swimming pool safety regulations

The Minnesota Department of Health administers the Minnesota Pool Code (Minnesota Rules, Parts 4717.0150 to 4717.3975) and conducts plan review and inspection of pool construction or alteration.

"A public swimming pool includes any pool, other than a private residential pool operated by any person whether the person is an owner, lessee, operator, or concessionaire."

Waterborne Illness

If a pool has water that looks unclean, or unsafe, you should not swim in it. If you suspect that a pool does not meet public pool water standards and could possibly cause a waterborne illness, please report the pool by contacting MDH or the responsible agency, found in the webpage below:

Requirements for Public Pool Owners and Builders

Requirements for pools are contained in the Minnesota Pool Code. Some of the Minnesota Pool Code requirements include:

• Plan Review: The construction or alteration of a pool requires submittal and approval of plans and specifications. Plan review requires a fee. Construction cannot begin before plans are approved.
• Construction: Pools must be constructed in accordance with the appropriate construction standards
• Personnel Training: Pools must be operated and maintained by trained personnel.
• Recordkeeping and Reporting: Operation and maintenance recordkeeping and reporting is required.
• Equipment & Signage: Lifesaving equipment and Signage is required.
• Access and Fencing: Access to Pools must be controlled to prevent unintended access.
• Water Sanitation and Condition: Pool water must be controlled and maintained in a safe manner.

Local Authorities (such as Ramsey county, the Cities of Bloomington and Minneapolis) have additional requirements for pool construction, inspection and operation, so you should also check with them if you are building a pool.