SISCAQU304A
Maintain pool water quality

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to maintain the water quality of swimming pools and aquatic facilities according to health standards.

Application

This unit applies to those working independently as aquatic operators or managers in various aquatic environments, such as council or commercially operated aquatic and leisure centres. This may also include the coordination and supervision of others in the aquatic environment.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge section and the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Conduct pool water quality tests.

1.1. Complete routine pool water tests according to public health regulatory requirements, organisational policies and procedures and relevant legislation.

1.2. Monitor pool water test results according to public health regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Develop and implement schedules for pool water microbiological testing according to organisational policies and procedures and public health regulatory requirements.

2. Apply water quality principles.

2.1. Anticipate bather loading and implement corrective actions with appropriate personnel to maintain pool water quality.

2.2. Develop and implement safe processes for using chemicals to maintain disinfectant levels and chemical balance of pool water according to public health regulatory requirements.

2.3. Carry out water treatment procedures according to the aquatic facility's operating plan for the treatment of pool water.

2.4. Calculate the amount of chemicals required to correct chemical imbalances in pool water according to public health regulatory requirements.

2.5. Use chemical dosing equipment for the treatment of pool water according to the manufacturer's specifications and organisational policies and procedures.

3. Document action taken.

3.1. Record pool water test results according to organisational policies and procedures and public health regulatory requirements.

3.2. Record any corrective action taken according to organisational policies and procedures and public health regulatory requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to:

initiate corrective actions with appropriate personnel

maintain water quality and develop schedules for pool water microbiological testing

problem-solving skills to:

conduct a variety of routine pool water tests

monitor and interpret results

anticipate bather loading

maintain disinfectant levels and chemical balance of pool water

planning and organisational skills to:

collect and organise pool information

develop safe processes for the use of chemicals

literacy skills to:

record pool water test results and corrective actions implemented

interpret aquatic facility's treatment operating plan

numeracy skills to calculate the amount of chemicals required to correct chemical imbalances

first aid skills to implement procedures related to pool water chemical accidents.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures that enable:

completion and monitoring of pool water tests

use and maintenance of chemical dosing equipment

development and implementation of schedules for microbiological testing and chemical use

accurate and timely record keeping

public health regulatory requirements to:

implement processes for chemical use

calculate chemical requirements

pool water chemistry to understand scientific terms related to tests such as pH levels, alkalinity, chlorine, bromine, temperature and calcium hardness

plant and equipment operation, chemical dosing equipment and relevant resources used for testing, treating and maintaining pool water quality.

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

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

develops and implements schedules for pool water microbiological testing and safely uses and calculates chemicals to maintain chemical balance of pool water

anticipates bather loadings and takes corrective action to ensure public health and safety

operates chemical dosing equipment for the treatment of pool water

updates pool records with information detailing water quality test results and corrective action taken.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

conduct of regular pool water quality tests and monitoring of results on sufficient occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a suitable aquatic facility

equipment and resources required for the maintenance of pool water quality

public health regulatory requirements, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of the candidate safely handling chemicals, equipment and resources

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of procedures for pool water testing and treatment

observation of the candidate calculating chemical requirements to correct imbalances

portfolio of written recordings detailing pool water test results and corrective action taken

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing the candidate's performance on the job.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISCAQU303A Operate aquatic facility plant and equipment


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.

Routine pool water tests may include:

free chlorine

total bromine

total chlorine

combined chlorine

pH

alkalinity

cyanuric acid

calcium hardness

total hardness

temperature.

Public health regulatory requirements may include:

health and poisons acts

infectious diseases regulations

dangerous goods act and regulations

metropolitan water supply, sewerage and drainage by-laws

environment legislation

local government regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment and resources

emergency and risk management procedures

chemical handling procedures

backwash procedures

filtration processes

isolation procedures

communication protocols

reporting and record keeping.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

relevant dangerous goods act

relevant environment legislation.

Pool water microbiological testing may include:

standard plate count

coliform count

pseudomonas aeruginosa

legionella

staphylococcus

cryptosporidium.

Pool water quality may include:

microbiological count

pH

clarity levels.

Water treatment procedures may include:

chemical disinfection

electrolytic generation of chlorine

superchlorination

shock dosing

dechlorination

chlorine stabilisation with cyanuric acid

control of algae

ozonisation

ultraviolet radiation

alkalinity adjustments

calcium and total hardness adjustments

lowering total dissolved solids

pool water filtration and recirculation

backwashing

manual removal of visible contaminants.


Sectors

Community Recreation


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.