Calmer Waters
The 2022 Aquatic Trends Report
By Emily Tipping
The tools most commonly used at aquatic facilities to conserve chemicals, energy and water include LED lighting (used by 48.1% of all respondents, up from 46.1% in 2019); high-efficiency heaters (27.9%, down from 29% in 2020); and variable frequency drives, or VFDs (23.3%, up from 21.8% in 2020). (See Figure 16.)
Continuing Aquatic Education
Strategies, technologies and tools for managing aquatic facilities are continually changing and improving, which makes ongoing education in the industry essential to pool and spa professionals. Certifications like the Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) require continuing education, ensuring aquatic professionals are well-versed in the latest best practices in aquatic operations.
In 2021, slightly fewer respondents indicated that they or someone at their facility holds an aquatic management or pool operations certification like the CPO. A majority (86.8%) of respondents said they or someone at their facilities are certified, down from 90.8% in 2020. Only respondents from rec centers reported an increase in certification. With 95.5% indicating they or someone at their facilities were certified (up from 94.9% in 2020), rec center respondents were the most likely to be certified in pool management and operations. They were followed by Ys (91.9%) and parks (90.9%). (See Figure 17.)