PHTA-Approved CPO Certification Training

The Certified Pool Operator training that's actually worth your time

Live instructor-led CPO certification training online, on-site, and in Florida. Coached at the Sydney Olympic Games. 30+ years of aquatic excellence. 40+ countries. Classes from $475 — next class May 27–28.

View Class Schedule & Enroll CPO Certification FAQ
26+
States requiring certified pool operators on-site
5yr
CPO certification renewal cycle, a built-in revenue engine
24/7
Autonomous enrollment, outreach, and operations
2
Coasts covered, Florida East and Colorado West

Upcoming CPO Classes

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.

May 2026
May 27–28
Live on Zoom · 2 days
Imperial & Metric sessions
$475 · Group (4+): $450 ea
Enroll Now
June 2026
Jun 10–11
Live on Zoom · 2 days
Imperial only
$475 · Group (4+): $450 ea
Enroll Now
June 2026
Jun 23–24
Live on Zoom · 2 days
Imperial only
$475 · Group (4+): $450 ea
Enroll Now
July 2026
Jul 7–8
Live on Zoom · 2 days
Imperial only
$475 · Group (4+): $450 ea
Enroll Now
July 2026
Jul 21–22
Live on Zoom · 2 days
Imperial only
$475 · Group (4+): $450 ea
Enroll Now
August 2026
Aug 25–26
Live on Zoom · 2 days
Imperial only
$475 · Group (4+): $450 ea
Enroll Now

Training a team? Groups of 4 or more get $450/person. On-site training available for 8+ students at your facility — we come to you.

Ask about group rates →
Instructor Credentials
30+
Years in aquatic safety & instruction
40+
Countries where students have trained
Olympic
Coached at the Sydney Olympic Games
PHTA
Certified CPO instructor
Official ISCA announcer. Decades running swim meets, championships, and open-water events at the highest level. This is what you get with your CPO class.
CPO certification class in session Pool Trainers class environment
What Students Say
Students from 27 states and 3 countries
"Coach Duffy was excellent. He answered all questions from the students and really cared about the industry & making sure we had all of the information."
— CPO Certification Student
"It was amazing. You can tell that he not only has the knowledge but has the experience with real life pool problems."
— CPO Certification Student
"Duffy was very thorough with explanations. He gave great examples to be able to relate the info. Very personable and approachable. Made learning easy."
— CPO Certification Student
"Knowledgeable, passionate, patient, encouraging, engaging, FANTASTIC INSTRUCTOR."
— CPO Certification Student

Ready to get certified?

Pick a date above, enroll online, and show up on Zoom. Certificate issued same day you pass.

See All Classes & Enroll Contact for group rates
Professional aquatic training facility
Coach Duffy Dillon coaching at pool
Pool Trainers aquatic event

Why our CPO certification training is different

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 →
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World-Class Instructor Credentials

Coached at the Sydney Olympic Games. 30+ years of aquatic instruction across 40+ countries — from community pools to international competition venues.

⚖

PHTA-Aligned Workflows

Every process maps to Pool & Hot Tub Alliance standards. Your certification business stays compliant without the manual overhead.

➤

Autonomous Operations

AI handles enrollment inquiries, renewal reminders, lead generation, and competitive research. You approve the strategy, the system executes.

CPO Certification — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting your Certified Pool Operator license.

What is CPO certification and who needs it? +

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.

How do I get CPO certified? +

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.

What are the CPO certification requirements? +

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.

How much does CPO certification cost? +

Our scheduled online group classes start at $475 per person ($450 for groups). 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.

Can I take CPO certification online? +

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.

How long is CPO certification valid? +

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.

Do you offer CPO certification in Florida? +

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 40+ countries.

Have more questions? Visit the enrollment page for full class details and contact information.

Get CPO certified — next class May 27–28

Live instructor-led Certified Pool Operator training. PHTA-approved. Available online, on-site, and in Florida & Colorado. Coached at the Sydney Olympic Games.

View Class Schedule & Pricing