Rain Starts the New Year In Anaheim!

Our New Venue in Anaheim

Our first CPO class this year was held January 21-22, 2010 at the beautiful PoolCorp Anaheim operational support facility (previously, the headquarters for Superior Pool Products LLC).

Despite 5 days of rain (3-4 inches) and some area flooding , we still had a great turnout for class and all students arrived safely.

In addition to the local travelers, we had students from San Diego, Santa Barbara, Simi Valley, and even one from Waikoloa, Hawaii! — everyone commented on the nice building and exceptional classroom environment.

Class started out with our customary student introductions, and then we progressed through the curriculum.  When we got to the infamous Chapter 4:  Pool Water Contamination,  we discussed Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) and what causes them.  Students were amazed to learn about all the bacteria, parasites and viruses that can and do get into our swimming pool water!  Ugh!!

Recreational Water Illnesses at a Glance

Being aware of these “bad bugs” and knowing how to prevent RWI is a fundamental skill of the Certified Pool/Spa Operator. Check out this brief outline (right) on what can make you sick in the swimming pool.

Thank you’s go to:  Don White for allowing us to have class in this beautiful facility; to Shelly Miller for being such a gracious host; and to Elizabeth Nappi for seeing us out a little late on Friday afternoon.  You guys are AWESOME!  We are really looking forward to our next class there in March!

Shelly Miller and Steve Donohoe -- It was cold and rainy -- but we did stay dry!

First Class in Canoga Park, October 9-10, 2009

We held our CPO class in Canoga Park for the first time at Pool Corp’s SUPERIOR Pool Supply distribution center this past Friday and Saturday, October 9-10, 2009.

Elise getting everything set up in Canoga Park.

What a GREAT venue!  Canoga Park’s Branch Manager, Dave Huber, and his crew provided us with the entire second floor of their building!…..0pen space, plenty of tables and chairs, and a separate area for our hospitality layout.  Thanks a lot guys.  We hope you will have us back!

Our students were as diverse as ever:  independent pool guys, builders, a pool operator from a nearby major water park, and an aquatics facility manager from the City of Malibu — all participated, gave good feedback and did well.  We had a good time.

A special thanks to Robert Sanders and Operations Manager, Tom Green, for opening up early and staying after closing to accommodate us.

Hey, Tom--Is That You?

After class ended on Saturday,  we had the privilege to spend some time chatting with Tom for a while.  We asked for his picture, but discovered he is extremely camera shy.  We also learned that he is a die-hard Philadelphia Eagle’s fan.  So we did a bit of research — and may have found his picture anyway …….

GO EAGLES !!

Class In Palm Desert, July 10-11

Steve giving the Introduction in Palm Desert

We were in the desert.  It was HOT!  We had our class in the National Pool Tile’s show room.  The red carpet was laid out for us.  You guys are great!  A special thanks to Renee Nelson — and everyone there.  Even though the mercury outside was over 100 — it was sure pleasant inside.  We had seven students, some coming from as far away as Palmdale (again) and Lake Havasu, Navada.  We had pool guys, property managers and one person from a physical therapy facility.  It was satisfying to see to the recognition of the benefits of aquatic therapy — and especially satisfying to see the recognition of the importance of keeping the hot water therapy spas healty and safe.

Elise and I give a huge THANK YOU to the Superior and National Pool Tile management and crew in Palm Desert. We give a special thank you to Dave Barfuss, Manager, Superior- Indio.  Thanks, Dave, for providing conference tables and for taking some of your personal time to lockup the Palm Desert faciility for us on Saturday. — Thanks again everyone.