Qualified Swimming Pool Water Treatment Operator Courses and Certifications for Operation of NYS Swimming Pools and Recreational Aquatic Spray Grounds

Fact Sheet - January 2011

A qualified swimming pool water treatment operator is required to maintain pools larger than 3,000 square feet in surface area, or pools disinfected using gas chlorine and all recreational aquatic spray ground facilities.

Qualified swimming pool water treatment operator certifications shall be valid for the time period specified by the certifying agency and must be maintained current.

The following are adequate courses of instruction regarding the safe and effective operation and maintenance of pool treatment equipment as specified in Section 6-1.2(l)(2) of Subpart 6-1 and Section 6-3.2(e) of Subpart 6-3 of the New York State Sanitary Code.

Provider Certification Title
National Swimming Pool Foundation Certified Pool/Spa Operator
YMCA Pool Operator on Location
National Recreation and Park Association Aquatic Facility Operator
Association of Pool & Spa Professionals Professional Pool and Spa Operator

Association of Pool & Spa Professionals no longer offers the Professional Pool and Spa Operator course. However, if an individual has the Professional Pool and Spa Operator certification, it is valid for 5 years from date of issue.
American Swimming Pool and Spa Association Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician

Certificates indicating completion of an on-line or hybrid Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician course are not acceptable.

Course providers may submit course curriculum, text and certification information of other comparable courses for review and approval to:

New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection
Flanigan Square
547 River Street, Room 515
Troy, New York 12180