What makes aquatic play features different for the pool operator? If one attempts to operate one of these aquatic facilities by applying the same rules used for traditional swimming pools, many things may not work as anticipated. You may end up with cloudy water, excessively high make-up water bills, high sanitizer/oxidizer consumption, very short filter runs, and the need for extra vigilance even though the control systems may be automated. What makes aquatic play features more challenging for the pool operator? There are many factors which may complicate the process of maintaining aquatic play features. This presentation discusses these factors and gives suggestions on how to minimize their impact at your facility. Amongst these factors are the management of water and of the water's chemistry. Issues related to chlorine and other chemical additions, filtration, and circulation concerns are addressed also. Finally, operational considerations, chloramines, and stabilization are discussed. This supplemental training program is a must for those that operate aquatic-play-feature facilities. This program uses a handbook along with an online training module to maximize your learning experience. Alex Antoniou, Ph.D., is the Director of Educational Programs for the National Swimming Pool Foundation®. Dr. Antoniou coordinates the current education and certification programs, including the Certified Pool and Spa Operator® (CPO®) certification program, the world’s leading education and certification program for pool operators. He also administers all new educational programs, including online training, designed for pool operators, public health officials, service technicians, and builders, to protect people who use aquatic venues. Antoniou holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the aquatic industry. Most recently, he has directed all aquatic programming and supervision for Rutgers University, one of the most comprehensive aquatic programs in the United States. There, he created value for the community and helped transform the program into a profitable department. Dr. Antoniou is esteemed for his award-winning emergency action and in-service training programs. He has also established operating procedures for commercial pool facilities that have exceeded nationally recognized standards in the aquatics area. Dr. Antoniou is a member of numerous aquatic associations and holds an impressive number of instructor training certifications, including Certified Pool-Spa Operator® Instructor. He also serves on the NSPF® Instructor Education Committee, which trains all new instructors. His hobbies include a passion for scuba diving, underwater videography and shark research.
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