COVID-19 and pools Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 recommendations for business and industry (PDF) COVID-19 information for businesses and employees COVID-19 organized sports recommendations (PDF) Indoor pools and spas If your indoor pool or spa has been closed, use the indoor pool reopening checklist (PDF). You do not need to contact us before you reopen your indoor pool or spa. Pool operators and lifeguards Modification is ending for trained pool operator and lifeguard certification. More information about these changes can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website on the Pool Operator Training (CPO, AFO, and lifeguards) webpage. Legionella concerns Food, pools and lodging establishments may be closed or have low occupancy due to COVID-19. Stagnant or standing water in plumbing systems can cause conditions that increase the risk of water-borne diseases such as Legionnaires' disease. It is important to ensure water systems are safe to use and minimize the transmission of Legionella and other bacteria. Information for owners and operators of pools, spas, and other water features Extended hot tub/spa closures – CDC Maintaining public aquatic facilities – PHTA (PDF) The health and safety benefits of properly maintaining your pool and hot tub – PHTA (PDF) If pools and hot tubs aren't essential – PHTA (PDF) Legionellosis (Legionella) information for hot tub owners and operators – MDH Operating public hot tubs/spas – CDC Disinfection of hot tubs that contain Legionella – CDC (PDF)
Cities with their own licensing program For public pools in these cities contact the city instead of the county. Bloomington 952-563-8934 Brooklyn Park 763-493-8070 Edina 952-826-0377 Minneapolis 612-673-3000 Minnetonka 952-939-8200 Richfield 612-861-9870 Wayzata 952-404-5300 Map of city vs. county pool licensing Jurisdiction map (PDF)
Annual outdoor pool openings Required yearly inspection before opening All public swimming pools must pass an inspection before opening for the season. Outdoor opening inspections will begin on a limited basis starting April 1, 2021. To prepare for and schedule an inspection: Pay your license fee. With your fee, submit the completed licensing paperwork and copy of your pool operator certificate (i.e., CPO, AFO, etc.) Review and complete the items on the outdoor pool checklist. Outdoor pool checklist (PDF) To schedule an inspection call 612-543-5200 – outdoor opening inspections will begin on a limited basis starting April 1, 2021.
Pool operator forms and resources Forms Outdoor pool checklist (PDF) Pool log (PDF) Pool sign requirements (PDF) Swimming pool injury report form (PDF) Turnover calculations (PDF) When to close a pool (PDF) When to call the health department (PDF) Pool management change form (PDF) Pool chemistry requirements – cheat sheet (DOCX) Training Certified pool operator training (State of Minnesota) Resources Minnesota pool code (PDF) Public swimming pool resources (State of Minnesota)
Building or renovating public pools To build or renovate a public pool you must have the plan reviewed. Most renovations fall under the review of Hennepin County. Complete the pool plan review application (PDF) New construction and extensive renovations fall under the review of the State of Minnesota. Contact the Minnesota Department of Health public swimming pool division.
Drain cover recall Drain cover recall The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of product Pool and spa drain covers Units About 1 million Manufacturers A&A Manufacturing, of Phoenix, AZ AquaStar Pool Products Inc., of San Diego, CA Color Match Pool Fittings, of Surprise, AZ Custom Molded Products, of Tyrone, GA Hayward Pool Products, of Elizabeth, NJ Pentair Water Pool and Spa, of Sanford, NC Rising Dragon USA, of E. Sweetwater, TN Waterway Plastics, of Oxnard, CA Hazard The recalled drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, which could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers. Call the drain cover recall hotline, toll-free, at 866-478-3521, or visit the Drain Cover Recall website.