COVID-19 and pools Public swimming pools, spas and water features Public swimming pools, spas and water features are allowed to open at 50% capacity up to a total bather load of 250, with 6 feet of physical distancing and additional requirements which can be found in MDH’s reopening fact sheet linked below. Minnesota Department of Health’s Reopening of Public Swimming Pool and Aquatic Facilities fact sheet - updated July 30, 2020 (PDF) Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan COVID-19 sports guidance for youth and adults from Minnesota Department of Health – updated July 22, 2020 (PDF) Frequently asked questions: updated COVID-19 guidance for youth and adults sports from Minnesota Department of Health – updated July 22, 2020 (PDF) Indoor pools and outdoor spas normally open year-round Your pools must remain closed until the executive orders are lifted To prepare for your pool reopening use the indoor pool reopening checklist (PDF) Once the executive orders are lifted, you do not need to contact us before you reopen Outdoor pool openings We’re scheduling and conducting pre-opening inspections of outdoor pools to prepare for the executive orders being lifted Once you pass this inspection, your pool must remain closed until the executive orders are lifted To prepare your pool for that inspection use the outdoor pool checklist (PDF) To schedule the pre-opening inspection call 612-543-5200 Pool operators and lifeguards Renewal timelines for trained pool operators and lifeguards have been modified. More information about these can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website: Pool Operator Training (CPO, AFO, and lifeguards) 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 establishments 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. To prepare for and schedule an inspection: Pay your license fee. With your fee submit the completed licensing paperwork and copy of your certified pool operator (CPO) certificate. Review and complete the items on the outdoor pool checklist. Outdoor pool checklist (PDF) To schedule an inspection call 612-543-5200.
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.