C53 – Swimming Pool Contractor

A swimming pool contractor constructs swimming pools, spas or hot tubs, including installation of solar heating equipment using those trades or skills necessary for such construction.

The Swimming Pool (C-53) Examination is divided into six major sections. These sections are:

1. Site Conditions (14%)

• Surface and subsurface conditions
• Swimming pool and spa location

2. Design (27%)

• Plans and specifications
• Electrical and plumbing requirements
• Selection of finishes
• Soil and terrain evaluation
• Selection of decorative features and pool accessories

3. Cost Estimation (11%)

• Material, labor, and equipment costs
• Permit costs

4. Swimming Pool/Spa Installation (38%)

• Excavation
• Installation and placement of steel and concrete
• Electrical and plumbing installation
• Installation of finishes
• Installation of decorative features and pool accessories
• Remodel

5. Maintenance (6%)

• Troubleshooting and repair
• Water balance
• Customer education

6. Job Site Safety (4%)

• Personal safety
• Traffic control
• Shoring and cribbing

*Percentages are approximate*

The following questions are typical of the types of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.

1. On suction side plumbing, what is the maximum flow rate for commercial pools?

a.       6 feet/sec.

b.      8 feet/sec.

c.       10 feet/sec.

d.       12 feet/sec.

2. Which of the following admixtures should be added to accelerate concrete setting?

a.       Sodium chloride

b.       Sodium carbonate

c.       Potassium chloride

d.      Calcium chloride

3. The customer wants to change the coping stone to brick on a 98' perimeter pool. The brick is 3-1/2" wide with a 1/2" grouting joint. Factoring 10% waste, how many bricks will be needed?

a.       288 bricks

b.      323 bricks

c.       357 bricks

d.       432 bricks

*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*

California Building Code.

International Conference of Building Officials,
5360 Workman Mill Road,
Whittier, CA 90601-2298.
(800) 284-4406. FAX: (888) 329-4226.
INTERNET: www.icbo.org

National Electrical Code.

(Section 680) National Fire Protection Association,
11 Tracy Drive,
Avon, MA 02322.
(800) 344-3555. FAX: (800) 593-6372.
INTERNET: www.nfpa.org

Uniform Plumbing Code.

(Section 308) International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
20001 Walnut Drive,
South Walnut, CA 91789.
(800) 854-2766. FAX: (909) 598-4720.
INTERNET: www.iapmo.org/iapmo

Residential Pool & Spa Builders Reference Manual Package.

(particularly Builders Manual Residential Inground Swimming Pools and Permanently Installed Residential Spas).
National Spa & Pool Institute.
2111 Eisenhower Ave.
Alexandria, VA, 22314.
(703) 838-0083 x301. FAX: (703) 549-0493.
INTERNET: www.nspi.org/catalog.html

Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code.

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
20001 Walnut Drive,
Walnut, CA 91789-2825.
(800) 854-2766. FAX: (909) 598-4720.
INTERNET: www.iapmo.org/iapmo

Shotcrete for the Craftsman.

American Concrete Institute.
P.O. Box 9094,
Farmington Hills, MI 48333-9094.
(248) 848-3700. FAX: (248) 848-3801.
INTERNET: www.concrete.org

Cal/ OSHA State of California Construction Safety Orders.

California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Industrial Relations, Chapter 4, Subchapter 4,
Barclays Law Publishers,
P.O. Box 95767, Chicago, IL 60694.
(800) 888-3600. FAX: (415) 732-8875.
OR Building News, Inc.
1612 S. Clementine Street, Anaheim, CA 92802.
(888) 264-2665.
INTERNET: ccr.oal.ca.gov/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll or www.bni-books.com