Public Pool Plan Review

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reviews public pool construction, installation, and alteration projects for compliance with Minnesota Statute and the Minnesota Pool Code.

"Public pool" means any pool other than a private residential pool, that is: (1) open to the public generally, whether for a fee or free of charge; (2) open exclusively to members of an organization and their guests; (3) open to residents of a multiunit apartment building, apartment complex, residential real estate development, or other multifamily residential area; (4) open to patrons of a hotel or lodging or other public accommodation facility; or (5) operated by a person in a park, school, licensed child care facility, group home, motel, camp, resort, club, condominium, manufactured home park, or political subdivision.

Plan review process

1. Submit plans to MDH for review: Public Pool Plan Review Application (PDF).
   (Note: Please download the application then fill out for full functionality)
2. Start the project after MDH approves the plans.
3. Email health.swimmingpools@state.mn.us to schedule inspection when the project is complete.
4. Obtain the operational license from the authority having jurisdiction after passing inspection

Projects that require plan review

MDH provides the list below as guidance to assist pool owners, operators, designers, builders, and related parties in determining when to submit plans. MDH may require plan review for projects not listed below. Contact MDH for clarification and determination on whether a project requires plan review. Projects not subject to plan review must still meet the Minnesota Pool Code. 

The term change below includes, but is not limited to, a change of manufacturer, model, flow rating, configuration, size, horsepower, pump curve, layout, pipe size, filter type, filter media type, disinfection output, disinfection type, volume, and recirculation flow rate.

• New construction.
• Installation or construction of pool shell (e.g. fiberglass, concrete).
• Pool basin depth change (e.g. shallowing the deep end, constructing ramp into pool).
• Pool area toilet, handwashing, and shower facility change (e.g. fixture count).
• Pool enclosure access restriction change (e.g. walls, doors, fencing, gates).
• Suction outlet fitting assembly (SOFA), cover, or SOFA component change:
  • Installation of new sump(s) or complete SOFA assembly(ies) for both single suction outlets and dual in parallel suction outlets.
  • Modification of existing SOFAs into a new installation configuration.
  • Installation of a new cover over a single blockable suction outlet.
• Pump change (e.g. recirculation, agitation, feature).
• Filter change.
• Disinfection system change.
• Gutter system change.
• Skimmer change.
• Piping change (e.g. pipe size, layout).
• Installation of slides, play features, and diving board structures.
• Installation of pool cover (e.g. automatic retractable pool cover).

Contact information

Email
health.swimmingpools@state.mn.us

Phone
651-201-4500

Mailing address
Minnesota Department of Health
Food, Pools, and Lodging Services Section
P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975

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