TRAINING & EDUCATION
Endorsed by CIMSPA the Pool Plant Operations qualification was developed in consultation with industry groups to ensure it is fit-for-purpose
• Hot Tub Site Surveyor – This qualification will provide recognition of customer care, health & safety information, and also the importance of undertaking a site survey as an integral part of the process of selling hot tubs. • Electrical Awareness Workshop – The course is open to BISHTA members in the first instance, and several companies have chosen to join BISHTA, as a result, to benefit from the relevant knowledge passed on at this course. • Common Water Hygiene Management Training Syllabus – BISHTA’s Technical Committee has been revising and updating the syllabus to ensure that water hygiene management courses meet the current expectations. With a total of six tutors trained so far, providing a range of options. • Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT) – As an additional training opportunity, BISHTA is currently working with colleagues from the APSP to develop courses in the UK, based on the CHTT syllabus. Work is ongoing regarding ensuring the course is made specific to the UK audience, and this includes being able to cross-reference not only the American Standards but also BISHTA Standards and other relevant guidance in Britain.
STA’S SAFETY TRAINING AWARDS OFFER POOL PLANT QUALIFICATIONS Safety Training Awards, STA’s Awarding Organisation, offers a range of modern Pool Plant qualifications, with the STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations providing the pinnacle in training. Endorsed by CIMSPA, the Pool Plant Operations qualification was developed in consultation with industry groups to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and relevant to the modernday operator across all different pool types – from sports and leisure centres to hotels, holiday parks, spas and interactive water features. The qualification has a technically advanced syllabus covering all aspects of modern pool and spa operations in a practical, learner-friendly way. The content follows and simplifies where possible industry guidelines from PWTAG, BS EN 15288 (parts 1 and 2), health and safety sources and National Occupational Standards.
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The qualification, which is supported with a comprehensive resource manual and robust assessment, consists of six units: • Principles of healthy and hygienic pool water • Principles of water testing • Principles of disinfection, pool chemistry and dosing in pool plant operations • Principles of mechanical pool plant operations • Swimming pool heating, ventilation and energy efficiency • Management practices and health and safety in pool plant operations. Ultimately, the Level 3 qualification provides operators with all of the information required to operate safe and hygienic pool facilities. The other pool plant related qualifications available in the Safety Training Awards suite include the STA Level 2 Award in Swimming Pool Water Treatment, which trains learners in the basics of swimming pool plant operation, and the STA Level 2 Award in Swimming Pool Water Testing qualification, which provides learners with the information and skills needed to test swimming pool and spa water competently. All Safety Training Awards’ qualifications are delivered through its network of Approved Training Centres (ATCs) which ensures qualifications are delivered to a consistent, high level standard.
IOS – HELPING TO SAFEGUARD BUSINESSES AND THE PUBLIC The IoS are a Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) Approved Training Provider.
This means that their Pool Plant Technical Operator training is of the highest standard, using PWTAG guidelines which are viewed as best practice. PWTAG standards have become the benchmark for compliance with HSG179 referencing the PWTAG Code of Practice for water treatment. The Code of Practice recommends that training should be accredited by PWTAG (or be to the same standard) to ensure compliance. Accreditation is given to training providers that follow the correct syllabus and ensure robust assessment methods. It’s safe to say any organisation that values its reputation needs competently trained staff who have been suitably assessed and found capable. IoS’s main course is the PWTAG accredited Pool Plant Technical Operator training which covers everything needed to maintain a swimming pool, spa or water feature effectively. This is a three-day course, awarded through IQL UK and assessed through an on course test and an independently marked work based assignment. The course covers circulation, filtration, disinfection, pH correction and heating of pool water. How to maintain water which is safe and pleasant to swim in, how to test pool water correctly and understand how to restore it to ideal conditions is also covered. This certificate needs to be revalidated every three years to keep technical knowledge of pool plant and water treatment up to date. This can be completed through either an online course or a one-day face-to-face update. For those new to pool plant, IoS have a foundation certificate which is a one-day course providing all the basics of water management and water safety. For health clubs and resorts that provide any kind of spa facility, IoS also have a oneday Spa Pool Operators Certificate.
OFFERING A SUITE OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION COURSES TO THE SPA TRADE SpaTech Training was founded two years ago by Chris Brady, who also has a successful hot tub retail business in Lincolnshire. With a background as an Aeronautical Engineer
The IoS are a Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) Approved Training Provider. This means that their Pool Plant Technical Operator training is of the highest standard
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