@ chem geek: I stand corrected, it was at IPSSA that I saw the books. Thank you for the links to your reviews of both Roberts books and the CPO manual, I will read through both topics.

@ PoolDoc: Thank you for the comments on the two books you mention and the general background info on the available material in the industry. It is all very helpful as is everything else I have read on this site. I am currently a pool owner only, but I am considering becoming a service professional since I have found that the general knowledge of many 'professionals' are quite lacking in my area (one of the reasons I took over the care of my pool myself) and I think there is a pretty good business opportunity where I live.