STA Level 3 Pool Plant Operations

Build the knowledge and confidence to manage your pool plant

We make science a little bit cool!

Develop your understanding of the systems, processes and practical responsibilities involved in operating swimming pools, spas and interactive water features.

With clear explanations, interactive activities and support from Lynn Goring-Crook, this three-day course will help you connect the science with the everyday decisions involved in maintaining safe, healthy and hygienic water.

Who is this course for?

This qualification is designed for people with responsibility for pool plant operations, including maintaining plant rooms, monitoring water quality and supporting safe conditions for bathers.

It is suitable for those working in swimming pools, leisure centres, health clubs, hotels, holiday parks, schools, swim schools, hydrotherapy pools, lidos, spas and facilities with interactive water features.

Whether you are taking on pool plant responsibilities or developing your existing knowledge, this course will help you understand how the different parts of your facility work together.

What will you learn?

You will explore the key principles and practical considerations involved in pool plant operations, including:

• Pool water testing and interpreting results.

• Water chemistry, disinfection and dosing.

• Mechanical operations and water circulation.

• Heating and energy efficiency.

• Pool plant management and maintenance.

• Health and safety.

The aim is to help you understand both how your pool plant operates and why the processes matter.

What will the learning be like?

Expect an interactive online course with practical examples, discussion and activities that help the science make sense.

We’ll help you untangle acids and alkalis without taking you to breakpoint—although we’ll explain what that means too!

And will there be games to help you learn? Absolutely. We take the quality of your learning seriously, and we believe there is plenty of room for fun along the way.

Across the three days, you will have opportunities to ask questions, explore examples and relate your learning to the responsibilities of a pool plant operator.

Support from start to finish

Your tutor, Lynn Goring-Crook, will guide you through the course with clear explanations, encouragement and constructive feedback.

At The Skills Surgery and The Swim Surgery, we want you to feel comfortable asking questions and confident putting your learning into practice. Our learner support begins before the course and continues afterwards, so you have someone to turn to as you develop your skills.

Course details

Theory dates: 23rd,24th and 25th November 2026
Theory times: 9am–5pm each day
Venue: The Swim Surgery Online Interactive Classroom, via Zoom
Tutor: Lynn Goring-Crook

Please attend all three days in full to meet the course attendance requirements.

Your online theory exam

Exam date: 26th November

Your multiple-choice theory exam will be available through Cirrus from 7.30am until midnight. You will have 90 minutes to complete it, so choose a start time that allows you to finish before the exam closes.

There will be revision to do this day which will need to be marked before you take the exam. Your tutor will guide you through this.

You can take the exam from home using a computer or laptop with Google Chrome. It cannot be completed on a phone or tablet.

If the date is inconvenient, or you cannot access Cirrus, please contact us before booking to discuss the options. A paper exam may be possible by arrangement.

Your practical assessment

Submission deadline: 26th November 2026

You will need to submit:

• A video of yourself carrying out a series of pool water tests using the techniques taught during the course.

• A completed pool water testing record showing the results from your video.

You must have access to a swimming pool, suitable testing equipment and a device to record your practical assessment. Please check the equipment requirements below before booking.

How will you be assessed?

To complete the qualification, you will need to:

• Attend all required teaching sessions.

• Complete the multiple-choice theory exam.

• Submit your practical pool water testing video.

• Complete the accompanying pool water testing record.

Entry requirements

You must be at least 16 years old.

What you will need?

For your online learning

• A computer, laptop, tablet or suitable phone with a working microphone and camera to join Zoom.

• Internet access to use your e-manual, Nearpod and our interactive learning activities.

• A Gmail account and a suitable device to access Google Classroom, where we share pre-course paperwork and communications.

• The ability to view and complete course documents, including Word documents and PDFs.

• A pen and paper or another way to make notes.

For your theory exam

• A computer or laptop with Google Chrome to access Cirrus. Phones and tablets cannot be used for the exam.

For your practical assessment

• Access to a swimming pool and pool water.

• A suitable basic pool water testing kit, including DPD 1, DPD 3 and phenol red tablets.

• A phone or another device capable of recording your assessment video.

Access and reasonable adjustments

If you would like to discuss access to learning, equipment requirements or reasonable adjustments, please contact lynn@theswimsurgery.co.uk before booking.

We are here to support you before, during and after your course.

Payment plans

We want to make it easier for you to take your next step, so payment plans are available for this course.

There is no application process. Simply email jeremy@theswimsurgery.co.uk to discuss a payment schedule that suits your circumstances. Jeremy will explain the payment amounts and deadlines so everything is clear from the start.

We don’t want the upfront cost to stand in the way of your learning—please get in touch for a friendly conversation about your options.

For course questions or help with booking, contact our Course Administration Manager, Helen, at helen@theswimsurgery.co.uk.