Find Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification courses in Houston, Texas. The CPO certification from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is the industry standard for pool and spa operators, covering water chemistry, filtration, maintenance, and health code compliance.
CPO Course Providers in Houston
| Instructor | Course Type | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roy Carter | 2-Day CPO English | roy@championsschool.com | Website |
CPO Requirements in Texas
Public/Commercial Pools: Yes (State law requires trained, certified operator)
Texas updated its state pool code in 2021 to require certified operators for public pools and spas.
For detailed requirements across all states, see our CPO Certification Requirements by State guide.
What is CPO Certification?
The Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification is a nationally recognized credential for professionals who operate and maintain public and commercial swimming pools and spas. The course covers:
- Water chemistry and testing procedures
- Filtration systems and pump operation
- Health code compliance and regulations
- Pool maintenance best practices
- Safety procedures and emergency response
CPO certification is valid for 5 years and can be renewed through a recertification course.
Pool Industry in Houston
Houston's pool market is one of the largest in the United States. With a metropolitan population exceeding 7 million people and a humid subtropical climate that keeps temperatures above 90°F for much of the summer, residential and commercial pools are extremely common throughout Harris County and surrounding areas. If you're considering starting a pool service business, Houston offers exceptional opportunity.
Houston Pool Season
Houston enjoys one of the longest pool seasons in the country. Most pools open in March and remain operational through October or November. The extended warm season—typically 8 to 9 months—means pool operators face year-round maintenance demands including algae control, chemical balancing in high heat, and managing the effects of Houston's frequent afternoon thunderstorms on water chemistry. Understanding LSI balance is critical in Houston's warm, humid conditions.
Local Regulations
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) oversees public pool regulations statewide. In Houston, the Harris County Public Health department conducts inspections and enforces the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757. For a complete breakdown, see our Texas pool service legal requirements guide. Key requirements include:
- Minimum free chlorine levels of 1.0-10.0 ppm (or bromine 2.0-10.0 ppm)
- pH maintained between 7.2 and 7.8
- Daily water testing and logging for commercial facilities
- CPO or equivalent certification for at least one operator per facility
- Proper fencing and safety equipment for all public pools
Why Get CPO Certified in Houston?
Beyond the state requirement, CPO certification opens doors in Houston's competitive pool service market. The greater Houston area has thousands of HOA community pools, hotel pools, apartment complexes, and fitness centers—all requiring certified operators. Many Houston-area employers list CPO certification as a job requirement, and certified operators typically command higher wages than non-certified technicians. Learn more in our complete CPO certification guide.
Local networking opportunities include the Houston chapter of IPSSA (Katy) and IPSSA (Webster), where pool professionals gather to share knowledge and job leads. See our IPSSA membership benefits guide for details on what chapters offer. If you're looking to acquire an existing business, check out how to buy a pool route and our route valuation guide.
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