Application
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to plan leak-detection activities and to locate, identify and report leaks in swimming pools and spas. It includes operating leak-detection equipment, and recording and reporting on leak-detection activities.
The unit supports the work of those engaged in installing, servicing and repairing domestic, commercial and public swimming pools and spas. It applies to swimming pool and spa technicians.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency at the time of endorsement.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. | ||
1. | Plan leak detection. | 1.1. | Leak-detection requirements are determined from work instructions and client requirements. |
1.2. | Basic tests are conducted to confirm that swimming pool and/or spa is leaking. | ||
1.3. | Leak-detection equipment and materials are selected and checked for safety and serviceability. | ||
2. | Apply leak-detection process. | 2.1. | Location of related services is confirmed. |
2.2. | Personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected, fitted and used. | ||
2.3. | Leak-detection process is implemented using leak-detection equipment in line with manufacturer and enterprise procedures and relevant Australian standards. | ||
2.4. | Leak repair is arranged in line with testing outcomes. | ||
2.5. | Leak-detection equipment is cleaned and stored. | ||
3. | Record and report on leak-detection activities. | 3.1. | Work undertaken is reviewed and recorded. |
3.2. | Report is completed on leak-detection activities. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements of the elements, performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions of this unit.
The person must also detect leaks in one swimming pool and one spa.
In doing the above, the person must:
plan leak-detection activities, including conducting basic water loss tests to confirm leaks
operate leak-detection equipment
comply with safety requirements when conducting leak-detection activities
arrange relevant repairs for detected leaks
record and report on leak-detection activities
use personal protective equipment (PPE) required for task.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:
common structural leak areas:
cracks
lights
main drain and hydrostatic valve
pipe openings into pool
skimmer bond to pool
skimmer throat
tile line
vinyl liners
commonwealth, state or territory, and local government legislation, Australian standards and regulations, and codes of practice impacting on the routine maintenance of swimming pools and spas relating to:
dangerous goods
electrical and plumbing regulations controlling conduct of electrical and plumbing work
environmental protection
environmental health
non-destructive testing
work health and safety (WHS)
private and public swimming pools and spas
waste disposal
leak-detection equipment:
maintenance procedures
operating principles
safety
types
leak-detection procedures
signs of potential pool and spa leaks:
algae growth or discoloration of water
cracks
equipment loses prime
excess chemical usage
excessive water loss
pool deck is sinking or lifting
pool has air in the system
soggy spots around the pool
visible equipment leaks
types of leaks in swimming pools and spas:
plumbing leaks
pressure leaks
static leaks
water loss in swimming pools and spas:
evaporation
planned dilution
plumbing and shell leaks
user splash-out and drag-out
Assessment Conditions
The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:
equipment:
PPE
leak detection equipment
swimming pool and spa
physical conditions:
assessment activities are performed in the context of maintaining a domestic, commercial or public swimming pool or spa.
Assessment activities are performed on an individual basis under general supervision.
Assessor requirements
As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.
Foundation Skills
This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Skill | Performance feature |
Learning skills to: | maintain up-to-date knowledge of techniques and materials used in detecting leaks in swimming pools and spas. |
Numeracy skills to: | perform calculations relating to water loss in swimming pools and spas interpret data output from electronic leak-detection equipment. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask questions to clarify client requirements in relation to leak detection in swimming pool or spa. |
Reading skills to: | read and interpret instruction manuals for leak-detection equipment. |
Writing skills to: | prepare written reports for clients on leak detection activities. |
Self-management skills to: | interact in an ethical manner with clients from diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. | |
Basic tests must include at least one of the following: | bucket test meter test pump on/pump off test water loss calculations. |
Leak-detection equipment and materials must include: | bucket communication systems dye electronic water loss calculators hand and power tools leak-detection equipment: listening devices pressure testing vinyl liner leak detector personal protective equipment (PPE) pipe locating equipment portable pumps. |
Related services | electricity gas sewerage stormwater water supply. |
Sectors
Swimming pools and spas