Symposium FAQ’s

How do I register for the upcoming Symposium?

Head over to our event page by clicking here.  As soon as registration opens, the events page will have all the information you’ll need.

How do I become an AALSO member?

Become a member by clicking here.

How do I sign up for an exam? Is there an additional cost to take the Life Support Operator or Water Quality certifications?

You will have the option to sign up for the life support operator level 1, 2, 3, or the water quality level 1, 2, or 3 exam when you register for the symposium. There is no additional cost to take any of the life support or water quality exams. More information about the certification program can be found in the certification Exam Handbook. There is an additional $140 fee for the CPO (Certified Pool Operator) course.

How do I sign up for the CPO class?

Email treasurer@aalso.org. The cost for the course is $140. Register early to reserve a spot and receive the course material ahead of time.

How do I register for workshops?

After you are registered for the symposium, you will receive an email when workshop registration opens.

Do you have study material available for the life support and water quality exams?

Practice tests are available in the Exam Handbook.

Can I cancel my symposium registration?

Operator Attendee Cancellation Policy:
Operator Attendees can cancel with a full refund up to seven (7) days before the start of the Symposium. Substitutions from the same facility can be arranged without penalty. Please send an email to treasurer@aalso.org to initiate a cancellation or substitution.
Non-exhibiting Vendor Cancellation Policy:
Non-exhibiting vendors can cancel with a full refund up to seven (7) days before the start of the Symposium. Substitutions from the same company can be arranged without penalty. Please send an email to treasurer@aalso.org to initiate a cancellation or substitution.
Exhibiting Vendor Cancellation Policy:
Exhibiting vendors can cancel with a full refund up to forty-five (45) days before the start of the Symposium. Within forty-five days of the start of the Symposium, registration fees are non-refundable. Please send an email treasurer@aalso.org to initiate a cancellation.

What is the BAWL?

The Big Automated Water Loop (BAWL) is a 5000 gallon aquatic system that is built inside the vendor hall. Many of the workshops are taught using equipment operating on the BAWL. You will have the opportunity to rebuild pumps, size chillers, calibrate sensors, fuse pipe and operate ozone systems on this fully functional aquarium system.

Why do I have to become an AALSO member to register for the conference?

As a legal functioning body, AALSO must provide insurance to cover the conference activities of a formal membership body. The nominal $20 AALSO membership fee provides you AALSO membership for one year. You MUST be a member of AALSO before you can finalize your registration. If you are not already an AALSO member, you’ll be prompted to join prior to your online symposium registration.

Will there be a registration cap this year? How about presentations?

There will be no registration cap for the 2022 conference. We expect at least 600 attendees and potentially
many, many more. There will, as always, be limited space in the program for formal presentations and a call for
abstracts is now live.

BAWL piping at the 2016 symposium in Denver.
A heat exchanger workshop on the BAWL at the 2017 symposium in St. Louis.
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