CSLB C-53 Swimming Pool (Trade Exam) — All Questions

Along the perimeter of a public pool, depth markers must not be spaced farther apart than what?

• a.50 feet
• b.100 feet
• c.25 feet✓
• d.5 feet

Perimeter markers are placed at distances not to exceed 25 feet. Five feet is closer than required, and 50 and 100 feet are wider than allowed.2025 CBC §3110B.4.1

What minimum numeral height do depth markers have?

• a.1/2 inch
• b.12 inches
• c.36 inches
• d.4 inches✓

Numerals are at least 4 inches high in a contrasting color. The smaller figure is too small, and the larger ones exceed the minimum.2025 CBC §3110B.4.4

A depth marker on the coping is set 5 feet from the pool water. How is it judged?

• a.Too near, since 8 feet is required
• b.Acceptable, since 12 feet is the limit
• c.Acceptable, since 10 feet is the limit
• d.Too far, since 3 feet is the limit✓

Markers on the coping or deck are as close as possible and no more than 3 feet from the water, so 5 feet is too far. The 10- and 12-foot limits and an 8-foot requirement are not in the code.2025 CBC §3110B.4.2

What overhang is allowed for a bull-nosed coping or cantilevered deck acting as a handhold?

• a.Not over 12 inches nor under 6 inches
• b.Not over 6 inches nor under 3 inches
• c.Not over 2 inches nor under 1 inch✓
• d.Not over 1 inch nor under 0 inches

The overhang shall not exceed 2 inches or be less than 1 inch, and the coping thickness shall not exceed 2-1/2 inches. The ranges 6 to 12 inches and 3 to 6 inches are far larger, and 0 to 1 inch is smaller than the minimum overhang.2025 CBC §3112B.3

A pool's handhold sits 14 inches above the waterline. How does the code treat it?

• a.It is too low, since 6 inches is required
• b.It exceeds the 9-inch maximum✓
• c.It meets the code, which allows 24 inches
• d.It meets the code, which allows 18 inches

Handholds are installed not greater than 9 inches above the waterline, so 14 inches is too high. The stated allowances of 24 and 18 inches are not in the code, and no 6-inch minimum exists.2025 CBC §3112B.1

For which pool depths is a no-diving marker required on the deck next to the depth markers?

• a.Pools with a slide
• b.Water depths of 6 feet or less✓
• c.Pools of every depth
• d.Water depths of 12 feet or more

For depths of 6 feet or less, a no-diving symbol is placed next to the depth markers. A slide is not the trigger, the symbol is not required at every depth, and 12 feet or more is the opposite end of the range.2025 CBC §3110B.5

A hotel pool has 3,600 square feet of water surface. How many pool users does the code assume for sizing sanitary facilities?

• a.180 users
• b.240 users✓
• c.120 users
• d.360 users

The code counts one user per 15 square feet, so 3,600 ÷ 15 = 240. The 180 figure uses 20 square feet, 360 uses 10, and 120 uses 30.2025 CBC §3116B.2

What does the capacity sign state for a public pool of 2,000 square feet that is not a spa?

• a.100 users✓
• b.50 users
• c.133 users
• d.200 users

Capacity is one user per 20 square feet for pools other than spas, so 2,000 ÷ 20 = 100. The 133 figure uses 15, 200 uses 10, and 50 uses 40.2025 CBC §3120B.2

What does the capacity sign state for a 150-square-foot public spa pool?

• a.10 users
• b.15 users✓
• c.7 users
• d.30 users

A spa's capacity is one user per 10 square feet, so 150 ÷ 10 = 15. The 7 figure uses 20, 10 uses 15, and 30 uses 5.2025 CBC §3120B.2.1

A public pool must be reached by what kind of gates and doors under the enclosure rules?

• a.Manually closed by staff and opening in
• b.Self-closing, self-latching, outward✓
• c.Spring-loaded and opening either way
• d.Self-latching and opening inward

Gates and doors have self-closing, self-latching devices and open outwardly away from the pool. Inward-opening, either-way and manually closed gates fail.2025 CBC §3119B.2

What height range may the hand-activated hardware on a public pool gate occupy?

