CPO Certification Requirements by State: Guide for Pool Service Business Owners
Overview
CPO Certification for Public vs. Residential Pools: In the United States, most states require a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) – or an equivalent pool operations training – for public or commercial pools, but no state mandates CPO certification for privately owned residential pools. Public and commercial pools (e.g. municipal pools, hotel/club pools, apartment/HOA pools) are typically subject to health department regulations, which often include having a trained/certified pool operator responsible for water quality and safety. In contrast, private residential pools used by a single household are generally exempt from such requirements (though owners may voluntarily obtain CPO training for safety and best practices).
State vs. Local Requirements: There is no uniform federal standard – requirements are set by state or local authorities. As of 2025, 25+ states explicitly require CPO certification (or similar approved training) for operators of public pools by law. Even in states without a statewide mandate, certain counties or cities impose local CPO rules. For example, Pennsylvania has no state-level CPO law, but Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) requires a CPO for public pools, and multiple Virginia counties (e.g. Fairfax, Arlington) require CPOs even though Virginia has no statewide mandate. It's important for pool service providers to check local health codes in addition to state regulations.
Key Insights
- 27 states require CPO certification (or equivalent training) statewide for public and commercial pool operators.
- 7 states have local requirements only: Alabama, Arizona, California, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Virginia don't mandate CPO statewide, but major counties and cities in these states do require certification.
- 16 states have no requirements: Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin don't require CPO certification.
- No state requires CPO for residential pools: Certification requirements only apply to public, commercial, and semi-public pools serving multiple households.
- Recent trend toward stricter requirements: States like Texas (2021) and North Carolina have recently strengthened their CPO requirements to improve pool safety.
Trade Associations & Licensing Bodies: Apart from CPO certification, operating a pool service business may involve contractor licensing and professional associations. Some states require specialty contractor licenses for pool maintenance or repair work (e.g. Florida and California require pool contractors to hold state licenses for construction or significant repair of pools). Many professional pool operators join industry associations such as the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) (which oversees the CPO program) or the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association (IPSSA) for ongoing education, networking, and insurance benefits. While these memberships are not legally required, they are often recommended to stay competitive and informed. Additionally, handling pool treatment chemicals in commercial settings can trigger pesticide applicator license requirements in some states (e.g. Pennsylvania requires a Category 24 pesticide applicator license for anyone adding chlorine or algaecide to public pools).
State-by-State CPO Requirements
The following table summarizes each state's requirements regarding CPO certification for pool operation, distinctions between pool types, and any pertinent licensing or association information. "Public/Commercial Pools" refers to pools open to the public or serving multiple households (hotels, clubs, apartments, community pools, etc.), which are typically regulated by health authorities. "Residential Pools" refers to private single-family pools. Where applicable, local requirements or additional licenses are noted.
| State | CPO Required for Public/Commercial Pools? | CPO Required for Residential Pools? | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ✘ (No state requirement; local ✔ in some counties) | ✘ (No) | Alabama has no statewide CPO law, but Jefferson County and Montgomery County require certified pool operators for public pools. No special state pool service license; general business licensing applies. |
| Alaska | ✔ Yes (State health code requires trained operator) | ✘ (No) | Alaska mandates a "certified operator" for public pools (enforced by Dept. of Health). Municipality of Anchorage also requires CPO for pools in its jurisdiction. |
| Arizona | ✘ (No statewide mandate; local ✔ in some counties) | ✘ (No) | No state CPO law. However, counties like Pima and Cochise require CPO certification for public pools. Maricopa County (Phoenix) strongly recommends certified operators. |
| Arkansas | ✔ Yes (State code requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | Arkansas' health regulations require a trained pool operator for public pools statewide. The Arkansas Department of Health approves CPO and equivalent courses. |
| California | ✘ (No statewide CPO rule; local training rules apply) | ✘ (No) | State law requires every public pool to be under supervision of a qualified operator, but no specific certification is mandated by CA state code. Some counties (e.g. Los Angeles) require pool operator training or certification. |
