CPO flashcards

31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Turnover time formula

Turnover time in hours equals pool volume in gallons divided by flow rate in gpm, then multiplied by 60. A 20,000-gallon pool at 50 gpm turns over in about 6.7 hours.

Combined chlorine calculation

Combined chlorine equals total chlorine minus free chlorine. A value above 0.2 ppm signals chloramine buildup, which causes eye irritation and the characteristic chlorine odor.

Breakpoint chlorination

The process of adding roughly ten times the combined chlorine concentration in free chlorine to oxidize chloramines. It restores a sharp free chlorine residual and eliminates chloramine odor.

Cyanuric acid and chlorine

Cyanuric acid protects free chlorine from sunlight but reduces its effectiveness above about 50 ppm. Keeping free chlorine near 7.5 percent of the CYA level maintains sanitizing power.

Ideal pH range

A pH of 7.2 to 7.8 keeps hypochlorous acid, the active sanitizing form of chlorine, dominant. Low pH corrodes surfaces and irritates eyes; high pH reduces chlorine kill power.

Saturation index

Saturation index equals pH plus temperature factor plus calcium factor plus alkalinity factor minus TDS factor. Keep it between negative 0.3 and positive 0.3 to avoid scaling or corrosion.

Total alkalinity function

Total alkalinity of 80 to 120 ppm buffers pH against swings. Low alkalinity causes pH bounce; high alkalinity locks pH high and promotes scale formation.

Flow rate formula

Flow rate in gpm equals pool volume divided by turnover time in minutes. Use this to size pumps and confirm the filter can handle the required turnover.

Sand filter backwash trigger

Backwash a sand filter when the pressure gauge rises 8 to 10 psi above its clean starting pressure, or according to the manufacturer schedule. Excess pressure reduces flow and filtration.

Calcium hardness target

Calcium hardness of 200 to 400 ppm protects plaster surfaces. Low hardness makes water corrosive; high hardness causes scaling and cloudy water.

Chlorine shock vs. breakpoint

Routine shock adds 5 to 10 times the combined chlorine to oxidize organics. Breakpoint chlorination specifically targets chloramines and requires sustained high free chlorine.

Filter flow meter reading

A flow meter confirms actual gpm through the system. Compare it to design flow to detect clogged filters, failing pumps, or valve misalignment.

Total dissolved solids rise

TDS rises as chemicals and body wastes accumulate. A rise of 1,500 ppm above source water often signals the need to drain and refill part of the pool.

Fecal incident: formless stool

Raise free chlorine to 2 ppm at pH 7.5 or less and hold 25 minutes. For Cryptosporidium, raise to 20 ppm and hold 12.75 hours before reopening.

Fecal incident: formed stool

Raise free chlorine to 2 ppm at pH 7.5 or less, hold 25 minutes, and remove the stool with a net. Never vacuum formed stool, as it disperses contamination.

Lifeguard 10/20 rule

A lifeguard scans the entire assigned zone every 10 seconds and can reach any point in that zone within 20 seconds. This standard governs zone sizing and positioning.

Adult CPR compression rate

Compress at 100 to 120 per minute to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults. Allow full chest recoil between compressions and minimize interruptions.

AED shock sequence

Power on the AED, attach pads, clear everyone from the victim, and deliver a shock if advised. Resume CPR immediately for 2 minutes before the next rhythm analysis.

Emergency action plan

An EAP assigns roles, signals, and rescue steps before an emergency occurs. The first responder signals, clears the pool, and calls 911 while others assist.

Spinal motion restriction

Stabilize the head in line with the spine and keep the victim in the water until a backboard and straps are ready. Remove only when fully secured.

Chemical storage separation

Store oxidizers apart from acids; never store chlorine and muriatic acid together. Mixing them releases toxic chlorine gas that can be fatal in enclosed spaces.

Main drain visibility rule

The main drain must be clearly visible from the pool deck. If it is not, close the pool until water clarity is restored because a swimmer may be hidden from view.

Rescue tube reach technique

Extend the rescue tube toward the victim, keep your body low and braced, and pull the victim to the wall. Maintain eye contact and keep the tube between you and the victim.

Active drowning recognition

An active drowning victim is vertical, head back, arms pressing down, and unable to call for help. Silent behavior distinguishes it from distressed swimming.

Passive drowning recognition

A passive victim floats face-down or face-up motionless at or below the surface. Immediate entry and removal are required, followed by assessment and CPR if needed.

Whistle signal codes

One short whistle alerts a partner; one long whistle signals a rescue in progress. Two short whistles direct swimmers to clear the pool during an emergency.

Chlorine gas exposure response

Move the victim to fresh air, call 911, and avoid re-entering the area without respiratory protection. Chlorine gas irritates lungs and can cause delayed pulmonary edema.

Emergency oxygen use

Administer emergency oxygen to a breathing victim with a non-rebreather mask at 10 to 15 liters per minute. Do not give oxygen to a victim who is not breathing adequately.

CPR ratio for one rescuer

Single-rescuer adult CPR uses 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Two-rescuer CPR for children and infants uses 15 compressions to 2 breaths after the airway is secured.

Recovery position

Place a breathing but unresponsive victim on their side with the head tilted back. This keeps the airway open and allows fluids to drain until EMS arrives.

Suction and airway clearing

Clear the airway of water and vomit with suction or a finger sweep before giving breaths. Never perform abdominal thrusts on a drowning victim in the water.