Archives

How to Become a Certified Pool-Spa Operator (CPO)

Hungry and Fit are HUGE supporters of education and continuing education. It is obvious by our occupations that we love teaching people how to do certain things properly in order to be healthier and happier. We also feel that everyone should be able to be educated so one of our goals is to spread that education throughout the world. We feel that the best way to do that right now is to prepare ourselves to be the best teachers we can be through our own education. Just last week, Hungry added another expertise by going through a course to become a certified pool and spa operator.

The course run by the NSPF (National Swimming Pool Foundation) is an in-depth look at many different aspects related to operating a pool. It is a reasonably-priced and length course but you should definitely be passionate about aquatics or water safety in order to take it. The information can be quite dry if you aren’t interested and there is a lot of math involved. The certification lasts for five years before it needs to be renewed. There is no practical exam, rather there is a written exam that consists of 60 questions. It is an open book test and is rather easy, in my opinion.

images

Since I am around pools for over 50 hours a week, it is a useful piece of education for me to have. It helps me run the two pools that I work at and understand the multiple pools that I swim in. It also teaches you a lot about hot tubs as well. I have to say that you should use discretion when using hot tubs in commercial locations. A single person can lose a quart of body oils in a hot tub by sitting in it for merely 15 minutes. If those places don’t cycle their water properly or drain the pool enough you are bathing in other people’s filth. I am not trying to gross anyone out but I want you to think about the facility you are using. Most major pools are forced to abide by regulations because they are inspected but many hotels and apartment complexes get away with not treating their pool properly so please be aware.

Fit and her Dad in a hot tub in New Zealand

Fit and her Dad in a hot tub in New Zealand

I am a huge supporter of water safety and making sure that no one ever drowns if it can be helped. My lifetime goal is to make sure everyone in this world knows how to protect themselves from aquatic environments so that they can survive dangerous encounters with water. This CPO course has helped expand my knowledge and if you are looking for a course I would recommend going to NSPF’s website and looking up the class closest to you.

If you have any questions related to pools, hot tubs, spas, aquatics or water safety please leave them in the comment section below! We may not be waterproof but being safe and knowledgeable around water is a part of being hungry and fit! Stay educated and keep educating others!

You may also like…

BONUS KITTY PIC

Nymeria sitting on Sajah

Nymeria sitting on Sajah

spacer

Health and Fitness Reviews: King Spa (Fort Lee, NJ)

While I was in Korea, I spent a lot of time in a place known as a jjimjilbang. It’s essentially a spa, translates into heated bath room, but it’s unlike those I’ve found in the United States (Not that I go to many spas). Although King Spa is not as extravagant, in terms of activities to do, it is an excellent destination. Essentially I want to discuss these places so that you can look for one near you and experience something amazing.

It’s a treat for the body and mind. The ones in the United States, including King Spa, are ridiculously more expensive than those in all parts of Korea. I’ve stayed in ones in Seoul, Boryeong, Jukjeon, and Donghae. Maybe some others but I can’t really remember. I spent the most time in Jukjeon because it was so close to the school I attended so I frequented those jjimjilbang and they were obviously my favorite. But moving on to why they are so amazing.

King Spa

King Spa

At King Spa, you can park your car and enter the spa for a full day and night of peace and relaxation… and delicious food! Obviously the choice of food and television is Korean and there are mostly Korean Americans at King Spa, but you get other individuals that have discovered the magic within as well. They have lots of showers and different temperature baths. There is a nice warm one, a burning hot one, and a freezing cold one.

There are also equivalents for steam rooms. These are painfully hot. In my opinion, the main attractions are these dome like rooms that are typically made of mud that contain special scents and materials that help heal the body. These domes are also temperature controlled and they range from hundreds of degrees to freezing. Some rooms require wearing burlap sacks and some have snowmen in them. There are chairs for watching television and relaxing and rooms dedicated to complete sleep and relaxation. There are tons of delicious food to snack on and if you want to find out more about the food there… then make sure to read our review on Korea House in Boulder. Alana also gave her go at Korean food too.

I don’t want to go into too much depth because King Spa doesn’t have as much to offer as places in South Korea, but it is your responsibility to treat your body right. Find a spa like one of these and treat yourself to some rest, relaxation and recovery. It will make you healthier and stronger and such a happier person. Find a jjimjilbang if you want to stay hungry and fit!

Us at King Spa

This picture was AFTER all-you-can-eat sushi at around 11pm after no sleep from flying to NJ. But still happy

spacer