How to become a Swimming Pool and Spa Technician
Swimming pool and spa technicians chemically treat pools and spas. They may also install, maintain and service pumps, filters, heaters and other related equipment.
Personal requirements for a Swimming Pool and Spa Technician
- Enjoy practical and outdoor work
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Able to work independently or as part of a team
- Strong customer service skills
- Able to follow precise directions
Education & Training for a Swimming Pool and Spa Technician
To become a swimming pool and spa technician, you usually have to complete a VET qualification. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to these courses usually requires Year 10. You may be able to study through distance education.
Additional information
A drivers licence may be required.To perform electrical work you will need to apply for a restricted electrical workers licence from Energy Safe Victoria (www.esv.vic.gov.au).
Duties & Tasks of a Swimming Pool and Spa Technician
Swimming pool and spa technicians:
- Use chemicals in the treatment of water and the restoration of correct water balance for pools and spas
- Maintain and repair all forms of swimming pool and spa equipment (such as pumps, filters, chlorinators, heaters and lights)
- Provide customers with advice about solving problems with their equipment, water treatment or pool and spa maintenance
- Work independently to maintain and service swimming pools and spas
- Maintain inventory of stock in vans and ensure tools such as saws, pool cleaning equipment and measuring equipment is kept in good order
- Communicate with customers to organise appointments, quotes and invoicing.
Tasks
- Spreading and levelling soil, gravel and sand on roads and driveways, trench bottoms and similar locations
- Cleaning and carrying out minor repairs on stormwater drains and canals, and checking for cracks and leaks in sewerage systems
- Digging holes and shovelling excavated material onto conveyors, wheelbarrows and trucks for removal
- Assisting with assembling and installing piping, valves and fittings
- Mixing, pouring and spreading materials such as concrete, plaster and mortar
- Erecting and dismantling temporary structures such as barricades and scaffolding
- Loading and unloading building and construction materials, tools and equipment and transporting them around building sites
- Assisting with installing fixtures such as toilets, wash basins and sprinkler systems
Working conditions for a Swimming Pool and Spa Technician
Much of the work is done outdoors and involves driving to job locations. In some cases, swimming pool and spa technicians may also be involved in the installation of pools and spas. See the separate entry for Swimming Pool and Spa Builder for more information.
Employment Opportunities for a Swimming Pool and Spa Technician
Swimming pool and spa technicians work in retail shops and as mobile service people. They are required to drive to households, unit or townhouse complexes, council pools, hospitals, schools, hotels or motels to service swimming pools or spas. With experience or further training, swimming pool and spa technicians may take on management responsibilities.
Specializations
Swimming Pool and Spa Inspector
A swimming pool and spa inspector carries out site inspections of swimming pools and spas to implement and enforce legislation and regulations.
Swimming Pool and Spa Inspector
A swimming pool and spa inspector carries out site inspections of swimming pools and spas to implement and enforce legislation and regulations.
Swimming Pool and Spa Technician
Swimming pool and spa technicians chemically treat pools and spas. They may also install, maintain and service pumps, filters, heaters and other related equipment.
Average age
34 years
Future Growth
Strong
Gender Share
3% female
Average full-time
45 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,458
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Higher Unemployment
Full-Time Share
76% Full-Time
Employment Size
65,600 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.5%
NSW: 35.2%
NT: 1.3%
QLD: 21.6%
SA: 6.0%
TAS: 1.8%
VIC: 23.2%
WA: 9.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 7.1%
20-24: 15.9%
25-34: 27.6%
35-44: 19.6%
45-54: 17.9%
55-59: 6.5%
60-64: 3.7%
65 and Over: 1.7%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 4.3%
Bachelor degree: 4.3%
Below Year 10: 9.2%
Certificate III/IV: 30.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.7%
Year 10 and below: 26.7%
Year 11: 8.3%
Year 12: 24.9%
Years 11 & 10: 23.6%
