, spas, and hot tubs, following local regulations.
Download CourseTips, Techniques & Tricks
Learn shortcuts and efficiency tips from experts in pool construction, maintenance, and servicing.
Download CourseBusiness Concepts
Supervisory & management topics: logistics, HR, communication, inventory, client complaints, and efficiency.
Download CoursePool Operation 101
Basics of pool maintenance, opening/closing procedures, troubleshooting, and leak detection.
Download CoursePool/Spa Handover
Provide owners with operation info, documentation, and water safety tips to ensure a smooth handover.
Download CourseHot Water Chemistry
Sanitize spa water over 37°C, maintain pH, total alkalinity, and hardness in proper equilibrium.
Download Course