Before you begin

Look at our information about: 

• How to open a new business
• Sewer Availability Charges (SAC)

Requirements

Public pool plan review

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) completes all public pool plan review approvals and construction inspections in the state. 

Construction cannot begin until plans are approved. A final pool construction inspection needs to be scheduled with MDH prior to opening a public pool. 

If you have questions or need to schedule an inspection, contact Erin Tibbetts at Minnesota Department of Health Swimming Pools Program.  

Inspection

Public pools are inspected yearly. 

Read the Minneapolis Pool Code

Rules from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Learn about the Minnesota Department of Health rules for public swimming pools

Pool injury and drowning

You are required to file a report with the Minnesota Department of Health when someone in your public pool: 

• Is seriously injured
• Drowns

Your report must be filed by the end of the next working day.

Download the Pool Injury/Drowning Report form from the Minnesota Department of Health pools forms page

Closure

A public pool must be closed immediately when:

• The lifesaving equipment is not provided
• The water clarity standards are not met (bottom drain must be easily visible from the pool surface)
• The disinfection residuals are not met. 
• The pool has been constructed or physically altered without approval of plans
• There is any condition that endangers the health and safety of the public

Trained operator required

Public pools in Minnesota are required to have a certified pool operator. The operator's certification must be posted.

The trained operator is responsible for:

• Daily pool operation
• Making sure required testing is completed
• Maintaining testing records
• Responding to emergencies
• Responding to unsafe and unsanitary conditions when the pool is open
• Making sure other people are trained if they assist with:
  • Chemical monitoring
  • Pool equipment operation 

The certified pool operator must pass a recertification course every five years.

Find pool operator training information from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Application

You need a license to operate a public pool in Minneapolis.

Download the Swimming Pool Application

Fee

Find your license fee

Submit your application

Submit your application to Business Licenses & Consumer Services

If you have questions, contact:

• 311
• Business Licenses

Resources

Download our resources for operating and maintaining your pool.

Pool Operations Manual  - Required information about equipment and procedures. Your manual must be kept on site. 

Pool checklist - Review the checklist daily

Pool chemistry requirements - A list of required and ideal standards for water chemistry

Water quality log - You are required to log your water quality daily. This is an example of a form you can use. 

Fecal incidents

Fecal Incident Response Recommendations - guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control for responding to a fecal incident in your pool 

More information

Complaints

Report a complaint about an entertainment or recreation business

Disclaimer 

The information on this page should serve as a guideline only.