CPPSPS4017
Detect leaks in swimming pools and spas


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 servicesmust include:

electricity

gas

sewerage

stormwater

water supply.


Sectors

Swimming pools and spas