Space Coast Pool School is proud to announce its 2025 Strategic Educational Partners, a coalition of leading pool and spa industry companies collaborating to strengthen education, networking and professional development opportunities nationwide.
This initiative underscores the school’s dedication to connecting professionals with top resources, certifications and expert-led training. In partnership with these respected brands, Space Coast Pool School is not only expanding its educational offerings but also fostering an industry network built on trust and collaboration.
This collaboration reflects a shared vision among Sector leaders — unifying efforts to combine high-quality instruction with broader industry visibility. Through this partnership, Space Coast Pool School offers industry professionals not just certification, but a connection to a wider network of support.
2025 Strategic Educational Partners
- Pool Brain
- VacBagz
- RevdUp Apparel
- Primate Pool Tools
- Eeziblue
- AquaStar
- Basecrete
- PoolWash
- Raypak
- Pool Rouse Sales USA
- ITS
“These partnerships represent a shared mission: raising the bar for pool and spa education while supporting the professionals who keep facilities safe and well-maintained,” says Lauren Broom, owner and lead instructor. “Together, we’re building a community where knowledge and connection drive industry growth.”
A Team of Instructors With Over 100 Years of Experience
Space Coast Pool School’s success is rooted in its exceptional Certified Pool Operator (CPO) instructor team. With more than a century of combined experience, the team delivers comprehensive, real-world instruction for students across the U.S.
Meet The Instructors
Lauren Broom – Owner & Lead Instructor
- PHTA-certified instructor with 13 years leading Space Coast Pool School and 20 years in the pool industry.
- Former commercial pool inspector for Florida DOH; expert in waterborne disease investigations.
- Adjunct instructor for Valencia College, instructor for California’s Pool & Spa.
- Apprenticeship, contributing to Gold Coast School’s review course.
- Awarded 2024 Pool Nation Trainer of the Year.
- OSHA-authorized trainer, columnist, and advocate for safety and professionalism.
August Ursin – Regulatory & CPO Instructor Expert
- Founder & CEO of Ursin Aquatic Solutions, providing public-pool consulting and education
- Former Florida DOH inspector elevated to statewide program manager — two decades of regulatory experience.
- Focuses on building strong connections between pool professionals and regulators
Dan Waxman – Aquatics Professional & Educator
- CPO, CPO Instructor, and Certified Maintenance Specialist with hands-on experience as lifeguard, pool manager, and Aquatics Director.
- Holds a BA in Environmental Studies (UNC-Chapel Hill) and an MPA (George Mason University).
- Brings diverse knowledge from science, fitness, facilities management, and community teaching.
Connie Jannarone – Aquatics Operations Specialist
- Lifelong aquatics professional from a family-run swim club and commercial pool company.
- Managed up to 200 aquatic facilities annually, teaching CPO since 2012. Also trained in Red Cross lifeguard and WSI courses.
- Holds a BS in Environmental Science and an MBA in Professional Accounting. Recently joined Space Coast Pool School after relocating to Florida.
Clemente Rivera – Aquatic Systems & Consulting Authority
- Career spans lifeguard, swim instructor, aquatics management, consulting, and water treatment leadership in both Caribbean and U.S. markets.
- Roles include facilities management, advanced filtration and automation systems (e.g., Neptune Benson/Evoqua), and waterpark maintenance in the tri-state area.
- Deep expertise in HVAC, water quality, regulations (OSHA, VGBA, ADA), and aquatic facility design.
Stephen Ely – Maintenance Training Veteran
- Began in pool tech roles in 1996; certified as CPOI Instructor in 2018.
- Authorized OSHA 10 & 30 trainer, HVAC-certified, EPA-certified.
- Over 25 years of teaching experience in repair, maintenance, and pool safety.
Bill Hamilton – Waterpark & Quality Expert
- Over 46 years in the pool and spa industry, including 42 years in waterparks and 36 years as Water Quality Manager at Wet ‘n Wild Orlando.
- Supervised water quality at Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, with extensive speaking engagements and a WWA Hall of Fame inductee.
- Lives in Titusville, FL — avid diver and fisherman.
Chris Lightenberg – Aquatics Educator & Sales Leader
- More than 45 years in pool/spa teaching and service, including competitive swimming/diving, coaching, lifeguarding, service, and manufacturing sales.
- Holds certifications: PHTA Instructor, CBP, CSP, CPO. Leading innovation in precast concrete plunge pools (Cocktail Pools).
- Expert in training development, technical installation, and field-tested servicing.
David Rockwell – Luxury Pool & Chemistry Specialist
- Began in 1988, founded Liquid Paradise Pools, serving high-end commercial and residential clients.
- Specialized in pool chemistry, hydraulics, filtration, automation, and supplemental sanitizers.
- Focuses on preparing students to meet serious responsibilities—emphasizing health, safety, and financial importance of pool operations.
Anthony Stanback – Residential & Commercial Service Professional
- Owner of HydroChemistry Pools & Spas with over 14 years in pool service.
- Holds a BBA in Business Management, began career at a major retail pool store. Became a Certified CPO Instructor in 2022.
- Passionate about customer satisfaction and promoting pool safety and education across residential and commercial services.
Why This Matters
- Enhanced Learning Resources: Strategic Educational Partners help expand the reach of CPO training and pool education initiatives.
- Real-World Experience: Instructors bring decades of hands-on expertise, regulatory knowledge, and a passion for safety.
- Industry-Wide Collaboration: By connecting manufacturers, service pros, and educators, Space Coast Pool School creates a network of trusted professionals.
How to Get Certified with Space Coast Pool School
Getting your Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification with Space Coast Pool School is simple, flexible, and designed for busy pool professionals. Here’s how:
- Visit cpocertified.com
Head over to www.cpocertified.com to see upcoming training dates and options. - Choose Your Course Format
Space Coast Pool School offers multiple ways to earn your certification:
- Virtual Fusion/Hybrid CPO Course – Complete a self-paced online portion followed by a live Zoom session with your instructor.
- Fully In-Person Course – Join a traditional two-day class at a convenient Florida location.
- Private or Onsite Training – Schedule custom training for your company or team.
A Message from the Owner, Lauren Broom
"By welcoming these industry partners, we're reinforcing our dedication not only to excellent education but also to creating a tightly knit network of professionals eager to learn and grow," says Broom.
Call to Action
Whether you're a pool professional seeking certification, or an organization interested in partnering, reach out to discover how you can collaborate with Space Coast Pool School for industry-wide educational advancement.
