CAT Aquatic Technicians Skills and Knowledge Areas 5

Question 1

A pool owner reports that the water is cloudy only in the morning but clears up by afternoon. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

pH rising overnight due to CO2 off-gassing, causing calcium to precipitate

Answer

At night, CO2 accumulates in pool water raising pH, which can cause calcium carbonate to precipitate and cloud the water until daytime UV and circulation restore balance.

Question 2

What chemical is used to raise a pool's total alkalinity without significantly affecting pH?

Accepted Answer

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

Answer

Sodium bicarbonate primarily raises total alkalinity with minimal impact on pH, making it the preferred choice for alkalinity adjustment.

Question 3

A technician is calculating pool volume to dose chemicals. The pool is rectangular: 30 ft long, 15 ft wide, and averages 5 ft deep. What is the approximate volume in gallons?

Accepted Answer

16,875 gallons

Answer

Volume = length × width × average depth × 7.5 = 30 × 15 × 5 × 7.5 = 16,875 gallons.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes 'cavitation' in a pool pump?

Accepted Answer

Air bubbles forming and collapsing inside the pump due to insufficient water supply, causing damage

Answer

Cavitation occurs when the pump cannot receive enough water, causing vapor bubbles that violently collapse and erode pump components over time.

Question 5

For a commercial aquatic facility, what is the minimum required turnover rate for a pool according to most state health codes?

Accepted Answer

Once every 6 hours

Answer

Most state health codes require commercial pools to turn over (filter the entire volume) at least once every 6 hours to maintain water quality.

(CAT) Certified Aquatic Technicians Practice Test

(CAT) Certified Aquatic Technicians Practice Test

CAT Aquatic Technicians Skills and Knowledge Areas 5