About the AFO Certification
The National Recreation and Park Association’s Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification is a premier training program for swimming pool operations. The AFO course provides comprehensive, up‑to‑date training on water chemistry, disinfection, mechanical systems, operations, healthy pools, and safety.
Who Should Attend
- Aquatics Directors
- Pool Operators
- Recreation Directors
- Waterpark Directors
- Pool Managers
- Aquatic Supervisors
- Resort, hotel, and HOA staff
- Pool service industry professionals
- Anyone responsible for operations
- Professional development seekers
InstructorÂ
Instructor: Juliene Hefter
Executive Director/CEO for Association of Aquatic Professionals.
Owner, Safety First Aquatics, LLC
What You Receive
- AFO Manual
- Calcium Saturation Index slide ruler
- Course handouts
- Practice quiz (received at the end of the first day)
- Access to AFO course resources
2026 Date Options:Â
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September 22
December 10
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AFO Blended On-Line Course Fee:
Course fee: $400
Includes the online portion - approximately 7 hours completed on demand within about 2 weeks prior to the Zoom portion and exam, the AFO Manual, CSI slide, the "class" portion led by an instructor via Zoom, and the open-book exam. The portion led by the instructor and the open-book exam take place on the date listed for the course.
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You’ll also receive PoolTool, a downloadable quick-reference guide with conversion and calculation essentials, water management essentials, and a chemical dosing chart.
Course Syllabus – Modules
Module 1 – Introduction to Swimming Pool Operations
Module 4 – Water Disinfection: Sanitization and Oxidation
Module 7 – Safety and Risk Management
Aqua Tech Course
Module 2 – Mechanical Systems for Circulation and Filtration
Module 5 – Balancing Water and Dosing Chemicals
Module 8 – Operations and Maintenance
Module 3 – Automation and Water Testing
Module 6 – Recreational Water Illness (RWI) and Pathogen Exposure & Prevention
Module 9 – Safe Operation of Spas and Warm Water Pools
Why Choose Aqua Tech & AFO?
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Master pool mechanical systems and water circulation
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Implement advanced water chemistry management
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Prevent recreational water illnesses (RWI)
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Ensure facility safety and compliance
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Optimize daily operations and maintenance
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Adapt protocols for specialty pools and spas