Public Swimming Pools & Spas

Updated 03/22

Water quality

Disinfectant requirements:

• Combined chlorine: 0.5 ppm maximum
• Cyanuric acid: 100 ppm maximum
• Alkalinity: At least 50 ppm
• Clarity: Main drain must be visible
• pH: 7.2 - 7.8
• Temperature: 104° F maximum

Test kits

• Use D.P.D. for free and total disinfectant residual. Approved test kits are required for alkalinity and pH. Cyanuric test kits are required for stabilized chlorine pools.

Safety requirements

• One unit of emergency equipment for every 2,000 square feet of pool surface area; includes the following:
• One unit of emergency equipment for every 2,000 square feet of pool surface area; includes the following:
  • Ring buoy attached to a 3/16-inch manila, or equivalent material, rope that is 1-1/2 times the pool width, but not over 60 feet. If a lifeguard is provided, a rescue tube may be substituted.
  • Life pole or shepherd’s crook with blunted ends and a minimum fixed length of 12 feet.
  • Equipment must be readily accessible and plainly marked “For Emergency Use Only”.
• Transitional markings must be provided where a steeper slope occurs with a minimum six-inch wide stripe of dark contrasting color on the bottom and sides of the pool.
• Depth marked in numbers and letters, in contrasting colors, four inches high with water depth specified in feet and inches. Indicate markings:
  • On the edge of the deck next to the pool;
  • At the maximum and minimum depths;
  • On all vertical sides of the pool;
  • Where the slope changes from shallow to deep; and
  • At intermediate increments of depth spaced at not more than 25 foot intervals.
• “No diving” markings or the universal no diving symbol in four inch letters of contrasting color must be located on the pool deck and all sides of the pool where diving is not permitted. Space markings at not more than 25 foot intervals.
• Stair markings must be a stripe of 1/2 to 2 inch wide in a dark contrasting color. They must be on the leading edge of stair treads.
• Safety line floats are required for restricted or recessed areas in general swimming pools set aside primarily for the use of children.

User safety and signage

• First aid kit is required when lifeguard is present.
• User safety and sanitation signs must be posted in pool enclosure and dressing rooms.
• Pool capacity bather load must be posted in the pool enclosure area.
• Warning signs that are worded exactly as follows on color contrasting background. Sign must be mounted in the pool area where it can be read by all visitors.
  • In four-inch letters: “Warning-No Lifeguard on Duty”
  • In one-inch minimum letters: “Children must not use pool without an adult in attendance”.

Fence requirements

• Fence: Access to a public pool must be controlled to effectively prevent the entrance of children.
  • Existing fencing: A minimum of a four-foot high fence to prevent entry by young children. No openings greater than four inches and not of a readily-climbable design. Doors/gates must be self-closing, self-latching and capable of being locked.
  • New construction: A minimum of a five-foot high fence is required for new installations with no opening greater than four inches and no opening greater than two inches below the fence. Fence must not be of a readily-climbable design. Latches must be located four feet above the ground and be self-closing, self-latching and capable of being locked.

Pool operators

Every swimming pool shall be operated under the direct supervision of a trained operator. The trained operator must be trained in safe chemical handling and use of protective equipment in addition to pool operation and sanitation. The trained operator must be a certified trained operator who must complete an approved training course at least once every five years. A copy of the training certificate must be posted at the facility whenever the pool is open for use.

Daily records

Daily records must be kept of all test measurements and maintenance performed. Pools must be checked for disinfectant residuals, including both free and total, and pH at least once daily, and more often during heavy bathing loads. Total alkalinity, temperatures, and cyanuric acid (stabilized pools) must also be recorded. A daily physical inspection of the drain covers recorded and initialized on a daily log is required. Pool records must be maintained for six years. Any accidents or injuries requiring assistance from a lifeguard or emergency medical personnel must be recorded. All pool incidents resulting in death or serious injury that requires assistance from emergency medical personnel must be reported to Environmental Health immediately.

