Pools
License application
You need a license to operate a public pool in Minneapolis.
Download the Swimming Pool license application. .
How to submit application
Submit your application to Business Licenses & Consumer Services:
- By email
- By U.S. mail
- In person
Before you begin
Before you begin, look at our instructions about how to apply for a business license.
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.
Contact Steve Klemm at 651-201-4503 with questions or to schedule an inspection.
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
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:
- The daily operation of the pool
- Ensuring required testing is completed
- Maintaining testing records
- Responding to an emergency
- Responding to unsafe and unsanitary conditions at any time the pool is open
- Assure other people who assist with chemical monitoring and pool equipment operation are trained for those functions
The certified pool operator must pass a recertification course every five years.
Find pool operator training information from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Resources
Download resources for operating and maintaining your pool.
Pool Operations Manual - Required information about equipment and procedures. Your manual must be kept on site.
Pool chemistry requirements - Lists 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.
Pool checklist - recommended to review daily
Fecal Incident Response Recommendations - guidelines for responding to a fecal incident in your pool from the Centers for Disease Control
Report a complaint
Conditions of a public pool which may be a hazard to public health can be reported to the Minneapolis Health Department. Hazards include unsanitary appearance or other conditions.
Report complaints to Minneapolis 311.
Request accessible format
If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.
Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Contact us
Health Department
Environmental Health
Phone
Address
Public Service Center505 Fourth Ave S, Room 520
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Business Licenses & Consumer Services
Community Planning & Economic Development
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415