Wake County Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Practice Test

The minimum chlorine level required for a public pool is 1.0 ppm (parts per million). This level is critical for ensuring safe water quality for swimmers. Chlorine acts as a disinfectant, helping to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can pose health risks in recreational water settings.

Maintaining a chlorine level at or above 1.0 ppm is essential for effective sanitation, as it provides enough residual chlorine in the water to help protect users and reduce the likelihood of waterborne illnesses. Levels below this minimum may not provide adequate disinfection, which can lead to unsafe swimming conditions and greater risk of contamination.

For comparison, lower levels like 0.5 ppm may fail to meet safety standards, and higher levels such as 3.0 ppm or 5.0 ppm may cause skin and eye irritation or unpleasant odors, making swimming uncomfortable. Therefore, the standard of 1.0 ppm strikes a balance between safety and swimmer comfort.