Cleanliness

Pools and decks must be kept clean, sanitary and in good condition on a daily basis. A vacuum-cleaning system must be provided. Spa pools are exempt from the vacuum requirement if they have less than 75 square feet of water surface.

Chemical storage

Pool chemicals must be kept cool, dry and covered in a secure location. Labels must be intact and label directions followed. Separate the storage of acids, bases and oxidizers and store according to manufacturer's instructions.

Maintenance

Pools, equipment, appurtenances and facilities must be in good condition and repaired or replaced in an approved manner. Mechanical disinfection feeders shall be used. Flow rate meters and pressure gauge for the filters must be provided. Pools equipped with heaters must have a fixed thermometer in the recirculation line to measure the temperature of the water returning to the pool.

Backflow protection

Approved backflow protection for water being introduced into the pool must be provided by either an air gap or a suitable backflow preventor.

License

A current pool license must be possessed by the operator or owner and be posted within the pool equipment room or another approved location.

Grounds for closing the pool

1. Free disinfectant residual below the legal minimum for the swimming pool (see Disinfectant requirements on page 1).
2. Excessive total disinfectant: Chlorine above 10 ppm, or bromine above 20 ppm.
3. Lack of pool water clarity: Bottom drain must be clearly visible at all times.
4. Safety equipment missing: absence of any item listed under Safety requirements A on page 1.
5. Main drain cover(s) loose, broken or missing.
6. Pool altered or constructed without approval of plans from the Health Authority.
7. Other conditions deemed by the inspector to pose a serious threat to public health or safety.

A means of locking all pool gates/doors and notifying prospective users that the pool is temporarily closed shall be provided. The pool is not to be re-opened until the condition is corrected and approval to reopen is granted by the inspector.

Recirculation rate

Pools: Six hours or less.
Spas: 30 minutes or less.

Main drain

1. All pools must have an unblockable drain, or at least two suction outlets, connected in parallel with covers that meet current ASME/ANSI Standards, or have a gravity outlet/drain, or another system approved by MDH that is equally effective or better than the systems listed in this paragraph.
2. Operators are required to conduct daily physical inspections of the drain covers/grates. These physical inspections must be documented (and initialed) on the pool log.

Inlets

Must be directionally adjustable and located so there is a uniform circulation of incoming water.

Use of gas chlorine

• Need valve stem wrench maintained on cylinder.
• Cylinders must be anchored.
• Need NIOSH respirator.
• Need chlorine leak detection.
• Need ventilated cabinet or separate mechanically ventilated room.
   

Updated 03/22

Signs required for all pools

1. Where no lifeguard is on duty, a warning sign shall be placed in plain view and state “WARNING - NO LIFE-GUARD ON DUTY” in clearly legible letters a mini-mum of four inches high. In addition, the sign shall state “CHILDREN MUST NOT USE THE POOL WITHOUT AN ADULT IN ATTENDANCE” in letters a minimum of one inch high.
2. The design bather load shall be posted in a conspicuous location.
3. Lifesaving equipment must be plainly marked “For emergency use only.”
4. Placards embodying the requirements in this part must be posted in plain view in the pool room or enclosure and in the dressing rooms of all public pools. Lettering must be clear, legible and at least one-fourth inch high.
   1. Communicable disease. No person with or suspected of having a communicable disease which could or may be transmitted through use of the pool shall work at or use any public pool.
   2. Warning. A person with any considerable area of exposed subepidermal tissue, open blisters or cuts must be warned that these may become infected and advised not to use the public pool.
   3. Showering. Any person using a public pool must take a cleansing shower using warm water and soap and thoroughly rinse off all soap before entering the pool enclosure. A user leaving the pool to use the toilet must take a cleansing shower before returning to the pool enclosure. A person who exercises, applies lotion or uses a sauna or steam room must shower before using pool.
   4. No spitting. Spitting, spouting water from the mouth,and blowing the nose in the pool is prohibited.
   5. No running. No running or boisterous or rough play, except supervised water sports, is permitted in the pool, in dressing rooms or shower rooms, on runways, on the diving board, or platforms.
   6. Glassware. Glassware and similar material with a tendency to shatter on impact are not allowed in the pool enclosure area.
   7. Diving. Diving is not permitted except in areas that are approved.
   8. No pets. Domestic animals are not permitted in the pool enclosure, showers or dressing rooms.

