TURNERS FALLS — Two people with Jarvis Pools & Spas have obtained Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) certificates from the National Swimming Pool Foundation.
Corinna “Corey” Fitzpatrick, vice president of the company, and her son Walter Fitzpatrick, who does pool service and installations, have each completed the training course and passed the exams for the national certification.
“We are now licensed to take care of all pools — municipal, public, commercial and private,” Corey Fitzpatrick said. “Pools that are used by the public have to be tested and inspected regularly. We are now certified to offer that service.”
A CPO helps the pool owner identify risks in and around the water to prevent drowning or injury; maintain disinfection and water balance; perform troubleshooting, chemical testing and record keeping; and address regulatory guidelines.
Since 1999, all public and semi-public pools in Massachusetts are required to have a CPO, according to the state Department of Public Health. Fitzpatrick said getting these certifications helps set her company apart.
Jarvis Pools & Spas has been selling and maintaining inground and above-ground pools and spas since 1963. Raymond Jarvis, Corey Fitzpatrick’s father, founded the company in Turners Falls and invented the Apollo inground pool there. Corey Fitzpatrick and her sons, Walter and Alexander, who is the store manager and tech support, are the second and third generations of the Jarvis family to work for the company.
Jarvis Pools & Spas is located at 72 Unity St. The telephone number is 413-863-9541.