MSA is proud to share that Landscape Architect Dan Schmitt, PLA, CPO, recently earned Certified Pool and Spa Operator credentials as sanctioned by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). This certification expands upon MSA’s park and recreation design experience, and offers clients specialized consulting services pertaining to public and private pool, splash pad and aquatic center facilities.

Earning CPO certification requires completing a specific course of instruction through the PHTA and proving competence by passing a proctored CPO exam. The course covers a variety of pool and aquatic-related topics, including water contamination, disinfection, volume and chemical calculation, circulation, hydraulics and safety. In addition, participants gain insights about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II revisions which set minimum requirements for accessibility. The course also covers the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB) and the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), a guide to the science and best practices for making water-based activities and amenities healthy and safe.

“As MSA continues to expand our water-based design and development services, I feel it is important to continue to engage in industry trends and best practices, particularly as they pertain to our work with community splash pad, pool and aquatic center design — and the advice and guidance we provide to our clients about their use,” commented Dan Schmitt.

Dan is a Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) at MSA and holds PLA licensure in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He is also a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) as accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association. He holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and enjoys designing spaces that enrich outdoor interaction and encourage natural play in children. Schmitt joined MSA in 2017.