Additional signs required for all whirlpools and spas

In addition to the required signs, the following signs must be provided for all whirlpools and spas:

1. Pregnant women, small children or persons with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or low blood pressure should not enter the spa except under the advice of a physician.
2. Avoid use while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. Exposure may result  in nausea, dizziness or fainting. Observe a reasonable time limit.

To make the permit process easier, please review the list below when submitting pool/spa applications. The submittal is reviewed by the Building Department. If the project involves an in-ground pool the City planning and engineering departments must also review the plans.

Required permits

At a minimum a Pool/Spa permit is required. Depending on the nature of the project a plumbing permit and electrical permit might also be necessary. No work is to start prior to permit issuance.

Information/documents required

Two sets of plans to include the following:

1. Survey/site plan showing:
   • Dimensional setbacks to the outside edge of pool or spa from the property lines.
   • Dimensional setback of the pool/spa in relationship to the house or other structure that may have footings or glazing associated with them.
   • Equipment placement (filter, pump, heater etc.)
   • Any concrete or patio/pool impervious decking elements and their dimensions.
   • Location of any overhead wires on the property.
   • Fence location when applicable.
   • Impervious surface coverage of lot. See Impervious Surface Requirements section in handout.
2. Provide a completed and signed Pool/Spa permit application.
3. When required, provide a fence plan. At a minimum it must show the location, any gates, height, material being proposed, spacing from the ground and maximum spacing for any open areas of the fencing.
4. If a deck is associated with the project and it is attached to the home or is greater than 30 inches above finish grade full building details will be required as part of the necessary documents.
5. If a spa/hot tub is being placed on a deck you must also provide the following along with the deck structure details: the manufacturer’s weight of tub and how many gallons the tub holds.
6. Footing/brace plan for pool per the manufacturer’s specifications.
7. If there are any retaining walls associated with the project and they exceed 4 ft. from the bottom of the base to the top of the wall, a separate building permit, with engineered plans will be required.

Setback requirements

• Where side or rear yards abut a public street, the required setback to the pool/spa and any associated equipment shall be no less than the required setback for the principal structure in the zoning district.
• In side and rear yards not abutting public street, setbacks of not less than 18 feet to the water’s edge if the pool or spa must be maintained.
• Any overhead electrical lines must be located a minimum of 10 feet horizontally from any water’s edge.
• Pool equipment must be located at least 15 feet from the side and rear property lines.
• No pool/spas are allowed in the front yard.
• No encroachments into easements of record are allowed.
• In-ground pools must be located a proper distance from the house and or attached garage to account for frost penetration at footings/foundations.

Impervious Surface Requirements

No more than 35 percent of the total lot, within the property lines, may be covered with impervious surface. Impervious surfaces would include items such as, all building footprints, driveways, sidewalks, patios, non-draining deck materials, tennis courts, sport courts, plastic landscaping material or any other material which prevents the absorption of storm water into the soil. All applicants are required to calculate what the impervious surface of the lot will be after the pool, concrete decking and all other elements associated with the pool are added. Square footage of lots may be obtained by calling the Building and Inspection Division. (The pool is not added if there is a minimum of 6 inches to the top of pool above the “spill line” outlets.)

In ground concrete pool deck width

Published standards recommend a 3 foot minimum width with a 1/4 to 3/8 inch slope per lineal foot away from pool for drainage.

Fencing Requirements

Pool excavations must be protected during construction with approved fencing. The temporary approved fencing must be in place and secured until the permanent fencing is installed. Silt fencing or commonly called erosion control may also be required. The city engineer will review this aspect of project.

Below ground pool/spa

Fence/gate height: minimum four feet; six foot maximum. Must have self-closing, self-latching gate with the latch at a minimum 4 ft. high. The fence must be of an unclimbable design. Chain-link, if used, must be a minimum 11-gauge woven wire mesh with 2-2/8 inch maximum opening in the weave.