| Colorado | ✔ Yes (State health code requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | Colorado regulations classify most non-residential pools as public and require a "properly trained operator" for each public pool. The state accepts CPO or equivalent courses. |
| Connecticut | ✘ (No state CPO requirement) | ✘ (No) | Connecticut encourages CPO training but does not mandate it by state law. Some local health districts may recommend or require operator training for public pools. |
| Delaware | ✔ Yes (State code requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | Delaware's regulations for public swimming pools require a certified pool operator on staff to maintain water quality and records. The Division of Public Health approves CPO/AFO courses. |
| Florida | ✔ Yes (State law requires certified pool service technician) | ✘ (No) | Florida law requires any individual who maintains water quality at a public pool to be certified by an approved 16-hr course and exam. This is the "Public Pool Service Technician" requirement. CPO certification is approved to meet this. |
| Georgia | ✔ Yes (Statewide mandate for public pools) | ✘ (No) | Georgia mandates CPO certification statewide. All public/commercial pools must be under the supervision of a properly trained, certified operator. Georgia DPH Rule 511-3-5-.22 requires every public pool/spa to have a qualified operator. |
| Hawaii | ✘ (No CPO requirement in state code) | ✘ (No) | Hawaii does not require CPO certification for public pools by state law. Public pools are regulated for sanitation but without an operator certification mandate. |
| Idaho | ✔ Yes (State health rules require operator training) | ✘ (No) | Idaho's health regulations require public pool operators to be trained/certified. The state code (IDAPA 16.02.14) accepts national certifications – a pool operator certificate (like CPO) is required. |
| Illinois | ✘ (No statewide CPO mandate) | ✘ (No) | Illinois does not mandate CPO certification at the state level. Public swimming facilities are regulated by Illinois Dept. of Public Health for water quality and lifeguards, but no law on operator training. |
| Indiana | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Indiana has no law requiring CPO certification for pool operators. Public pool operators are expected to be "knowledgeable" per Indiana code, but no formal certificate is mandated. |
| Iowa | ✔ Yes (State code requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | Iowa Administrative Code requires public pools and spas to be operated by a trained, certified pool operator. The Iowa Dept. of Public Health approves courses like CPO. |
| Kansas | ✘ (No state CPO requirement) | ✘ (No) | Kansas does not require CPO certification by state law. Public pool safety is governed by Kansas regulations focusing on water quality standards and inspections, but without an operator training mandate. |
| Kentucky | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Kentucky has no statewide CPO mandate. Public pools must meet health department rules (water chemistry tests, etc.), but there is no law requiring a certified operator. |
| Louisiana | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Louisiana does not require CPO certification for pool operators by state law. Public pools are regulated (inspections by Louisiana Dept. of Health), but no operator certification is imposed. |
| Maine | ✔ Yes (State sanitary code requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | Maine's Public Pool and Spa Code (CMR 202) requires that public and semi-public pools be maintained under the supervision of a certified pool operator. The Maine CDC/Health Dept accepts national certifications. |
| Maryland | ✔ Yes (State law requires certified operator on duty) | ✘ (No) | Maryland regulations mandate each public pool/spa have a certified pool operator (CPO) on staff and on duty whenever the pool is open. Local county health departments in MD issue Pool Operator Certificates. |
| Massachusetts | ✔ Yes (State code requires trained pool operator) | ✘ (No) | Massachusetts law (105 CMR 435) requires each public or semi-public pool to be under the supervision of a trained and certified pool operator. Proof of completion of an approved course (like CPO) is required. |
| Michigan | ✘ (No statewide CPO requirement) | ✘ (No) | Michigan does not require CPO certification by state law. However, some Michigan counties (e.g. Marquette, Chippewa) have local rules requiring CPOs for pools in their jurisdiction. |
| Minnesota | ✔ Yes (State rules require trained operator) | ✘ (No) | Minnesota's Pool Code requires public pool operators to be trained and hold a pool operator certificate. MN Department of Health recognizes CPO or equivalent training. |
| Mississippi | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Mississippi has no state-mandated CPO requirement. Public pools are subject to health inspections, but the state does not require proof of operator training. |
| Missouri | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Missouri does not require CPO certification statewide. However, local jurisdictions like St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Kansas City DO require certified pool operators for pools they regulate. |
