Mississippi Swimming Pools Contractor Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Mississippi Swimming Pools contractor examination with a complete reference package covering pool and spa design, circulation systems, maintenance, concrete construction, shotcrete, equipment, chemicals, and installation standards. This package brings together the books used to develop the trade examination so candidates can study from an organized set of technical resources.

The Mississippi Swimming Pools Contractor Exam Book Package is designed for contractors and qualifying individuals pursuing the Swimming Pools specialty classification through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. The classification covers pool and spa installation, maintenance, and servicing, excluding solar pool heating.

Swimming pool construction combines several technical disciplines. Candidates may need to understand excavation, structural shells, concrete placement, shotcrete application, filtration, circulation, water treatment, public pool standards, residential pool design, spas, accessories, equipment, and routine operation. The included books address these areas from different technical and operational perspectives.

The package includes references for public swimming pools, residential inground pools, public spas, permanently installed residential spas, shotcrete, quality concrete construction, pool maintenance, operator responsibilities, and equipment and chemical standards. Because the examination covers both construction and ongoing pool operation, candidates should prepare for questions that go beyond the physical installation of a swimming pool.

The included copy of The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual: Spas, Pools, Hot Tubs, Rockscapes and Other Water Features is provided in used condition. A used book may show normal signs of prior handling while remaining suitable for study and reference use.

This listing includes the standard exam book package only. The books are not described as highlighted, tabbed, or rented. Online course access, application service, business formation, and Mississippi business and law preparation are not included unless purchased through a separate product or package.

Exam Details

The Mississippi Swimming Pools contractor examination is administered by PSI after the Mississippi State Board of Contractors establishes the candidate’s eligibility. Applicants must complete the appropriate contractor license application and receive authorization before scheduling the examination.

The Swimming Pools examination contains 60 questions. Candidates receive 2 hours to complete the exam and must earn a minimum score of 70 percent to pass.

The examination content is divided into five primary subject areas:

• Filtration and Circulation Systems: 14 questions involving pumps, filters, piping, circulation, hydraulic performance, equipment selection, flow, and related system components.
• Maintenance and Operation: 12 questions addressing water quality, routine care, sanitation, chemical treatment, equipment operation, inspection, and service practices.
• Accessories and Associated Trades: 8 questions involving pool and spa accessories, supporting systems, installation coordination, equipment, and related construction work.
• Concrete, Shotcrete, and Gunite: 10 questions covering concrete quality, placement, reinforcement concepts, surface preparation, shotcrete application, curing, and structural shell construction.
• Design: 16 questions involving public and residential pool requirements, spa standards, dimensions, circulation design, safety considerations, equipment, and system planning.

Design represents the largest section of the examination, followed by filtration and circulation systems. Candidates should still prepare thoroughly for maintenance, concrete, shotcrete, accessories, and associated trades because every content area contributes to the final score.

The examination may include questions developed from the listed references as well as questions based on practical trade knowledge and general industry practices. Candidates should understand how swimming pool and spa systems work instead of depending entirely on searching the books for every answer.

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors determines all examinations required for each applicant. A separate Mississippi Law and Business Management examination may also apply to the licensing process. The business and law reference is not included in this Swimming Pools trade exam book package.

Open Book Test

The Mississippi Swimming Pools contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates may bring the authorized reference materials into the examination center, subject to PSI’s current reference-book and testing-room rules.

Open-book testing provides access to important standards and technical information, but it does not eliminate the need for preparation. Candidates have two hours to answer 60 questions, leaving an average of approximately two minutes for each item. Searching through nine unfamiliar references for every answer can make it difficult to complete the examination on time.

Candidates should become familiar with the purpose and organization of each book before test day. Questions involving shotcrete may require the American Concrete Institute guide, while concrete workmanship questions may lead to the contractor’s concrete reference. Public pool, residential pool, and spa questions may require different ANSI or NSPI standards.

Maintenance and water-treatment questions may require the pool maintenance manual, operator handbook, or NSF equipment and chemical standard. Learning which reference applies to each subject can reduce unnecessary searching and help candidates use the open-book format more efficiently.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are permitted. Temporary tabs, removable notes, loose papers, and unauthorized attached materials are not allowed. Candidates may not write in the books during the examination.

Use the table of contents, index, section headings, definitions, tables, diagrams, and permanent tabs together when preparing the references. Practice locating information during timed study sessions so the books become familiar working tools rather than unfamiliar materials on exam day.

