education and events
Service/Maintenance Courses
Start on the path to becoming a certified pool professional by taking certification courses in a number of specialties, including maintenance, service, and inspection.
Click on a course title below to expand the course information.
In-Person
In-person education includes PHTA-hosted events as well as educational sessions at conferences and tradeshows.
February 4-6
Houston, TX
Part of the Southwest Pool & Spa Show
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT
24 hours | 2.4 IACET CEUs | 24 PHTA CEUs
$1,199 PHTA Member / $1,599 Non-member
Description:
This course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to know to conform to industry standards. Whether you are starting out in the pool industry, have a new business, or want to ensure all your employees are recognized as the top of their craft, this course is the perfect opportunity! When you earn the CMS certification, you also earn a name for yourself in the pool industry as a maintenance person in the know.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand safety, pool circulation and filtration, pool maintenance, and water quality.
- Learn about other important topics such as electrical systems, pool structures and finishes, heaters and controls, and customer service.
Instructor: Don Cramer
On-Demand
This course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to know to conform to industry standards. After completing this course, the student will have gained a strong understanding of Safety, Pool Circulation and Filtration, Pool Maintenance, and Water Quality; learned about other important topics such as electrical systems, pool structures and finishes, heaters and controls, and customer service; and earned a name for yourself in the pool industry as a maintenance person in the know!
Target Audience: The CMS course is for those new to the pool and spa industry or working a pool maintenance route.
How You Will Benefit:
- Advance your career and earn the in-demand skills employers want.
- Become eligible to sit for the CMS exam.
- Earn 24 CEUs.
What You Get with The Course:
- Eight weeks access to the virtual course
- A copy of the PHTA Service Tech Manual
- The CMS (Certified Maintenance Specialist) Workbook
Course Fee: $473/member and $573/non-member. An additional $24 shipping and handling fee for the books will be charged.
Course Outline:
Safety
- Chemical Safety
- Drowning and Accident Prevention
- Electrical Safety
- Filter Safety
Business Practices
- Basic Calculations
- Customer Service
- Legal Considerations
- Troubleshooting Resources
Water Quality
- Basic Water Chemistry
- Chemical Safety
- Pool and Spa Water Sanitizers
- Water Balance
- Water Testing
Structures and Finishes
- Pool and Spa Structures
- Interior Finishes and Repairs
- Spa Shell Repairs
Circulation, Filtration, and Hydraulics
- The Circulation System
- Filter Rate, Efficiency, and Performance
- Hydraulics
- Pumps
- New Design Considerations
Electrical Requirements
- Basic Electrical Circuit
- Basic Electricity
- Pool and Spa Lighting
Heaters and Optional Equipment
- Gas Heaters
- Heat Pumps
- Chemical Feeders and Generators
Control Systems
- Electromechanical (Pneumatic) Controls
- Understanding Control Systems
Maintenance
- Routine Maintenance
- Seasonal and Special Care
- Covers
- Startup Procedures
This online self-paced course takes you through the PHTA Service Tech Manual and gives you what you need to know to conform to industry standards. You will be able to explain common problems with pool finishes and how to repair them; keep pools running more efficiently with a better understanding of circulation, filtration, hydraulics, and electricity; grow your practical knowledge and gain troubleshooting skills and resources; and distinguish yourself as an experienced and knowledgeable service technician.
You do not need to have completed the CMS certification in order to attend this course and sit for the CST exam, but you will be expected to have acquired the core knowledge covered in that course. We recommend that you have at least 1–2 years of experience in pool/spa service and repair to expect to be successful on the certification exam.
Target Audience: The CST course is for individuals with at least 1–2 years of experience in pool and spa service and repair.
Learning Objectives: After completing this course, the student will be able to explain common problems with pool finishes and how to repair them; keep pools running more efficiently with a better understanding of circulation, filtration, hydraulics and electricity; grow your practical knowledge and gain troubleshooting skills and resources; and distinguish yourself as an experienced and knowledgeable service technician.
How You Will Benefit:
- Advance your career and earn the in-demand skills employers want.
- Become eligible to sit for the CST exam.
- Earn 24 CEUs.
What You Get with The Course:
- Eight weeks access to the virtual course
- PHTA Service Technician Manual
- CST (Certified Service Technician) Workbook
Course Fee: $573/member and $723/non-member. An additional $24 shipping and handling fee for the books will be charged.
Course Outline:
Safety
- Chemical Safety
- Drowning and Accident Prevention
- Electrical Safety
- Filter Safety
Business Practices
- Basic Calculations
- Customer Service
- Legal Considerations
- Troubleshooting Resources
Water Quality
- Basic Water Chemistry
- Chemical Safety
- Pool and Spa Water Sanitizers
- Water Balance
- Water Testing
Structures and Finishes
- Pool and Spa Structures
- Interior Finishes and Repairs
- Spa Shell Repairs
Circulation, Filtration, and Hydraulics
- The Circulation System
- Filter Rate, Efficiency, and Performance
- Hydraulics
- Pumps
- New Design Considerations
Electrical Requirements
- Basic Electrical Circuit
- Basic Electricity
- Pool and Spa Lighting
Heaters and Optional Equipment
- Gas Heaters
- Heat Pumps
- Chemical Feeders and Generators
Control Systems
- Electromechanical (Pneumatic) Controls
- Understanding Control Systems
Maintenance
- Routine Maintenance
- Seasonal and Special Care
- Covers
- Start-up Procedures
After completing this course, the student will have gained a wide body of practical knowledge on servicing and troubleshooting factory-built portable hot tubs regardless of brand; mastered the essentials of hot tub water chemistry, electrical systems, circulation, and filtration; and learned tips and tricks for basic repairs to interior surfaces. The Certified Hot Tub Technician program covers the essentials of servicing portable hot tubs, and equipment repair and replacement. Instruction is given by industry experts, based upon the PHTA Hot Tub Technician Manual and Workbook. Upon completion of the training program, you will be eligible to take the CHTT exam. There are no experience requirements; new employees are eligible.