| Montana | ✔ Yes (State rule requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | Montana's health regulations (ARM 37.115) require public pools to be operated by a qualified certified operator. The state and at least one county (Lewis & Clark County) enforce this requirement. |
| Nebraska | ✔ Yes (State code requires operator training) | ✘ (No) | Nebraska's Swimming Pool Rule (178 NAC 2) mandates trained operator supervision for all public swimming pools. A CPO or similar certification is required to satisfy this. |
| Nevada | ✔ Yes (State & local requirements) | ✘ (No) | Nevada state regulations require public pool operators to have completed approved training (CPO or AFO). Major jurisdictions (Southern Nevada Health District and Washoe County) explicitly require certified operators. |
| New Hampshire | ✔ Yes (State law requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | New Hampshire's rules (He-P 3200) require public and semi-public pools to be under a certified operator's supervision. The operator must have completed an approved course (CPO or equivalent). |
| New Jersey | ✔ Yes (State Bathing Code requires certified TPO) | ✘ (No) | New Jersey's Public Recreational Bathing Code mandates that every public pool be under the supervision of a "Trained Pool Operator (TPO)" who has completed a Dept. of Health-approved course and obtained certification. |
| New Mexico | ✔ Yes (State code requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | New Mexico's aquatic facility regulations require public and commercial pools to be maintained by a certified operator. The NM Environment Department recognizes certifications such as CPO. |
| New York | ✔ Yes (State sanitary code & local rules) | ✘ (No) | New York State Sanitary Code (Title 10, Part 6) requires that all public swimming pools have a qualified pool operator. Most NY health departments interpret this to mean a CPO-certified operator is required. |
| North Carolina | ✔ Yes (State law requires trained operator on-site) | ✘ (No) | North Carolina requires that all pools serving the public or multiple households have a CPO-certified operator either on-site or responsible for the facility. NC Administrative Code 15A.2537 mandates this. |
| North Dakota | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | North Dakota does not mandate CPO certification in state pool regulations. Public pools are regulated for safety but without an operator training rule. |
| Ohio | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Ohio's state public swimming pool rules (Ohio Admin Code 3701-31) do not require a certified operator. They focus on water quality standards and daily testing records. |
| Oklahoma | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Oklahoma has no CPO requirement in its state pool regulations. Public pools must be operated per state health dept. standards for water quality and safety equipment, but no mandate on operator training. |
| Oregon | ✔ Yes (State code requires trained operator) | ✘ (No) | Oregon Administrative Rules (333-060) require each public pool to be under the supervision of an individual who has completed an approved pool operator training course. The Oregon Health Authority recognizes CPO. |
| Pennsylvania | ✘ (No state CPO requirement; local ✔ in some counties) | ✘ (No) | Pennsylvania does not mandate CPO certification statewide. However, Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) requires every public pool to have a CPO-certified operator. PA law requires a Category 24 Pesticide Applicator license for handling pool chemicals at public pools. |
| Rhode Island | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Rhode Island encourages operator training but does not legally require CPO certification for public pools. RI's regulations require certain staffing and safety plans, and the health department offers training courses. |
| South Carolina | ✔ Yes (State law requires certified operator of record) | ✘ (No) | South Carolina law requires every public swimming pool to have a "Pool Operator of Record" who is certified. The SC Department of Environmental Services (DHEC) approves several national courses (PHTA CPO, etc.). |
| South Dakota | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | South Dakota does not mandate CPO certification. Public pools are regulated by the Department of Health for water quality (ARSD 44:02:14) without an operator training clause. |
| Tennessee | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Tennessee does not require CPOs by state law. Public pool regulations center on construction standards and sanitation, but no requirement for certified operators. |
| Texas | ✔ Yes (State law requires trained, certified operator) | ✘ (No) | Texas updated its state pool code effective 2021 to require that each public pool and spa facility must have a trained and certified operator. All Class A, B, C pools must be under supervision of a certified operator per 25 TAC §265.205. |
| Utah | ✔ Yes (State code requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | Utah's public pool rule (R392-302) requires pools to be operated by a qualified pool operator who has completed a training course. Utah accepts CPO or equivalent certification. |
| Vermont | ✘ (No specific CPO requirement) | ✘ (No) | Vermont does not explicitly require CPO certification in its pool rules. Public lodging facilities with pools must follow Vermont Health Dept. sanitation code, but no formal certification is mandated. |
