AFO Certified Aquatic Facility Operator

What is the primary purpose of adding chlorine to pool water?

• ATo improve water clarity
• BTo kill pathogenic organisms
• CTo reduce the water temperature
• DTo prevent algae growth

What is the ideal pH range for a swimming pool?

• A6.8 - 7.2
• B7.2 - 7.8
• C7.8 - 8.2
• D8.2 - 8.6

What is the main function of a pool filter?

• ATo heat the water
• BTo remove dissolved solids
• CTo remove suspended particles
• DTo add chemicals to the water

What is 'shocking' a pool?

• ALowering the water temperature rapidly
• BAdding a large dose of chlorine to the water
• CEmptying and refilling the pool
• DRunning the filter for 24 hours straight

What is the role of cyanuric acid (CYA) in a swimming pool?

• AIt acts as a clarifier
• BIt lowers the pH of the water
• CIt protects chlorine from being destroyed by sunlight
• DIt softens the water

What is the most common cause of cloudy pool water?

• ALow chlorine levels
• BHigh pH
• CPoor filtration
• DAll of the above

What is the minimum recommended turnover rate for a public swimming pool?

• AOnce every 24 hours
• BOnce every 12 hours
• COnce every 8 hours
• DOnce every 6 hours

What is the purpose of a weir in a skimmer?

• ATo trap large debris
• BTo prevent debris from re-entering the pool
• CTo regulate water flow into the skimmer
• DAll of the above

What is the difference between free chlorine and combined chlorine?

• AThere is no difference
• BFree chlorine is the active sanitizer, while combined chlorine is chlorine that has react…
• CCombined chlorine is the active sanitizer, while free chlorine is chlorine that has react…
• DFree chlorine is only present in saltwater pools

What is the primary cause of skin and eye irritation in swimmers?

• AHigh levels of free chlorine
• BLow pH
• CHigh levels of combined chlorine (chloramines)
• DHigh water temperature

What is the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI)?

• AA measure of water clarity
• BA measure of the effectiveness of chlorine
• CA measure of the water's tendency to be corrosive or scale-forming
• DA measure of the total dissolved solids in the water

What is the best way to prevent the spread of recreational water illnesses (RWIs)?

• AMaintaining proper chlorine and pH levels
• BEncouraging swimmers to shower before entering the pool
• CRegularly shocking the pool
• DAll of the above

What is the purpose of a pool pump?

• ATo heat the water
• BTo circulate water through the filtration system
• CTo add chlorine to the water
• DTo remove leaves from the surface of the water

What is the most common type of pool filter used in residential pools?

• ASand filter
• BCartridge filter
• CDiatomaceous earth (DE) filter
• DRegenerative media filter

How often should you backwash a sand filter?

• AOnce a week
• BOnce a month
• CWhen the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above the clean starting pressure
• DWhen the water looks cloudy

What is total alkalinity?

• AA measure of the total amount of alkaline substances in the water
• BA measure of the water's ability to resist changes in pH
• CAnother name for pH
• DA measure of the total amount of chlorine in the water

What is the recommended level of total alkalinity in a swimming pool?

• A40-60 ppm
• B60-80 ppm
• C80-120 ppm
• D120-150 ppm

What is calcium hardness?

• AA measure of the amount of dissolved calcium in the water
• BA measure of the water's softness
• CA measure of the water's clarity
• DA measure of the water's temperature

What is the recommended level of calcium hardness in a swimming pool?

• A100-200 ppm
• B200-400 ppm
• C400-600 ppm
• D600-800 ppm

What are total dissolved solids (TDS)?

• AThe total amount of solid material floating on the surface of the water
• BThe total amount of dissolved substances in the water
• CThe total amount of suspended particles in the water
• DThe total amount of organic matter in the water

What is the maximum recommended increase of TDS above source water in a swimming pool?

• A1000 ppm
• B1500 ppm
• C2000 ppm
• D2500 ppm

What is the first step in treating a fecal incident in a swimming pool?

• AAdd a large dose of chlorine to the pool
• BClose the pool to swimmers
• CRemove the fecal matter from the pool
• DBackwash the filter

What is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act?

• AA law that requires all public pools to have a certified operator on duty
• BA law that sets standards for drain covers and other anti-entrapment devices
• CA law that requires all swimmers to shower before entering the pool
• DA law that regulates the amount of chlorine in public pools

What is the purpose of a main drain in a swimming pool?

• ATo drain the pool for cleaning and repairs
• BTo provide a source of water for the pump
• CTo remove debris from the bottom of the pool
• DAll of the above

What is the best way to clean a cartridge filter?

• ABackwash it
• BSoak it in a solution of muriatic acid and water
• CRinse it with a garden hose
• DReplace it with a new one

What is the purpose of a pool heater?

• ATo raise the water temperature
• BTo lower the water temperature
• CTo keep the water at a constant temperature
• DAll of the above

What is the most common type of pool heater?

• AGas heater
• BElectric heat pump
• CSolar heater
• DWood-fired heater

What is a heat pump?

• AA device that uses electricity to heat the water
• BA device that uses heat from the air to heat the water
• CA device that uses solar energy to heat the water
• DA device that uses gas to heat the water

What is the purpose of a chemical feeder?

• ATo automatically dispense chemicals into the pool
• BTo store chemicals safely
• CTo mix chemicals before adding them to the pool
• DTo test the chemical levels in the pool

What is the most important safety precaution to take when handling pool chemicals?

• AWear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• BStore chemicals in a cool, dry place
• CNever mix different chemicals together
• DAll of the above

What is the proper way to add acid to a swimming pool?

• APour the acid directly into the skimmer
• BPour the acid into a bucket of water, then pour the mixture into the pool
• CPour the water into a bucket of acid, then pour the mixture into the pool
• DPour the acid directly into the pool, in front of a return jet

What is the purpose of a flow meter?

• ATo measure the rate of water flow through the circulation system
• BTo measure the amount of water in the pool
• CTo measure the water pressure in the filter
• DTo measure the water temperature

What is the purpose of a pressure gauge on a pool filter?

• ATo measure the water pressure in the pool
• BTo measure the water pressure inside the filter tank
• CTo measure the air pressure in the pump
• DTo measure the water temperature

What is the most common cause of algae in a swimming pool?

• ALow chlorine levels
• BHigh pH
• CPoor circulation
• DAll of the above

What is the best way to treat black algae in a swimming pool?

• AShock the pool with a high dose of chlorine
• BBrush the algae with a stiff brush and then shock the pool
• CAdd an algaecide to the pool
• DDrain the pool and acid wash the surfaces

What is the purpose of a safety vacuum release system (SVRS)?

• ATo automatically shut off the pump if a drain is blocked
• BTo release the vacuum pressure in the filter during backwashing
• CTo prevent air from entering the pump
• DTo automatically add water to the pool when the level is low

What is the purpose of a pool cover?

• ATo reduce water evaporation
• BTo keep debris out of the pool
• CTo retain heat
• DAll of the above