Licensing Steps

1. Review the Swimming Pools classification. Confirm that the classification matches the pool and spa construction, repair, maintenance, or servicing work the business intends to perform.
2. Choose the correct application. Complete the Mississippi contractor application that applies to the planned business and project scope.
3. Designate the qualifying individual. Identify the person who will complete the examinations required for the contractor applicant.
4. Gather supporting documentation. Prepare the business, ownership, qualifying-party, experience, insurance, and other materials requested by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
5. Submit the application. Send the completed application and required supporting documents to the Board for review.
6. Respond to application requests. Supply any missing documents, corrections, or explanations requested during the review process.
7. Receive examination eligibility. The Board determines which examinations apply and notifies PSI when the candidate is authorized to test.
8. Receive PSI confirmation. Wait for the eligibility notice and scheduling instructions before registering for an examination appointment.
9. Study the approved references. Review the examination content areas and practice using the pool, spa, concrete, shotcrete, maintenance, and equipment standards in this package.
10. Take the assigned examinations. Follow current PSI procedures for scheduling, identification, calculators, approved books, and testing-center conduct.
11. Complete the remaining licensing requirements. Passing the examination is one part of the process. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors must approve the complete application before issuing a license.

State Requirements

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors regulates commercial and residential contractors and specialty classifications throughout the state. Swimming Pools is identified as a tested specialty classification.

The classification covers the construction, repair, and servicing of swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, whether public or private. The scope excludes solar pool heating, which falls outside the Swimming Pools classification.

Work within this classification may include pool shells, structural components, concrete, shotcrete, circulation equipment, filtration systems, piping, water treatment, pool accessories, spa systems, maintenance, and equipment servicing. Contractors must operate within the scope assigned to their license.

Applicants must submit the appropriate license application before testing. The Board reviews the application, evaluates the requested classification, and determines which examinations the qualifying individual must complete. PSI administers the examination after receiving eligibility approval from the Board.

The contractor applicant must designate a qualifying individual. This person completes the examinations on behalf of the company and must maintain the relationship with the licensed business required by the Board.

Applicants must satisfy the applicable business, experience, qualifying-party, insurance, documentation, and examination requirements. Missing or incomplete materials may delay testing eligibility or final licensing review.

Passing the Swimming Pools examination does not automatically issue a contractor license. The complete application remains subject to Board review and approval. Applicants should not represent themselves as licensed until the license has been issued.

After licensing, contractors are responsible for renewing the license as required, maintaining accurate business and qualifying-party information, and performing only work authorized by the classification.

Reference Books

• Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022
  This American Concrete Institute reference addresses materials, equipment, surface preparation, placement, reinforcement, application methods, quality control, curing, inspection, and repair considerations associated with shotcrete construction.
• The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition, 2018
  This guide supports preparation involving concrete materials, planning, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, quality control, weather conditions, workmanship, and common construction practices relevant to pool shells and related structures.
• The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual: Spas, Pools, Hot Tubs, Rockscapes and Other Water Features, 2007 — Used
  This practical maintenance reference covers pool and spa care, water treatment, troubleshooting, circulation, filtration, cleaning, equipment, repairs, and maintenance of recreational water features. The included copy is supplied in used condition.
• ANSI/NSPI-1 Standard for Public Swimming Pools, 2014
  This standard addresses public swimming pool design and construction requirements, including dimensions, circulation, inlets, outlets, decks, equipment, safety features, access, and related installation considerations.
• ANSI/NSPI-5 American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools, 2011
  This standard covers design and construction considerations for residential inground swimming pools. It supports study involving dimensions, structural requirements, circulation, fittings, access, safety, equipment, and residential pool features.
• ANSI/NSPI-2 Standard for Public Spas, 1999
  This reference addresses public spa design, circulation, water treatment, equipment, fittings, access, safety, operation, and construction requirements associated with commercial and public spa installations.
• ANSI/NSPI-3 Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas, 2014
  This standard supports preparation involving permanently installed residential spas, including design, equipment, circulation, dimensions, fittings, access, safety considerations, and installation requirements.
• Pool and Spa Operator Handbook, 2014
  This operator-focused handbook covers circulation, filtration, water chemistry, sanitation, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment operation, safety, and routine management of pools and spas.
• Equipment and Chemicals for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Other Recreational Water Facilities — NSF/ANSI/CAN 50-2023
  This standard addresses equipment and chemical products used in recreational water facilities. It supports review of filtration, circulation, treatment, sanitation, materials, testing, performance, and equipment requirements.

