Public swimming pool licensing

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, 1MB)

Required annual 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, 2024.

To prepare for and schedule an inspection:

1. Pay your license fee
2. With your fee, submit the completed licensing paperwork and copy of your pool operator certificate (i.e., CPO, AFO, etc.)
3. Review and complete the items on the outdoor pool checklist (PDF, 1MB)
4. To schedule an inspection call 612-543-5200

Forms

• Outdoor pool checklist (PDF)
• Pool chemistry requirements (PDF)
• Pool log (PDF)
• Pool sign requirements (PDF)
• Swimming pool injury report form (PDF)
• Turnover calculations (PDF)
• Pool management change form (PDF)

Resources

• Minnesota Pool Code 
• Public swimming pool resources – MDH
• 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)

Training

• Certified pool operator training – MDH

When to close a pool or spa

• Main drain cover not easily visible (e.g., water is cloudy)
• Main drain cover(s) or parts broken, loose, missing, and/or expired
• Disinfection chemical not within required range (see MN Pool Code 4717.1750)
• Gates or doors to pool area not self-closing and self-latching
• Ring buoy, lifesaving pole, or rescue tube missing or not functional (pools only)
• Remodel or additions have been done without health authority’s approval

Call our office with any questions at 612-543-5200.

When to call Hennepin County Environmental Health

• Pool-related death or serious injury requiring emergency medical assistance (such as drowning or chemical exposure) Minnesota Department of Health injury/drowning report form (PDF)
• Pool employee or customer diagnosed with a waterborne illness (such as Cryptosporidiosis, norovirus, Shigella, or E. coli O157:H7)
• Major damage to pool area or pump room (such as from a tornado, flood or storm)
• Before doing any remodel or additions to the pool, decking, fencing, gates/doors, or equipment. Many times this requires a plan review and approval from the health department.

For daytime, call 612-543-5200.

For after-hours, call 612-543-5217.  

To build or renovate a public pool you must have the plan reviewed and approved prior to starting work.

Some renovations fall under the review of Hennepin County.

Complete the pool plan remodel application (PDF, 1MB)

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

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.

Visit the Drain Cover Recall website.