• a.24 to 30 inches above the deck
• b.42 to 44 inches above the deck✓
• c.12 to 18 inches above the deck
• d.60 to 72 inches above the deck

Hardware is no lower than 42 inches and no higher than 44 inches above the deck or walkway. The ranges 24 to 30 and 12 to 18 inches are too low, and 60 to 72 inches is too high.2025 CBC §3119B.2

Which of these is required where gas chlorine is used?

• a.A 0.5 ppm chlorine alarm✓
• b.A decorative fountain in the room
• c.A lifeguard chair beside the door
• d.A ceiling fan on a manual switch

The alarm system is audible and visible, with the sensor within 6 inches of the floor, and activates when concentration exceeds 0.5 ppm. A fountain, a lifeguard chair and a manually switched fan do not detect chlorine.2025 CBC §3135B.4

How many accessible means of entry does a 600-linear-foot public swimming pool require?

• a.Three of some kind of entry
• b.One, and it is a pool stair
• c.Two, one a lift or sloped entry✓
• d.One, and it is a transfer wall

Pools with 300 or more linear feet of wall need at least two means, one of them a lift or sloped entry. A stair or transfer wall alone does not meet it.2025 CBC §11B-242.2

What accessible means of entry does a wading pool require?

• a.A pool lift
• b.At least one sloped entry✓
• c.Waived, if the pool is shallow
• d.A transfer wall

Wading pools need at least one accessible means of entry that is a sloped entry. A lift or transfer wall is not what the section lists, and shallow depth does not exempt.2025 CBC §11B-242.3

A cluster of 40 spas needs how many to comply with the accessible entry rule?

• a.2✓
• b.40
• c.8
• d.1

Not more than 5 percent but not fewer than one per cluster, so 5 percent of 40 is 2. The figure 1 is less than 5 percent here, 8 is 20 percent, and 40 is every spa.2025 CBC §11B-242.4

A pool has 200 linear feet of pool wall. What accessible entry provision applies?

• a.Two transfer walls are required
• b.One may do if lift or sloped entry✓
• c.An accessible entry is waived
• d.Three accessible entries are required

Pools with less than 300 linear feet need no more than one accessible means of entry, provided it is a lift or sloped entry. More entries, none and two transfer walls are not what the exception says.2025 CBC §11B-242.2

What are the wave action pool and sand-bottom pool allowances?

• a.An accessible entry is waived entirely
• b.Pool stairs are the access permitted
• c.One may do if lift, slope or transfer✓
• d.Three accessible entries are required

Wave action pools, leisure rivers, sand-bottom pools and similar pools where access is limited to one area need only one accessible means of entry of the stated types, so one lift, slope or transfer arrangement may do. The entry is not waived, stairs are not an accessible means, and three entries are more than the rule asks.2025 CBC §11B-242.2

What is the maximum release height of the latch operable part on an accessible pool barrier gate that is self-latching but not key-locked?

• a.24 inches
• b.12 inches
• c.54 inches✓
• d.80 inches

Access gates in pool barriers may have the release of latch at 54 inches maximum above the ground if the self-latching devices are not also self-locking by key, electronic opener or integral combination lock. The figures 24 and 12 inches are lower than the limit, and 80 inches is far higher.2025 CBC §11B-309

At what water depth must a pool lift be located?

• a.Between 60 and 72 inches
• b.Between 36 and 48 inches✓
• c.Between 100 and 120 inches
• d.Between 12 and 24 inches

Pool lifts are located where the water level is 36 to 48 inches. The range 12 to 24 inches is too shallow, and 60 to 72 and 100 to 120 inches are too deep.2025 CBC §11B-1009.2.1

A single-person pool lift is rated for 250 pounds. How is it judged?

• a.Over the 100-pound maximum capacity
• b.Within the code, which sets 150 pounds
• c.Within the code, which sets 200 pounds
• d.Under the 300-pound minimum capacity✓

A single-person lift has a capacity of at least 300 pounds, so a 250-pound rating falls short. The 200- and 150-pound figures are not the code, and no 100-pound maximum exists.2025 CBC §11B-1009.2.9

A pool lift's seat reaches only 10 inches below the stationary water level. What is wrong?

