Making Every Splash Count!
SERVICES
_edited.png){kind=logo}
PHTA Certified Pool Operator Classes
Did you know the state of Oregon requires a Certified Pool Operator "in control" of every commercial use pool in the state? Does your pool have at least one? This in-depth 1 (plus online fusion) or 2 day course is a PHTA guided offering in which students dive deep into all aspects of safely operating a pool and or hot tub. The instruction is followed by an open book test and 5 year certification. This course is offered on a recurring basis. Next Date:
- Spring 2026
Please note - the online fusion part of the course needs to be completed prior to the in-person class. Email us for more info!
OR
Contact us to schedule on-site certification/recertification for you and your staff! **Best value - we put the course material in action at your facility!**
Leak Detection Services
Year-round, accurate leak detection service. Yes, that's correct - year-round. Unable to heat the pool due to leaks? We'll get you the answers you need. We'll fix what we can and provide referrals for anything we can't!
What sets us apart?
We are swimming pool professionals first. This means we have in-depth knowledge of swimming pools and spas which leads to accurate leak detection fast. We take care of most repairs in-house. We utilize the latest technological advancements to make sure we find all leaks (yes, there are frequently multiple!). If we repair a leak, we can conclusively show you using the latest in water loss tracking technology that the leaking has stopped.
Pool and Spa Inspections
Thinking about buying a house with a pool? Already in the inspection window? Inspector already told you – “I don’t know pools”? Regardless of the reason, an in-ground pool/spa inspection can give you peace of mind OR highlight any of the most common costs that come up during pool ownership. “Knowledge is power!” This is true for swimming pools. Some pools and spas are in great shape with equipment and finish that has years of expected life ahead of it. Other pools have finishes that are overdue for replacement and equipment running on borrowed time (or not working at all) and safety issues that desperately need addressed. Most in-ground pools and spas are somewhere in between. Get a report detailing the good, the ok, and bad so you can go into your potential purchase with as much information as possible.
**If you don't see a requested time available, please call. Our schedule changes daily!**
2 hr
From 495 US dollars
Loading days...
495 US dollars
2 hr
From 600 US dollars
Small Running Title
Leak Detection FAQ
•How much will a leak detection cost? oSee the pricing on our website! If you find yourself outside of the listed service area, we are still happy to help. Simply send us an email or give us a call and we can provide pricing based on your location and situation! •How long will it take? oThe majority of leak detection is completed in 2 hours or less! Occasionally, the process can go beyond that. Did you know over 90% of leaks are within 3ft of the pool or spa? This means we can detect and confirm most leaks quickly using the latest technology! •What is your process for finding leaks? oWe use a combination of the latest technologies to complete the most thorough leak detection available. First, we use a leak analysis device that measures changes down to 1/10,000” of an inch to verify leaks vs estimated evaporation. Next, leak detection itself is a combination of cutting-edge microphone technology, video scoping, dye testing, and pressure/vacuum testing when necessary. If we’re able to complete the repair or isolate the leak, we run the leak analysis again to verify the leak is fixed or that the leak we found is the only leak present. •Will you fix the leak once you find it? oWe do our best to provide repairs to get your pool/spa back up and running. If a repair entails work outside of our area of expertise, we’ll provide referrals and make sure you have all the information you need to get the repair performed correctly. •Does the pool/spa need to be a specific temperature for the work to be performed? oWe prefer 70 degrees or warmer (for the times we’re required to swim) which is why we offer a discounted rate for leak detection on heated bodies of water. That said, cold pools are fine too (in fact, at the time of writing we’re the only company offering year-round leak-detection!). •Can you fix a leak without draining the pool? oThis depends completely on the leak. If the leak it at the equipment pad, absolutely! If the leak is on the main drain fixture, it may require draining (but not always). We try to keep things as simple as possible! •What are the top things Sapphire Pools Oregon wishes customers knew about the leak detection process? oWe need the pool to be full, clean, and the water chemistry balanced! We want to keep customers happy so we hate to tell them “we’ll have to come back” if the water is low, or we can’t see the hardware on the drain assembly.
