Live two-day Zoom training led by Duffy Dillon, a PHTA-certified CPO instructor with 30+ years in aquatic safety, experience coaching at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, and students across 121+ countries. Scheduled classes: $425 through September 30, 2026, or $475 afterward — see the September–December 2026 schedule.
Live, instructor-led CPO certification on Zoom. PHTA-aligned curriculum, expert Q&A, and everything you need to pass the exam — from one of the most credentialed aquatics instructors on the planet.
Consecutive two-day sessions · Day 1 starts at 9am ET
Two-day sessions two days apart · Day 1 starts at 9am ET
Most CPO courses are self-paced videos with no real instruction. Ours is live, instructor-led, and built on 30+ years of real-world aquatic experience — from community pools to the Sydney Olympic Games. Every class includes direct Q&A with a PHTA-certified expert.
See upcoming CPO class dates →Coached at the Sydney Olympic Games. 30+ years of aquatic instruction across 121+ countries — from community pools to international competition venues.
Every scheduled class is live and instructor-led, with a PHTA-aligned curriculum, direct Q&A, and the hands-on context that self-paced video courses cannot provide.
Learn from an instructor who has coached at the Sydney Olympic Games and spent 30+ years solving real aquatic safety and operations challenges.
Everything you need to know about getting your Certified Pool Operator license.
CPO® (Certified Pool Operator) is the industry-standard certification issued by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) for pool and spa operators. It is required by law in 26+ states and is widely mandated for hotels, apartment complexes, waterparks, fitness centers, and municipal facilities. Certification covers water chemistry, filtration, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Complete a 2-day live CPO certification course from a PHTA-approved training provider and pass the written exam. With The Pool Trainers, you attend a live Zoom class over two days, then take your exam. No prior experience required. View the full class schedule and enroll here.
There are no formal prerequisites to enroll in a CPO certification course. You must be 18 years of age or older. The course covers everything from scratch — water chemistry, filtration systems, safety regulations, and pool operations. After the 2-day course, you sit a multiple-choice exam to earn your PHTA CPO certificate.
Scheduled online classes are $425 per person for purchases through September 30, 2026, or $475 afterward. A $100 late fee applies independently 10–6 days before class; classes close within 5 days. Group rates are available. Private concierge classes are $1,195–$1,595 for 1–3 students. On-site facility training is $450/student (minimum 8). CPO recertification is $375. See full pricing and upcoming dates.
Yes. Our scheduled classes are conducted live via Zoom — you attend both days remotely with a live instructor. This is not a self-paced video course. You get real-time instruction, Q&A, and direct interaction with a world-class aquatics expert. Suitable for students across the US and internationally.
CPO certification is valid for 5 years. After that, you must complete a CPO recertification course to renew your credentials. We offer recertification courses for $375. If your certification has recently expired, you can still recertify without retaking the full course.
Yes. We serve Florida-based pool operators through both our online Zoom classes and on-site training at your facility. Florida requires CPO certification for all commercial pool operators, making it one of the highest-demand states. We also serve Colorado and operate internationally across 121+ countries.
Live instructor-led Certified Pool Operator training. PHTA-approved. Available online, on-site, and in Florida & Colorado. Coached at the Sydney Olympic Games.
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