• a.It must submerge at least 6 inches
• b.It must submerge at least 18 inches✓
• c.It must submerge at least 48 inches
• d.It must submerge at least 36 inches

The seat submerges to a depth of at least 18 inches, so 10 inches is too shallow. The 36- and 48-inch figures exceed the requirement, and 6 inches is below it.2025 CBC §11B-1009.2.8

A sloped pool entry must extend to what depth below the stationary water level?

• a.6 to 12 inches
• b.48 to 60 inches
• c.24 to 30 inches✓
• d.72 inches

Sloped entries extend to a depth of 24 inches minimum and 30 inches maximum, and a landing is placed within that range. Depths of 6 to 12 inches are too shallow, and 48 to 60 inches and 72 inches are too deep.2025 CBC §11B-1009.3.2

What is the maximum running slope of an accessible ramp run?

• a.1:2
• b.1:8
• c.1:12✓
• d.1:20

Ramp runs have a running slope not steeper than 1:12. A 1:8 or 1:2 slope is steeper, and 1:20 is gentler than the maximum rather than the limit.2025 CBC §11B-405.2

A designer draws a transfer wall 22 inches above the deck. How does Chapter 11B treat that height?

• a.Too high, since 16 to 19 inches is the range✓
• b.Too low, since 30 inches is the minimum
• c.Within range, since the height is unspecified
• d.Within range, since 20 to 24 inches is the range

The transfer wall height is 16 to 19 inches from the deck, so 22 inches is too high. The 20-to-24-inch range, the 30-inch minimum and an unspecified height are not what the section says.2025 CBC §11B-1009.4.2

A pool drops 1-1/2 inches per day. A bucket on a step drops 1 inch in the same time. What is the likely conclusion?

• a.A sound pool, since both levels dropped
• b.A chemistry problem in the water
• c.A leak of about 1/2 inch a day✓
• d.A large leak of 2-1/2 inches per day

The excess drop beyond evaporation is 1.5 − 1.0 = 0.5 inch per day, so a small leak is likely. Both dropping does not mean no leak, 2.5 inches adds the numbers, and level loss does not diagnose chemistry.CSLB C-53 outline (Water loss and discoloration)

A 20 by 30 foot pool loses 1/2 inch more than the bucket per day. At 7.5 gallons per cubic foot, how many gallons are lost to the leak per day?

• a.About 25 gallons
• b.About 1,500 gallons
• c.About 188 gallons✓
• d.About 4,500 gallons

Volume is 600 square feet × (0.5 ÷ 12) = 25 cubic feet, and × 7.5 = 187.5 gallons. The 25 figure is cubic feet, 1,500 treats the drop as 4 inches, and 4,500 is the surface area times 7.5.CSLB C-53 study guide 13E-53 (computation questions)

What does automatic makeup water do to a leak's visibility?

• a.It stops the leak as the level rises
• b.It makes the leak larger over time
• c.It can hide a leak by refilling✓
• d.It changes the pH of the water

Automatic makeup water keeps the level up, so the leak shows up as higher water usage. It does not enlarge or stop the leak or change chemistry.2025 CBC §3127B.3

Brown water appears after the fill source is switched to a well. What comes first?

• a.Test the water for metals and balance✓
• b.Drain the pool to refill with city water
• c.Add heavy chlorine to clear it up
• d.Replace the sand in the filter

Brown discoloration often indicates dissolved iron or other metals, which a test confirms before any treatment. Draining without checking groundwater, heavy chlorine and new sand do not address the source.CSLB C-53 outline (Water loss and discoloration)

Why check groundwater before draining a pool?

• a.The tile will change color in the sun
• b.The plaster finish will melt on drying
• c.The pump will run dry and burn up
• d.An empty shell can lift✓

A high water table can push on an empty shell, and public pools in such areas require a hydrostatic relief device. Sun does not change tile color this way, plaster does not melt on drying, and draining the pool does not make the pump burn up.2025 CBC §3137B.1

What crack width does the shotcrete association's statement describe as reasonable for watertightness in water-retaining structures?

• a.Up to about 0.004 inch✓
• b.Up to about 1 inch
• c.Up to about 1/2 inch
• d.Up to about 0.5 inch

The position statement says crack widths of up to 0.004 inch are reasonable for watertightness. Half an inch and an inch are far wider.American Shotcrete Association Position Statement #8

Which condition increases shrinkage cracking in a new shell?

