Pool Cleaning Course

Lesson 1 • Tools and Equipment Overview

Introduces manual and powered tools used in routine pool service. Proper tool selection reduces labor time and prevents surface damage.

Lesson 2 • Core Pool System Components

Identifies pumps, filters, heaters, and plumbing as an integrated system. Understanding component roles is prerequisite to diagnosing any maintenance issue.

Lesson 3 • Professional Role and Safety Standards

Defines the scope of a pool technician's duties and applicable safety obligations. Sets behavioral and regulatory expectations for the entire course.

Lesson 1 • Chlorine and Sanitization Systems

Covers free chlorine, combined chlorine, and cyanuric acid relationships. Proper sanitization prevents waterborne illness and algae growth.

Lesson 2 • Understanding Water Balance

Explains the Langelier Saturation Index and how balanced water protects surfaces and equipment. Provides the conceptual framework for all chemical adjustments.

Lesson 3 • pH and Total Alkalinity

Teaches target ranges, causes of drift, and correction methods for pH and alkalinity. These two parameters are adjusted before all others.

Lesson 4 • Calcium Hardness and TDS

Addresses calcium hardness and total dissolved solids as long-term water quality factors. Neglecting these leads to surface etching or scale buildup.

Lesson 1 • Chemical Safety and Storage

Establishes safe handling, mixing rules, and storage requirements for pool chemicals. Improper storage causes fires, toxic gas release, and chemical degradation.

Lesson 2 • Chemical Dosing Calculations

Teaches volume calculation for pools of various shapes and dosing formulas for each parameter. Accurate math prevents over- or under-treatment.

Lesson 3 • Adjusting pH and Alkalinity

Provides step-by-step procedures for adding acid, soda ash, and sodium bicarbonate. Correct sequencing and dilution prevent surface damage.

Lesson 4 • Chlorination Procedures

Covers routine chlorination, shock treatment, and stabilizer management. Consistent sanitizer levels are the primary defense against pathogens.

Lesson 1 • Variable-Speed Pump Programming

Teaches speed scheduling, energy-saving strategies, and flow-rate matching for variable-speed pumps. Proper programming reduces energy costs while maintaining turnover rate.

Lesson 2 • Circulation System Troubleshooting

Diagnoses low flow, pump cavitation, air bubbles, and motor failure symptoms. Systematic troubleshooting reduces diagnostic time and unnecessary part costs.

Lesson 3 • Pump Operation and Components

Explains impeller, diffuser, seal, and basket functions within the pump assembly. Component knowledge is required before any disassembly or diagnosis.

Lesson 4 • Routine Pump Maintenance

Covers basket cleaning, lid O-ring lubrication, and pump priming procedures. Routine service prevents air locks and extends motor life.

Lesson 1 • Diagnosing Filter Problems

Identifies causes of high pressure, low flow, cloudy water, and DE blowback. Systematic diagnosis prevents unnecessary part replacement.

Lesson 2 • How Pool Filters Work

Explains filtration mechanics and flow dynamics for each filter type. Understanding flow rate and pressure is prerequisite to diagnosing filter problems.

Lesson 3 • DE Filter Maintenance

Teaches DE addition, backwashing, and full disassembly cleaning for diatomaceous earth filters. DE filters provide the finest filtration but require the most detailed service.

Lesson 4 • Backwashing Sand Filters

Provides step-by-step backwash and rinse procedures with pressure-based trigger points. Correct backwashing restores flow without wasting excessive water.

Lesson 1 • Tile and Waterline Cleaning

Addresses calcium scale, scum line, and stain removal at the waterline using appropriate tools and chemicals. Waterline buildup is the most visible indicator of poor maintenance.

Lesson 2 • Automatic Cleaner Operation

Covers suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic cleaner setup and troubleshooting. Automatic cleaners supplement but do not replace manual cleaning steps.

Lesson 3 • Skimming and Surface Debris Removal

Covers net skimming technique, skimmer basket maintenance, and debris prioritization. Surface cleaning prevents organic load from sinking and consuming chlorine.

Lesson 4 • Brushing Pool Surfaces

Teaches brushing sequence, pressure, and tool selection for plaster, vinyl, and tile. Brushing disrupts biofilm and prevents algae from anchoring to surfaces.

Lesson 1 • Identifying Algae Types

Distinguishes green, yellow, black, and pink algae by appearance and location. Correct identification determines the appropriate chemical and physical treatment.

Lesson 2 • Shock and Algaecide Treatment

Details shock dosing levels and algaecide selection for each algae type. Combined chemical attack is more effective than either treatment alone.

Lesson 3 • Algae Biology and Growth Conditions

Explains how algae establish, spread, and resist treatment under various conditions. Understanding growth triggers enables prevention before visible blooms appear.

Lesson 4 • Physical Removal and Filtration

Covers aggressive brushing, vacuuming to waste, and filter cleaning during algae treatment. Physical removal reduces chemical demand and speeds recovery.

Lesson 1 • Weekly Maintenance Routine

Defines a structured weekly service visit covering testing, cleaning, and equipment checks. Consistent weekly service prevents compounding problems between visits.

Lesson 2 • Monthly and Quarterly Inspections

Adds deeper equipment checks, water analysis, and surface inspections to the monthly and quarterly schedule. Extended intervals catch slow-developing issues before they become costly.

Lesson 3 • Spring Opening Procedures

Covers cover removal, equipment reinstallation, initial chemical balancing, and system startup. A thorough opening prevents early-season algae and equipment failures.

Lesson 4 • Building a Preventive Service Plan

Guides students in creating customized maintenance schedules based on pool type, usage, and climate. A written plan ensures consistency across multiple client accounts.