The references work together to cover construction, design, operation, maintenance, concrete, shotcrete, equipment, chemicals, public pools, residential pools, and spas. No single book covers the entire examination scope.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are approved for use during the Mississippi Swimming Pools contractor examination:

• Guide to Shotcrete, 2016 or 2022
• The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition, 2018
• The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual: Spas, Pools, Hot Tubs, Rockscapes and Other Water Features, 2007
• ANSI/NSPI-1 Standard for Public Swimming Pools, 2014
• ANSI/NSPI-5 American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools, 2011
• ANSI/NSPI-2 Standard for Public Spas, 1999
• ANSI/NSPI-3 Standard for Permanently Installed Residential Spas, 2014
• Pool and Spa Operator Handbook, 2014
• Equipment and Chemicals for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Other Recreational Water Facilities — NSF/ANSI/CAN 50-2023

Candidates should use the listed editions when required and compare their books with the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin before test day. Differences between editions may affect wording, page locations, tables, requirements, and technical information.

The books may be inspected before the examination begins. Candidates should remove temporary tabs, loose papers, removable notes, and unauthorized materials before arriving at the testing center.

Test Information and Study Materials

Begin preparation by dividing the exam into its five content areas. Give substantial attention to design and filtration because those sections contain the greatest number of questions, while maintaining dedicated study time for maintenance, concrete, shotcrete, and associated trades.

Use the public pool, residential pool, and spa standards to compare requirements for different types of facilities. Note how design, circulation, access, dimensions, equipment, and safety provisions may differ between public and residential installations.

Use the shotcrete and quality concrete references to review pool-shell construction. Focus on materials, preparation, placement, reinforcement, curing, workmanship, surface conditions, and quality control.

Use the maintenance manual and operator handbook to strengthen understanding of circulation, filtration, sanitation, testing, water balance, cleaning, equipment operation, troubleshooting, and routine care.

Use NSF/ANSI/CAN 50-2023 to review equipment and chemical standards. Connect the technical requirements to pumps, filters, treatment systems, circulation components, and recreational water-facility operation.

Complete practice questions under timed conditions. Before opening a reference, identify whether the question concerns design, filtration, maintenance, concrete, shotcrete, equipment, public pools, residential pools, or spas. Selecting the correct book first can improve speed and reduce unnecessary searching.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Mississippi Swimming Pools contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, and reference-navigation strategies. A complete exam book package provides the technical foundation needed to prepare for the broad range of pool and spa subjects included on the examination.

Organized preparation helps candidates divide the material into manageable categories. Students can study circulation, filtration, maintenance, water treatment, concrete, shotcrete, public pools, residential pools, spas, equipment, and design in focused sections.

Practice-oriented preparation encourages candidates to apply information instead of relying only on passive reading. Working through exam-style questions can reveal weak areas, improve technical interpretation, and strengthen the ability to choose the correct reference quickly.

Reference navigation is especially important during an open-book examination. Candidates should become comfortable using indexes, tables of contents, standards, definitions, diagrams, and technical tables before test day.

No book package can guarantee a passing examination score, testing eligibility, or contractor license. The package provides the approved technical resources needed to build a structured and informed preparation plan.

FAQ Section

What is included in the Mississippi Swimming Pools exam book package?

The package includes nine references covering shotcrete, concrete construction, pool maintenance, public pools, residential inground pools, public spas, residential spas, pool operation, equipment, and chemicals.

How many questions are on the examination?

The Mississippi Swimming Pools examination contains 60 questions. Candidates receive two hours and must earn a minimum score of 70 percent.

Is the Mississippi Swimming Pools exam open book?

Yes. Candidates may bring the approved references into the examination center, subject to PSI’s current rules.

Is The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Manual new?

No. The copy included with this package is provided in used condition.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

No. Highlighting and permanent tabs are not listed as part of this standard exam book package.

Does this package include an online course?

No. This listing includes the Swimming Pools trade examination books only.

Does the package include the Mississippi business and law book?

No. The Mississippi business and law reference is associated with a separate examination and is not included in this package.

What work does the Swimming Pools classification cover?

The classification covers swimming pool, hot tub, and spa construction, repair, maintenance, and servicing, excluding solar pool heating.

Do I need approval before scheduling the exam?

Yes. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors must establish the candidate’s eligibility before PSI permits examination scheduling.

Does purchasing the books guarantee that I will pass?

No. Examination results depend on the candidate’s knowledge, preparation, reference-navigation skills, time management, and performance.