The registration fee includes the PHTA Certified Hot Tub Technician Manual and Workbook.
Target Audience: Individuals in the service industry who service and repair portable hot tubs. Taking this class makes you eligible to take the PHTA CHTT test to become a CHTT (Certified Hot Tub Technician®). There are no experience requirements; new employees are eligible. 24 CEUs are earned after successfully completing this course.
How You Will Benefit:
- Advance your career and earn the in-demand skills employers want.
- Become eligible to sit for the CHTT exam.
- Earn 24 CEUs.
What You Get with The Course:
- Eight weeks access to the virtual course
- PHTA Hot Tub Technician Manual
- PHTA CHTT (Certified Hot Tub Technician) Workbook
Course Fee: $573/member and $723/non-member. An additional $24 shipping and handling fee for the books will be charged.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe 5 basic safety considerations for tools used on the job.
- Identify basic chemical hazards.
- Identify 5 warning signs of hot tub contamination.
- Know how to respond to and use customer complaints.
- Describe the difference between a self-contained and a non-self-contained hot tub.
- Explain the concept of volts, amps, ohms, and conductors.
- Name the most common types of electrical tests.
- Describe the different circulation system components.
- Describe two different hot tub plumbing configurations.
- Know what key factors to consider when replacing a pump motor.
- Understand the major function of each component connected to the control unit.
- Describe the basic steps in troubleshooting 4 common heating problems.
- List guidelines for safe handling, transport and storage of hazardous chemicals.
- Know how to decontaminate a hot tub.
Course Outline:
Safety and Health
- Drowning and Accident Prevention
- Safe Work Habits
- Chemical Safety
- Electrical Safety
- Accessory Equipment Safety
- When to Close a Hot Tub
- Hot Tub Decontamination
- Health Benefits and Hazards
- First Aid
- Physical and Environmental Hazards
- Recreational Water Illness (RWI)
Practical Knowledge for Technicians
- Customer Service
- Legal Considerations
- Basic Calculations
Structures and Finishes
- Materials Used in Hot Tub Manufacture
- Surface Repairs
- Hot Tub Selection and Installation
Electrical Systems
- Safety and Electrical Systems
- Basic Electricity
- Basic Electrical Circuit
- Basic Terms / Components Used in Circuits
- Electrical Testing
- Electrical Safety Requirements
Circulation, Plumbing, and Filtration
- Circulation System Components
- Suction Side Components
- Pipes and Fittings
- Circulation System Renovation
Hydraulics
- Pressure
- Resistance
- Total Dynamic Head
- Using TDH Information
Filtration Systems
- Filter Design and Location
- Filter Maintenance and Cleaning
- How to Replace a Cartridge
Pumps and Equipment Systems
- Electromagnetism and Electric Motors
- Pump Motors
- Centrifugal Pumps
- Troubleshooting
Hot Tub Equipment
- Connections
- Loads
- Controls
- Plumbing
- Troubleshooting
Control Systems
- Control System Types
- Hot Tub Control Circuit Components
- Hot Tub Safety Device Requirements
- EM Control System
- Electronic Control Systems
Heaters and Accessories
- Heater Types and Sizing
- Heater Replacement
- Types of Immersion Heaters
- Electric Heater Failure Modes
- Technical and Troubleshooting Reference Guide
- Accessories: Air Blowers, Ozone Generators, and Lights
Water Chemistry
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Handling Chemicals
- Transporting Chemicals
- OSHA Safety Rules
- SARA
- Chemical Storage Data Sheets
- Basic Water Chemistry
- Preventive Practices
- Water Balance
- Hot Tub Water Sanitization
- Water Testing
- Ancillary Hot Tub Products
General Maintenance
- Routine Maintenance
- Seasonal and Special Care
- Covers
The Certified Pool & Spa Inspector (CPI) provides a standardized training program for health officials and pool operators to conduct pool and spa inspections. This course focuses on performing an inspection of the pool and spa area; evaluating swimming pool operation and maintenance; assessing the circulation system and its components; evaluating a facility for VGB Act compliance; recognizing the elements of spa inspections; understanding recreational water illnesses; maintaining supervision and operator records; recognizing the elements of aquatic play features; and understanding swimming pool design standards and their impact on public health.
What You Get with The Course:
- Three months access to the virtual course
- PHTA CPI (Certified Pool & Spa Inspector) Workbook
CEUs: 4
Course Fee: $199/member and $249/non-member.
This on-demand education program is an introduction to the pool industry. A new employee goes through this program with the goal of understanding the basics of how the industry works, and some of the main components of pools and hot tubs. Topics covered include job roles in building, service, and retail; certification paths; definitions of main pool and hot tub components; basic water chemistry and the chemicals involved; safety; and water testing techniques.
Learning Objectives:
- Define different types of businesses in the pool/spa industry.
- Define the role of manufacturers, associations, and government agencies.
- Explore the types of pools and spas and how they are used.
- Define basic pool components and equipment.
- Introduce basic water chemistry.
- Define common water testing methods.
- Introduce the next steps to moving forward with certification pathways.
Course Length: 1.25 hours
Course Fee: $39/member and $79/non-member.
