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How to Become a Pool Technician

Published on May 7, 2024

If you’re looking for a hands-on job that allows you to work outdoors and solve problems, then you’ll want to consider how to become a pool technician.

Pool techs are essential for maintaining residential and commercial pools and ensuring safe, clean water for swimmers.

In this article, you’ll discover how to become a pool technician as well as:

  • Key responsibilities and skills
  • Available training and certifications
  • Pro strategies for being successful in the field

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What Does a Pool Tech Do?

Pool technicians are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of swimming pools and related equipment (e.g. filters, pumps, chlorinators, and heaters).

Typically, pool tech duties include:

  • Diagnosing and repairing equipment malfunctions
  • Performing routine maintenance like changing filters
  • Opening and closing pools for the season in some climates
  • Cleaning pools by brushing walls, vacuuming, skimming surfaces
  • Testing and treating pool water chemistry to maintain proper levels

Be Prepared for Physical Work

While servicing pools is not incredibly strenuous, it does require some physical abilities. Be ready to do lots of bending, lifting, and long hours outdoors in various weather conditions.

Cultivate Key Skills

Top skills for pool technicians include solid mechanical abilities, troubleshooting, customer service, attention to detail, and knowledge of local rules and regulations. Also, being skilled at operating equipment and speciality tools is crucial.

Now, let’s talk about how to become a pool technician:

1. Get the Proper Education, Training, and Certifications

While you don't need a college degree, pool technicians will need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Even though specialized training isn’t always required, it can help you get a job more easily.

Consider taking a basic CPT course (i.e. Certified Pool Technician) to set yourself apart from other applicants.

2. Gain Experience

Depending on your state, you might need to be licensed, registered, or certified as a pool technician. However, this is largely depending on whether you’re going into the residential or commercial sector.

Requirements vary, but usually you’ll need to pass an exam on pool knowledge after completing formal training (or possibly even apprenticeship hours).

Whether you decide to become certified or not, you’ll need to gain experience by either applying for beginner positions or by starting an apprenticeship.

Many aspiring pool techs start out as apprentices working under experienced professionals for 1-2 years—this is especially crucial if your long-term goal is to start a business.

In turn, you’ll get on-the-job training and guidance while you learn to diagnose issues, handle equipment, and interact with clients.

Take a look at a few CPO (i.e. Certified Pool Operator) programs:

3. Set Your Sights on a Long-Term Career Path

As you explore how to become a pool technician, it’s important to consider your long-term career path goals.

For example, do you want to start your own pool service business?

If you decide to start your own business, you'll likely need to get insured and obtain proper licensing and permits for your area, which will legally protect you and boost credibility with clients.

Whether you decide to start your own business or not, it’s important to build on your skills and experience so you can qualify for more competitive positions.

For instance, experienced pool techs can enjoy higher wages with more career pathing opportunities.

BONUS: Maximize Your Resources

No matter which career path you choose in the pool service industry, it’s important to maximize your resources with the best pool service software.

When you choose Service Autopilot, you’ll have the power to:

  • Automate everyday tasks
  • Seamless sync with QuickBooks
  • Instantly generate optimized routes
  • Utilize same-day, automated payments
  • Generate rapid estimates from anywhere
  • Access asset and chemical tracking on-the-go
  • View client account information from anywhere

Take a tour of Service Autopilot and see for yourself how the #1 pool service software can take your career to the next level!

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How to Become a Pool Technician: Now You Know

Finally, you know how to become a pool technician.

The path to becoming a pool tech involves:

  1. Getting trained
  2. Gaining experience
  3. Developing a solid technical skillset

It's a rewarding career for anyone who enjoys hands-on work and solving problems.

Start working toward your new career by taking advantage of this easy guide on how to become a pool technician!


Related: How Much to Pay Your Pool Technicians


Alyssa Sanders

Alyssa is the Team Lead of Creative Marketing at Xplor Field Services. When she's not writing or creating content, you can find her watching a new sci-fi series or shoving her nose into a book.
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