Brown earns certification as pool specialist
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After intensive study on water chemistry, environmental impact upon water quality and about 30 hours of classes, McMinnville Parks and Recreation Director Carlene Brown can determine the answer to that question with precision.
After taking an exam in mid-November along with about 50 other recreation personnel from across the state, Brown earned aquatic facility operator certification through the National Recreation and Parks Association via the local chapter of the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association.
Health department requirements, pool operations and knowing how to maintain safe water were critical components of the course along with intensive studies on issues like circulation, filtration, chemicals, chlorination, water balance, stabilization and testing.
Brown said she learned about treating water specific to what activity is taking place on any given day, including impacts the sun may have, the number of swimmers, evaporation, water agitation and other water loss.
The knowledge improves upon how the old pool was treated in that officials would often make an educated guess to how to treat that pool’s 300,000 gallons of water based on the gallons alone and treat all of it the same. Brown said most aquatic facilities are run this way.
The new pool’s volume is 780,000 gallons and has a “zero depth” or beach-style entry. Brown said water may be treated specific to the number of people there or the depth of the pool and will also be treated differently than the old pool because of the number of water features the new pool has, which can also impact water quality.
Brown said knowledge of chemical and environmental interactions helps to ensure safe water, protection of the new equipment and efficiency issues, although the course was not mandated.
The certification course, estimated at more than $500, was paid for through “credits” McMinnville received from the recreation association when residents purchased tickets for places like Dollywood and Nashville Shores.