Aquatics Guide - 2019 - 6

The Importance of
AFO Certification
" With a universal standard
set by the AFO program,
our customers can feel
confident knowing our
facilities are operating at
the highest standards and
safety practices. "
- Jende SmithSmith, AFO, AFOI

wimming pool equipment is
becoming more complex, and
with different states reviewing
their swimming pool regulations,
the importance of having an AFO
on staff has never been greater.
When you become sick or injured,
are you comfortable seeking medical attention to get well? We seek
medical advice because physicians
spend years studying and practicing
their profession. They also need to
continue to study to stay up to date
on the different illnesses and treatments. We put our confidence in
them to be able to troubleshoot our
illness or injury and to prescribe a
treatment to make us better.
AFOs are like the physicians of
their aquatic facility. They troubleshoot problems that arise with the
swimming pool and also implement
a preventive maintenance plan to
ensure that guests can enjoy a safe,
friendly environment. And, like
physicians, AFOs need to continue
to study to stay up to date on the
ever-changing complex swimming
pool systems and aquatic industry.

Parks & Recreation

Armando Esparaza, AFO, AFOI,
with Aquatics by Armando in
North Highlands, California, says
that one of the most important aspects of the training is that it stresses the need to maintain a safe environment for the users. He shares the
following list of other important aspects of the training:
* Helps an operator understand
how an ideal chlorine level keeps
swimming pool water free of disease
* Shows how an ideal pH helps
chlorine sanitize water properly
and all the concepts associated
with the mechanical systems
* Explains how different types of
swimming pools are designed
* Outlines how to put together a
preventative maintenance program for all of the equipment associated with an aquatic facility
Having an AFO on staff " provides an aquatic facility with the
knowledge and resources required
to maintain a safe, healthy, efficient
and fun environment, " says Guy
Mayo, AFO, AFOI, with Sunbelt
Pools, Inc., in Dallas, Texas. " This
certification and knowledge, " he
adds, " is gained by a first-class learning environment during an AFO
class specializing in a systems-wide
approach, which allows the AFO to
be the most effective manager in the
aquatics industry. "
Bob Bradley, AFO, AFOI, who
has 40 years of experience in
the industry, gives back by being
an AFO instructor. " Teaching

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Aquatics Guide - 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aquatics Guide - 2019