Swimming Pool / Spa EH Services

Swimming Pool / Spa Core Program

The Partnership4Health Environmental Services Section is responsible for delegated health and safety inspections for public Swimming Pools and Spas within Clay and Wilkin Counties, Minnesota. In addition, we are the delegated authority for:

  • Issuing licenses for regulated establishments
  • Performing regulatory inspection services as delegated
  • Responding to complaints, nuisances and natural disasters
    • Health and safety complaints or concerns
    • Fire, Floods and Disaster response within these establishments

Fact Sheets

Health and safety for public swimming pools and spas is a top priority. Examples of public pools include: swimming pool, spa, wading pool, therapy pool, splash pad, plunge pool.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and local regulatory agencies are responsible for enforcing Minnesota Rules, parts 4717.0150 to 4717.3975 (the "Pool Code"). The Pool Code lists many requirements needed to operate a safe public pool.

Daily Pool Chemistry Log Sheet

Pool Closure Conditions

Certain conditions of a public pool can warrant closure. These include but are not limited to:

  • Evidence of a sewage backup in proximity to or related to operations of the public swimming pool or spa;
  • Lack of potable water related to operations of the public swimming pool or spa;
  • Lifesaving equipment not provided;
  • Acceptable toilet facilities are not present, sanitary, easily accessible or operational to patrons of the public swimming pool or spa;
  • Water clarity not met;
  • Minimum disinfection residual not met;
  • Pool altered without approval;
  • Loose or missing drain covers;
  • Immediate health or safety hazard exists (fencing, gate);
  • Non-compliant water chemistry as defined in MN Rule 4717.1700;
  • Evidence or suspect of an ongoing illness associated with the operation of the public swimming pool or spa;
  • Lack of electricity service to the extent that critical areas are not operational (i.e. recirculation system not operating);
  • Interruptions in the operation of pool / spa due to tornado, fire, flood, disaster or other;
  • Any violation or combination of violations as specified in MN Rules Chapter 4717.3970 or as deemed by the Health Authority to be an immediate or potentially serious health, safety or security concern to patrons of the public swimming pool or spa.

State Health Department Rules Adopted

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 375.51 - 375.55, Minnesota Rules Chapter 4717.0150 - 4717.3970 excluding 4717.0310 and 4717.0450, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157 and Minnesota Statutes Section 144.1222 pertaining to the Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act, including all subsequent amendments thereto, are hereby adopted by Clay County by reference. Reference in 4717.0150 - 4717.3970 and Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157 to Board, Commissioner of Health or Board of Health shall be to the Clay County Board of Commissioners and their authorized representatives except as they relate to plan review and the issuance of variances.

Swimming Pool / Spa Licensing & Applications

Public Pool

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 multi-unit 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 with the exception of swimming pools at family day care homes licensed under section 245A.14, subdivision 11, paragraph (a).

Spa Pool

a hot water pool intended for seated recreational use with a water agitation system in addition to the recirculation system. Spa pool is synonymous with the term "whirlpool".

Swimming Pool Application (PDF)

Use the above application to license a pool only if you do not offer any other regulatory services at your establishment. If your establishment provides food, beverage, lodging or is a manufactured home park or camping area, complete the appropriate license application.