• a.Seven days of continuous wet curing
• b.Cleaning the joints before the next lift
• c.Skipped curing in hot, dry or windy weather✓
• d.Placing at the right slump for the job

The FAQ says lack of curing and exposure to windy, hot or dry conditions increase shrinkage and cracking. Seven days of wet curing, cleaning joints before the next lift and placing at the right slump are all good practice.American Shotcrete Association Pool FAQ

A permit is issued to remodel an existing private-home pool. What must it require about the safety features?

• a.A single listed safety feature
• b.The seven listed safety features
• c.Waived features, since the pool already exists
• d.At least two of the seven safety features✓

The Act applies when a permit is issued for remodeling an existing pool or spa at a private single-family home, requiring at least two of seven. A single feature falls short, all seven is more than the Act requires, and the features are not waived for an existing pool.Health and Safety Code §115922

What must a permit for remodeling an existing pool require for its suction outlets?

• a.Upgrade to entrapment grates✓
• b.Capping of the existing outlets
• c.Painting of the existing outlets
• d.Removal of the existing outlets

The permit requires existing suction outlets to be upgraded to anti-entrapment grates meeting the ANSI/APSP-16 standard or successor. Capping, painting or removing the outlets does not provide the required grate.Health and Safety Code §115928.5

What surface preparation does the association recommend for new shotcrete on old concrete?

• a.A smooth dry surface with bonding agent
• b.A painted surface left to dry first
• c.A polished wet surface under standing water
• d.A rough SSD surface, no bonding agent✓

The FAQ recommends roughening about 1/16 inch, cleaning, SSD and no bonding agent. A smooth dry surface with a bonding agent, a painted surface and a polished surface under standing water all interfere with bond.American Shotcrete Association Pool FAQ

A homeowner wants to thicken a 3-inch wall by 6 inches. What should the contractor do?

• a.Use a bonding agent in place of steel
• b.Skip the curing to save time
• c.Pour without changing the steel
• d.Have the designer check the steel✓

Added thickness would require more reinforcing steel, so the designer verifies. Pouring without steel changes or skipping curing is unsafe, and a bonding agent is not a substitute.American Shotcrete Association Pool FAQ

What triggers a public wading pool alteration under the code?

• a.Replacing a burned-out light bulb
• b.Repairs costing $50 or more✓
• c.Cleaning the filter cartridges
• d.Painting the deck around the pool

Alteration includes changing the structure, enlarging, moving, installing a new circulation system, and making repairs costing $50 or more to the circulation system. Painting, cleaning and a bulb are not alterations.2025 CBC §3161B

Who must get a plan approved before renovating a public pool?

• a.Plans go to the equipment supplier
• b.Plans go to the neighbors for a vote
• c.Enforcing agent approval first✓
• d.Plans go to the tile contractor

The code requires plans for construction, renovation or alteration of a public pool to be approved in writing by the enforcing agent before work begins. The equipment supplier, the neighbors and the tile contractor have no approval authority.2025 CBC §3103B.1

Which new metal item in the bonding zone must be bonded after a remodel?

• a.A plastic skimmer lid in the deck
• b.A wooden bench free of fittings
• c.A rubber mat beside the steps
• d.A metal ladder or handrail nearby✓

Metal items and fittings for handrails, ladders, drains and diving boards within the zone are bonded. Plastic, wood and rubber are nonconductive.City bonding handout (Menifee), 2022 CEC §680.26

Which statement describes the sequence for removing a pool?

• a.Bury the shell without notice given
• b.Fill the pool with water and leave it
• c.Permit, disconnect, drain, fill, inspect✓
• d.Cover the pool with a tarp and wait

Removal needs a permit, utility disconnection, controlled drainage, shell treatment, engineered fill and inspection. Filling with water, tarping and burying skip the required steps.CSLB C-53 outline (Pool/Spa Repair, Renovation, Removal, and Maintenance)

What must be done before servicing a pump?

• a.Lock out, tag out and relieve pressure✓
• b.Spray the pump with water to cool it
• c.Remove the GFCI to stop nuisance trips
• d.Open the lid while the pump runs

Control of hazardous energy requires locking out, tagging out, verifying and relieving stored energy. Spraying water, removing the GFCI and opening the lid while the pump runs each create a hazard.Title 8 §3314

A replacement gas pool heater must have which features?

