Pool Plant Qualification Update
Posted on 25th January 2017
Following a qualification review by STA and feedback from tutors, the following changes have been made to our pool plant qualifications.
Swimming Pool Water Testing Changes
- Updated learners’ manual
- Updated course presentation
- Updated worksheet (and answers)
- Added a new practical water testing assessment sheet
- Updated the suggested course timetable
Swimming Pool Water Treatment Changes
- Updated learners’ manual
- Updated course presentation
- Updated worksheet (and answers)
- Added a new practical water testing assessment sheet
- Updated the suggested course timetable
Pool Plant Operations Changes
- Updated learners’ manual
- Updated course presentation
- Updated worksheet (and answers)
- Added a new practical water testing assessment sheet
- Added a new post-course routine maintenance sheet
- Updated the suggested course timetable
- Removed multiple-choice examination paper
- Removed assignment paper
These changes will take effect on all courses commencing from Monday 6th February 2017, with the new and updated resources for these qualifications now available to download from STA Online.
The changes involved amending the portfolio worksheets to meet the criteria and removing the multiple-choice paper and assignment. There are further assessments in the form of a practical assessment sheet for water testing and a post course routine maintenance sheet.
A new set of questions has been developed to provide a simplified assessment process and to better fit with the unit specification. Time can be allowed during the course for the completion of the worksheets. Prompts are within the course presentations and time allocated on the suggested timetable.
The practical assessment sheet for water testing is a simple form for recording that learners have completed a full pool water test (minus the 2 minute wait for total chlorine). It is essential that each learner is assessed individually completing this task and the results are recorded in the portfolio.
As part of the post-course work, learners must complete various practical assessment tasks within the plant room, under the guidance of a competent pool plant operator. There is a new assessment sheet which records learner competence in carrying out a backwash, changing a strainer basket and completing necessary maintenance records. The practical assessment on routine maintenance is not feasible to do during the course, so this is to be completed post-course under the guidance of a competent pool plant operator and returned to the tutor within 28 days of the course. Experienced pool plant operators and those revalidating can complete this assessment prior to the course if agreed by the facility and the course tutor.
The amended pages in the manuals will be provided free of charge to course organisers holding a stock of manuals. Please contact us by Monday 6th March 2017 to arrange this.
If you do have any feedback relating to these changes or the current pool plant qualifications, we would love to hear your views. Please click here to contact us.