Public Pool Plan Review

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) conducts plan review and inspection of public pool construction, installation, and alteration projects.

"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: Some fillable fields of application do not populate correctly when opened with FireFox browser. Please consider Chrome or Edge browsers if filling out on-line. You may also download this form.)
2. After receiving plan review approval, start the project. Follow the approved plans.
3. Contact MDH to schedule an inspection.
4. After passing inspection, obtain the operational license from the authority having jurisdiction, and begin operating the public pool.

Alteration projects that require plan review

Contact MDH to determine if plan review is required for an alteration project that is not listed below.

Recirculation system re-piping

• Installing new suction outlet fitting assembly(ies).
• Installing dual in parallel suction outlet fitting assemblies.
• Re-piping that exceeds repairing a localized leak.

Pump change

• A recirculation, agitation, or feature pump change resulting in an increase in the pump system’s maximum flow.

Filter replacement

Disinfection system change

• Changing the type of disinfectant (e.g. from calcium hypochlorite to sodium hypochlorite).
• A change resulting in a decrease in the disinfection system’s maximum output.

Adding or replacing slides, play features, and diving board structures

Replacing gutter systems

Installing repair membrane overlays

Replacing fiberglass pool shells

• This is considered new construction.

Replacing concrete pool shells or changing the depth

• This is considered new construction.

Maintenance work that does not require plan review

The work must meet Minnesota Statutes, section 144.1222 and the Minnesota Pool Code.

Replacing suction outlet covers

Minnesota Statutes, section 144.1222, subdivision 1c
Replacing covers only. Install covers according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Suction outlet fitting assemblies (SOFAs) must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, and meet the ANSI/APSP/ICC 16-2017, or successor, standard. The pump system’s maximum flow cannot be greater than the SOFA suction system’s flow rating.

Repairing or replacing deck

4717.3350 Decks and Walkways

Replacing pool enclosure fencing

4717.1550 Pool Access Restriction; Fencing

Repairing localized piping leak

4717.2570 Recirculation Equipment

Replacing skimmers

4717.2595 Skimmers

Refinishing pool shell

4717.2350 Pool Structure

Replacing lighting

4717.3450 Lighting, Ventilation, and Electrical Requirements

Replacing sand filter media

4717.2850 Sand Filters

Replacing heater

4717.2570 Recirculation Equipment

Go to > top