• a.A pilot light without an on-off switch
• b.A thermostat dial in place of a switch
• c.A standing pilot for easier starts
• d.A switch and no standing pilot✓

Heaters require an externally mounted, readily accessible switch and gas heaters may not have a continuously burning pilot. A pilot without a switch, a thermostat dial in place of a switch and a standing pilot each violate one or both rules.2025 Energy Code §110.4(a), §110.5

What must replacement pump circuits have?

• a.An unbonded casing and a plain breaker
• b.A standing pilot light on the motor
• c.Skipped grounding on the pump
• d.GFCI and a bonded motor casing✓

Pool pump motor circuits need GFCI protection, and motor casings are bonded. An unbonded casing, a pilot light on a motor and skipped grounding are unsafe or unrelated.City electrical and bonding handouts (Menifee)

A public rapid sand filter must contain what depth of media?

• a.Not less than 20 inches✓
• b.Not less than 10 feet
• c.A depth that fits the tank
• d.Not less than 2 inches

The filter contains not less than 20 inches of media and not less than 10 inches of gravel above the underdrain. A depth of 2 inches is too shallow, 10 feet is far too deep, and a depth that fits the tank is no stated minimum.2025 CBC §3129B.2

A public cartridge filter vessel must be capable of what?

• a.Draining through an indirect drain✓
• b.Being buried below the equipment pad
• c.Being painted to match the equipment
• d.Being left dry between cleanings

The filter vessel must be capable of being drained and equipped with an indirect drain. Burying the vessel, painting it and leaving it dry between cleanings have nothing to do with draining.2025 CBC §3132B.2

A replaced suction outlet cover must meet which condition?

• a.It is optional on small pumps
• b.Needs tools to remove✓
• c.It has wide slots for easy flow
• d.It snaps off by hand for cleaning

Anti-entrapment grates cannot be removed except with tools and have openings shaped to prevent entrapment. A cover that is optional, has wide slots or snaps off by hand creates an entrapment or removal hazard.Health and Safety Code §115928

What does the pump pressure gauge reading above clean baseline with low flow indicate?

• a.An empty basket in the strainer
• b.A low water level in the pool
• c.A dirty filter or clogged return✓
• d.A closed skimmer line to the pump

High pressure with low flow means resistance after the pump, such as a dirty filter. A low level, empty basket or closed skimmer would raise vacuum or starve the pump.CSLB C-53 outline (Equipment and systems)

A permit is issued for a new pool at a private single-family home. Which statement about the drowning-prevention features is correct?

• a.An enclosure, with alternatives barred
• b.One feature, chosen by the owner
• c.At least two of seven listed features✓
• d.The seven features, installed together

The Act requires at least two of the seven listed features. One feature is too few, all seven is more than required, and an enclosure is only one of the options.Health and Safety Code §115922

Which is one of the seven drowning-prevention features?

• a.A lifeguard chair mounted on the pool deck
• b.A decorative fountain placed near the shallow end
• c.A swim lane rope stretched across the pool
• d.Removable mesh fencing and a self-latching gate✓

Removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching, key-lockable gate is feature two. The fountain, chair and lane rope are not listed.Health and Safety Code §115922(a)(2)

A 66-inch fence has a 3-inch bottom gap, 3-inch openings and an outward-swinging gate with a latch at 62 inches. What fails the Act?

• a.The 3-inch gap under the fence✓
• b.The outward swing of the gate
• c.The overall height of the fence
• d.The 3-inch openings in the panels

The maximum clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure is 2 inches, so 3 inches fails. A height of 60 inches or more, openings under 4 inches, an outward swing and a latch at 60 inches or higher pass.Health and Safety Code §115923

How high must a residential enclosure gate's self-latching device be placed?

• a.No lower than 48 inches above the ground
• b.No lower than 54 inches above the ground
• c.No lower than 60 inches above the ground✓
• d.No lower than 36 inches above the ground

The self-latching device on enclosure gates is placed no lower than 60 inches. The 54-inch figure is the door device release height, and lower values are within a child's reach.Health and Safety Code §115923(a)