CPPSPS4017A
Detect leaks in swimming pools and spas

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.

Application

This unit of competency supports the work of swimming pool and spa technicians engaged in servicing domestic, commercial and public swimming pools and spas.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Plan leak detection.

1.1

Determine leak-detection requirements from work instructions and client requirements.

1.2

Conduct basic tests to confirm that swimming pool and/or spa is leaking in line with enterprise procedures.

1.3

Select leak-detection equipment and materials and check for safety and serviceability in line with manufacturer and enterprise procedures.

2

Apply leak-detection process.

2.1

Confirm location of related services in line with enterprise procedures.

2.2

Select, fit and correctly use personal protective equipment.

2.3

Implement leak-detection process using leak-detection equipment in line with manufacturer and enterprise procedures and relevant Australian standards.

2.4

Arrange leak repair in line with testing outcomes and enterprise and statutory requirements.

2.5

Clean and store leak-detection equipment in line with enterprise and manufacturer requirements.

3

Record and report on leak-detection activities.

3.1

Review and record work in line with enterprise procedures.

3.2

Compile reports in line with enterprise procedures.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to interact in an ethical manner with clients from diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds

decision-making and problem-solving skills to identify location of water leaks in swimming pools and spas

literacy skills to read and interpret instruction manuals for leak-detection equipment

numeracy skills to:

perform calculations related to water loss in swimming pools and spas

interpret data output from electronic leak-detection equipment

research skills to identify and locate online calculators for performing calculations related to swimming pool and spa servicing

technology skills to use electronic leak-detection equipment

Required knowledge

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 related to:

dangerous goods

electrical and plumbing regulations controlling conduct of electrical and plumbing work

environment protection

environmental health

non-destructive testing

work health and safety

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

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed by detecting leaks and arranging relevant repairs in swimming pools and spas.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

plan leak-detection activities, including conducting basic water loss tests to confirm leaks in swimming pools and spas

operate leak-detection equipment

comply with safety requirements when conducting leak-detection activities

detect leaks and arrange relevant repairs in swimming pools and spas

record and report on leak-detection activities.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context and is to comply with relevant regulatory and Australian Standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

a technical reference library with current publications on leakdetection techniques for swimming pools and spas.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the CPP07 Property Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should, as far as is practical, take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Basic tests mayinclude:

bucket test

meter test

pump on/pump off test

water loss calculations.

Leak-detection equipment and materials may 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

pipe locating equipment

portable pumps.

Related services may include:

electricity

gas

sewerage

stormwater

water supply.

Leak-detection process mayinclude:

conduct pressure test of plumbing lines

confirm leaks by analysing information gathered through conducting basic tests

identify underground plumbing leaks

inspect fittings and cracks in pool structures

pinpoint leaks in vinyl liner.


Sectors

Unit sector

Swimming pool and spa service


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Service technicians are not permitted to undertake any installation, replacement, maintenance and repair functions that are restricted to licensed trades or occupations (subject to relevant state and territory regulations). Different states and territories may have regulatory mechanisms that apply to this unit. Users are advised to check for regulatory limitations.