Openings from the ground to bottom of the fence may not exceed four inches and the openings between boards may not exceed 4 inches.

Above ground pool/spa

1. Pool/spa greater than or equal to 48 inches deep

   Access area where ladder attaches and/or access to spa must be properly fenced with self-closing, self-latching gate(s) with the latch located at a minimum 4 ft. high from the surface adjoining the gate. The fence must be unclimbable.

2. Pool/Spa less than 48 inches but greater than 24 inches deep

   Entire perimeter must be fenced. Fencing and any gate must meet directives previously noted above.

3. Temporary inflatable pool

   When greater than 75 sq. ft. in area or over 24 inches in depth the pool must be considered an above ground pool. The fencing requirements above would apply.

4. Spa/hot tub

   If the hot tub has a safety cover it may be exempt from the fencing requirements. The cover must have a label permanently affixed, that the building inspector can visually confirm at time of inspection. The label must indicate that the cover conforms to Standard ASTM F 1346-91.

Required inspections

• If installing an in-ground pool with excavation associated, an erosion control inspection will be required prior to the excavation commencing.
• A setback confirmation/footing inspection prior to pour.
• Footing and framing inspection for any deck associated with project.
• Separate plumbing and electrical permits with the required inspections for those elements. The contractors and/or permit applicant are responsible to call for all necessary inspections.
• Final inspection for all work when completed, but prior to use of pool or spa.

Miscellaneous

• A backflow prevention device (e.g. Watts 8A hose bib) must be provided on the water faucet used for filling the pool/spa.
• No pump, filter, or equipment shall exceed 50 decibels at the property line of the pool owner.
• Spas/hot tubs may be placed on a concrete pad or other suitable material recommended by the manufacturer.
• Backflow discharge from the pool filter must remain on the owner’s property.
• Safety glazing is required in surrounding walls when the pool/spa is located within 5 ft. of glass and the glass is less than 60 inches above the “standing”, walking surface.
• A ground fault circuit interrupter is required for all underground pool lights, above ground plug-in motor and spa connections.
• The spa electrical disconnect must be a minimum of 5 ft. away from the spa.
• A ground fault receptacle is required between 6 ft. and 20 ft. from all pools.
• Bonding of all metals is required.
• Equipment must bear NSF-approval seal.
• Any alterations to city approved plans must be reviewed for compliance with city plan examiner prior to implementing.
• See Residential Pool/Spa Drainage information, below.

To promote a healthy environment, the Environmental Health and Engineering Divisions offer these guidelines on draining private and residential pools. Improper disposal or release of swimming pool water can harm local water bodies and damage wildlife and vegetation.

1. Do not add any chlorine the week prior to draining the pool. Always test the pool water before draining to ensure that pH levels are normal (6.5 - 7.8) and chlorine levels are not detectable. Careful use of pool chemicals can save money and reduce disposal problems.
2. Pump pool water over an open area, such as a lawn, before letting the water drain into a storm sewer. If the water goes through the lawn, the acid and chlorine levels must be safe to prevent damaging the grass. Look for natural drainage paths that will keep the water away from adjacent property and buildings.
3. Never drain pool water directly into a body of water, such as a lake, stream or wetland. If your pool contains a black film of algae, collect the algae and flush it down the toilet. Leaves and other yard waste can be composted. Decaying organic matter will lower the oxygen content in the water and should not go into the storm sewer or any wetland area.
4. If the pool is cleaned by acid or water pressure, make sure the pH levels in the water have adjusted to normal levels before draining the pool. Filter out any paint chips before draining.
5. Completely used pool filters can be throw into your garbage. Always follow the instructions on all chemical labels for disposal and usage. Never mix two or more chemicals because the reaction could be harmful. Extra or partially used filters and pool chemicals can be disposed of at the South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-off Center at 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington. For more information call the center at 612-348-3777.

What we do around our homes directly impacts the water quality of our ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands! For more information, contact Environmental Health at 952-563-8934 or Engineering at 952-563-4533.