The course provides the theory behind pool plant operations and maintenance, as well as providing learners with information on best practice principles and information on health, safety and legal responsibilities. The course is predominantly classroom based, with some practical pool plant tasks to ensure learners have the skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for the role.

The following units are covered within this qualification:

Principles of Healthy and Hygienic Pool Water

Principles of Disinfection, Pool Chemistry and Dosing in Pool Plant Operations

Principles of Mechanical Pool Plant Operations

Swimming Pool Heating, Ventilation and Energy Efficiency

Management Practices and Health and Safety in Plant Operations

Highest level of training available for those who are responsible for the management and maintenance of swimming pools.

STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations

The units cover the theory and practical skill of water testing, as well as key principles of pool plant operations and maintenance. The course is predominantly classroom based with exception of the practical task of performing a pool water test.

Designed to enable learners to understand the basic principles of the treatment of swimming pool water.

STA Level 2 Award in Pool Water Treatment

The NPLQ covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and CPR. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool. Training and assessment for the NPLQ is in three sections and all must be successfully passed to attain the qualification.

Swimming Pool, Hazards and Control Measures

Rescue of a Casualty with a Suspected Spinal Injury

Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:

Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water

Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits

Successful completion of the pool lifeguard course leads to an accredited national pool lifeguard certificate from the Royal Lifesaving Society which is valid for 2 years. A refresher pool lifeguard course (20 hours) is needed before your certificate goes out of date (Please see our pool lifeguard refresher course.

RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification

Health and Safety

Fire Safety

Upcoming Courses

E - Learning

Swimming Pool

Fitness Courses

First Aid

The Well Being of the First Aid Responder

Successful completion of the first aid response course leads to an accredited certification. Recertification in First Aid Response is required every 2 years which takes 2 days in duration.

Our First Aid Response Recertification course is certified by Qualtec (PHECC recognised institution).

First Aid Response Recertification

The aim of this course is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to be a First Aid Responder.

At the completion of this First Aid Response course learners will be able to:

• deal with life threatening or potentially life threatening conditions in the pre-hospital environment until arrival of emergency medical services.
• provide First Aid Response for conditions not thought to be life-threatening but are necessary to prevent further harm before the emergency medical services arrive.
• provide pre-hospital First Aid Response in a wide range of environments including home and recreational settings.
• display the requisite personal skills including composure, competence and self-confidence while understanding their limitations.
• recognise and be able to cope with the additional challenges provided by “Special Circumstances” for which additional training must be completed
• deal with life threatening or potentially life threatening conditions in the pre-hospital environment until arrival of emergency medical services.
• provide First Aid Response for conditions not thought to be life-threatening but are necessary to prevent further harm before the emergency medical services arrive.
• provide pre-hospital First Aid Response in a wide range of environments including home and recreational settings.
• display the requisite personal skills including composure, competence and self-confidence while understanding their limitations.
• recognise and be able to cope with the additional challenges provided by “Special Circumstances” for which additional training must be completed.

To ensure the greatest opportunity for successful participation in our programmes, learners are required to have a good command of English in terms of reading, writing and speaking.

This standard of proficiency is indicated by achieving or exceeding the standard of CEFR B2+ Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Learners who have achieved a passing grade in English at Junior Certificate level will be deemed to meet this criterion. However, learners for whom English is not their first language, are required to advise Qualtec, and may be required to provide evidence of proficiency. This could include completing a standardised CEFR test or equivalent.

Training, Administrative, Technical Support and Reasonable Accommodation:

Qualtec will endeavour to provide any reasonable support to ensure that students complete this course successfully. Reasonable Accommodation can be requested in advance of the course by sending an email to info@qualtec.ie. This is detailed in full in the 

. The instructor will be available to discuss any needs or issues on breaks on a one to one basis or collectively. Administrative or Technical support is available via phone, Zoom or email from 9 am to 5 pm. This can be requested by sending an email to info@qualtec.ie or ringing 01 6289374. Full details are available in our 

Qualtec may offer Recognition of Prior Learning towards this certification. To apply for this please complete the 

 and return it be email to info@qualtec.ie. Click here for full details on our Recognition Policy and Procedure in our 

You will be required to complete a 20 questions MCQ on the final Day. Allow 4 hours for the revision of your notes in preparation for this.

Preparation for FAR Skill (s) assessment. Your FAR and CFR skills will be assessed on the final day of the course. You will need to revise your FAR and CFR skills in advance of being assessed. Allow 2 hours for this preparation.

On completion of this course, learners can progress onto thePHECC CFR Instructor Course or the PHECC FAR Instructor Course.

Our First Aid Response course is certified by Qualtec (PHECC recognised institution).

First Aid Response

Must have a RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Award still in date by the      end of the course. 

 of full RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Course to revalidate certificate.

Successful completion of the pool lifeguard course leads to an accredited national pool lifeguard certificate from the Royal Lifesaving Society which is valid for 2 years. A refresher pool lifeguard course (20 hours) is needed before your certificate goes out of date.

NPLQ Pool Lifeguard Revalidation Course RLSS.

STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations

useful links

course categories

follow us