| Virginia | ✘ (No statewide requirement; local ✔ in many northern VA jurisdictions) | ✘ (No) | Virginia has no state law requiring CPOs for public pools. However, key localities do require certification: Fairfax County, Arlington County, Loudoun County, and Alexandria all mandate that public pool operators be certified. |
| Washington | ✔ Yes (State health code requires certified operator) | ✘ (No) | Washington State's regulations (WAC 246-260) require each water recreation facility to be under the supervision of an individual who has completed an approved pool operator training course. A CPO is required for public pools. |
| West Virginia | ✔ Yes (State code requires access to qualified operator) | ✘ (No) | West Virginia rules mandate that certain recreational water facilities "have access to a Qualified Water Facility Operator." The WV Department of Health lists approved certified pool operator courses (CPO, AFO, etc.). |
| Wisconsin | ✘ (No state requirement) | ✘ (No) | Wisconsin does not require CPO certification by state law for pool operators. Public pools are regulated under DHS 390, which focuses on design and bacteriological standards. |
| Wyoming | ✔ Yes (State code requires trained operator) | ✘ (No) | Wyoming's pool regulations require public pools to be maintained by a trained and certified operator. Wyoming accepts the CPO certification to satisfy this requirement. |
Trade Associations and Recommended Credentials for Pool Professionals
While not legally mandated in most cases, joining professional associations and obtaining relevant licenses/certifications is highly advisable for pool service operators:
- Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA): This national industry body offers the CPO certification and other designations. Membership provides access to the latest codes, education, and advocacy. Many states reference PHTA's standards in their regulations. Being a member can lend credibility and networking opportunities.
- Independent Pool & Spa Service Association (IPSSA): A large trade association of pool service technicians with regional chapters (especially active in California, Texas, Florida, Arizona). IPSSA membership offers training resources, group liability insurance, and a network of professionals. While not required to operate, it's a competitive advantage and often a sign of professionalism in the field.
- State/Regional Pool Associations: e.g. Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA), California Pool & Spa Association (CPSA), The Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), etc. These groups often provide state-specific licensing guidance, continuing education credits, and updates on local legislation. Joining such associations is voluntary but beneficial for staying compliant and competitive.
- Contractor Licensing Boards: If a pool service provider engages in equipment installation, structural repairs, or construction, state contractor licensing may be required. For example, Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board issues licenses for pool/spa contractors, and California's CSLB requires a C-53 license for pool construction or substantial repair.
- Chemical Handling Certifications: Pennsylvania's pesticide licensing for pool chemical applicators is a unique case. Other states may classify pool chemicals as "general use" pesticides that are exempt from individual licensure when used by facility staff. Nevertheless, pool service companies should be aware of OSHA and EPA regulations.
Why This Matters for Pool Service Businesses
Understanding CPO requirements is critical for pool service professionals for several reasons:
- Legal Compliance: Operating without required certification can result in fines, permit denials, and liability issues. Pool service businesses must know both state and local requirements where they operate.
- Competitive Advantage: Even in states without requirements, having CPO-certified technicians demonstrates professionalism and expertise. Many commercial clients and property managers prefer or require certified operators.
- Risk Management: Proper training reduces the risk of waterborne illness outbreaks, equipment failures, and chemical accidents. This protects both customers and your business from liability.
- Business Growth: CPO certification opens doors to servicing commercial accounts like hotels, apartments, and community pools – often more lucrative than residential-only service routes.
Whether you're running a pool service business in Florida's highly regulated market or serving pools in a state without mandates, tools like Pool Dial can help you capture every customer inquiry – ensuring no opportunity slips through the cracks when you're busy servicing pools. When you're CPO-certified and equipped with the right business tools, you're positioned to grow your business and serve your community with confidence.
Additional Resources
For more information on CPO certification and pool service regulations:
- Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) - CPO Certification: www.phta.org
- Independent Pool & Spa Service Association (IPSSA): www.ipssa.com
- Your state health department's pool regulations
- Local county health department for jurisdiction-specific requirements