Inspection FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
•How are you different then an inspection offered by my home inspector or other pool contractors? oShort answer is our expertise and detail. We are the only inspectors in Oregon to offer leak analysis at the time of inspection as well as bond system testing (bonding is another layer of electrical protection that pools and spas have in addition to grounding, but it’s not always complete). Although we can’t guarantee no leaks due to a variety of factors, we can tell you if the pool/spa was leaking at the time of inspection and can verify if the bond system (important to your safety) is intact between the equipment and the pool railing. •How much should pool inspection cost? oSee the pricing on our website! If you find yourself outside of the listed service area, we are still happy to help. Simply send us an email or give us a call and we can provide pricing based on your location and situation! Someone else cheaper? Cheaper inspections may seem enticing, but check how many points are inspected and know that no one else offers leak analysis or bond testing like we do! When it comes to safety, we don’t cut corners. Our customers depend on it. •What is the scope of a pool inspection? oOur inspection can cover over 270 points! We look at the pool/spa, surrounding deck, enclosure, electrical system, and equipment to name a few things. The total scope depends on what your pool/spa has. For example, the detailed inspection points pertaining to an autocover are irrelevant if you don’t have an autocover! We also critically TEST EQUIPMENT functionality (over half of pool/spa inspectors don’t!) •Are home inspectors qualified to inspect pools? oSome home inspectors have standards by which they can give a topical overview of a pool or spa. Our goal is to complete a much deeper, specialized pool inspection or spa inspection with as many as 270 inspection points! Do you need as much information as possible on a pool or spa including a real time test for leaks (accurate down to 1/10,000”), equipment testing, bond continuity testing? If so, a specialized pool or spa inspection based on over 20 years in the pool industry is what you need. •Does the inspection include estimates for repairs/ upgrades? oYes. Part of the advantage of coming from the pool/spa industry is being able to give you an estimated repair price for many of the items we inspect. Concrete, structural, or electrical issues are referred to the appropriate trade. •Who might need a pool inspection? oA number of people may need an inspection for their pool and/or spa. Home owners trying to assess their investment, home sellers getting ready to put their property on the market hoping to avoid surprises, home buyers with or without pool/spa ownership experience trying to gather as much information as possible, realtors trying to get ahead of future problems for their clients, commercial pool operators, and even insurance adjusters. •What is your service area of inspections? oIn 2025, our service area is the state of Oregon. We complete most of our work in the greater Portland area which is why we offer online scheduling options for inspections “in our backyard.” If you’re outside of the greater Portland area, give us a call to discuss your needs and we will work with you to set up your inspection!
Certified Pool Operator FAQ
•Why take the CPO course? oShort answer is that it’s likely required by your state and local Department of Health. The Certified Pool & Spa Operator certification program is the world’s leading education and certification program for keeping pools safer and keeping them open. Over 700,000 students have been trained since 1973. CPO certification provides individuals with the knowledge, techniques, and skills required for proper pool operations. Maintenance staff, managers, property managers, engineers, owners, and board members can all benefit from understanding how to safely operate a pool. •Why take the CPO course with Sapphire Pools Oregon? oShort answer: expertise on local rules/regulations. Unlike the 100% national online courses, Sapphire Pools Oregon has a focus on Oregon-specific rules and regulations. This includes Oregon’s adoption of the Model Aquatic Health Code in 2025. Are you ready for the big changes? •What does the course entail? oThe course is a 2 day deep dive into operating a pool or spa. It combines presentations, lecture, video, and has some time spent on the critical calculations you’ll need to keep your pool or spa safe. The goal of this course is to teach students how to use their primary resource (the provided handbook) to operate their facility to the highest industry standard. You can take the class as a 2-day in person, or a 1 day online/1 day in-person fusion class. •How much does the course cost? oCourse costs are typically $495. However, we do offer discounts for multiple students under 1 bill. Additionally, we offer CPO certification on-site at your place of business. Property management companies love that this feature allows their operators to be trained on their specific body of water. Call us for pricing! •Can I recertify with Sapphire Pools Oregon? oYes! Contact us to get signed up. You’ll be eligible for the in-person group classes, but the sign up process is a little different. •What is the exam like? oThe exam is 40 questions multiple choice. You are allowed to use your course book on the exam but not outside resources. •What course materials will I receive? oYou will receive the latest PHTA Pool and Spa Operator Handbook. For those enrolling in a fusion course, the first part of the course is 100% online and access is provided upon receipt of payment. •How long is the certification valid? oThe certification is valid for 5 years. •What if I fail the test? oWe offer retesting for a fee. Test submittals (pass or fail) have a cost. We try to offer both an economical and urgent opportunity for retest depending on your needs.
General FAQ
•Do you offer service/repairs or recurring cleaning? oOver 2 decades of experience means we certainly have the ability and do so on a limited basis. That being said, we have a vast network of exceptional vendors to refer you to. Important note: we do not solicit repairs or cleaning from other vendors’ clients. •Are you available for other services? oGive us a call to discuss! Drain Cover replacements / Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) are another service we complete as we’re equipped to dive pools (and teach the course on VGBA compliance). We also network with a lot of pool industry professionals and would be happy to point you towards another vendor if needed. •Are you available for service after hours? oIf we’re available we’re happy to help. If contacting after hours, be sure to leave a voicemail or a text!
ABOUT
ABOUT
With over 20 years of experience in the pool industry (service, leak detection, inspections, and management), Sapphire Pools President Kevin Marasch brings his passion for everything aquatic with him to the Portland pool industry. Kevin was a competitive swimmer as a child and branched out to surfing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling and other related activities while growing up. With an early introduction to commercial aquatics, he obtained a degree from Hawaii Pacific University. From there, he "dove" into the pool industry in northwest Oregon. Now a proud husband and father, Kevin is using his background and experience to educate and help customers make the most of their residential and commercial pools while making safety top priority.
We deliver the professionalism you deserve: Licensed, Bonded, and Insured:
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for swimming pool tips!
