Swimming pools

To obtain a license for a new facility, call Val Northway, license coordinator, at 952.939.8274.

Public Swimming Pool Chemical Requirements

Disinfectants

Swimming Pools/Special Purpose Pools:
  1. Free available chlorine: Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Chlorine Gas
    • Minimum 0.5 ppm, Maintain 1 to 3 ppm
    • Minimum 1.0 ppm if the following conditions exist:
      • pH exceeds 7.7
      • water temperature exceeds 84°F
      • cyanuric acid exceeds 30 ppm
    • Maximum 5.0 ppm
  2. Bromine
    • Minimum 1.0 ppm, Maintain 2 to 3 ppm
    • Minimum 2.0 ppm if the following conditions exist:
      • pH exceeds 7.7
      • water temperature exceeds 84°F
      • cyanuric acid exceeds 30 ppm
    • Maximum 10.0 ppm
Spas/Whirlpools:
  1. Free chlorine
    • Minimum 2.0 ppm
    • Maximum 5.0 ppm
  2. Bromine
    • Minimum 4.0 ppm
    • Maximum 10.0 ppm

Superchlorination

When combined chlorine is 0.5 ppm or higher: superchlorinate.

  • Raise free chlorine residual to 7 to 10 ppm, or approximately 7 to 10 times the combined chlorine levels.
  • An approved pool shock chemical equivalent to superchlorination standards may be used if shown effective.

pH

  1. For all pool types maintain pH between 7.2 and 8.0.
  2. For best results:
    1. Chlorinated pools: pH 7.4 to 7.6
    2. Brominated pools: pH 7.5 to 8.0
    3. Alum used as a flocculent or low rate sand filters: pH 7.2 to 7.6

Total Alkalinity

  1. Minimum 50 ppm, Maintain 80 to 120 ppm.
  2. If alum is used as a flocculent: 100 to 120 ppm
  3. If bromine is used as a disinfectant: 100 to 120 ppm

Cyanurates

For chlorinated outdoor swimming pools and spas: 30 to 50 ppm, Maximum 100 ppm

Temperatures

  • Pools and spas: Maximum 104 degrees F. (28 degrees C)
  • Pools: Recommended maximum 82 degrees F. (40 degrees C)

Public Swimming Pool Opening Requirements

Before outdoor swimming pools, spas or indoor pools are placed into operation, the pool or spa must pass an inspection conducted by Minnetonka Environmental Health. An inspection must also take place after any major maintenance procedures such as resurfacing the pool.

Please complete the following items prior to the inspection so the pool can be opened and a license can be issued:

  1. The drain cover must be anti-vortex and be secured. Please place a thin rope through the grates and have both ends of the rope on the deck of the swimming pool. Once the drain is checked by the inspector, the rope may be pulled through the cover and be removed. (Make sure the rope is not too thick, does not have any knots, and is long enough to reach three sides of the pool.)
  2. All required safety equipment must be accessible. This includes a life ring and a rope (1½ times the pool width, but not more than 60 feet), and a minimum 12-foot fixed length shepherd’s crook or life pole for each 2000 square feet of water surface. A sign(s) stating “Emergency Use Only” must also be posted by all safety equipment.
  3. Ensure all pump room equipment is provided and is operating properly. This includes equipment such as pressure gauges, sight glasses, flow meters, thermometers, disinfectant feeders, etc. The required pool turnover rate must also be met.
  4. Your pool test kit must be approved and can test “free chlorine” (0-8 ppm), combined chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and cyanurates (if used in pool).
  5. All depth markers at the deep end, shallow end, and sides of the pools are tiled or painted at least 4" in height and are a maximum of 25 feet apart using a minimum “Ft” or “In” designation.
  6. In locations where diving is not allowed, the words “No Diving” in letters at least 4" in height, or a universal “no diving” symbol must be at least 4" high in conjunction with “No Diving” in letters not less than ½ inch high are provided in contrasting color at all ends and sides of the pool, spaced a maximum of 25 feet apart. This does not apply to spa pools or wading pools.
  7. Steps and ladders must have contrasting front edges tiled or painted at least ½ to 2 inches in width.
  8. A contrasting stripe of at least six inches in width must be present on sides and bottom of pool between all slopes, such as between shallow and deep ends of the pool.
  9. All fences and gates are to be self-closing and self-latching, capable of being locked, and not readily climbable. Openings may be no greater than four inches in the fence, and no more than two inches below the fence. Other requirements may apply, such as for chain link fencing.
  10. All signage should be proper and complete. Bather load, rules, and emergency signs should be included.
  11. The first-aid kit and supplies must be accessible to pool users.
  12. Ensure the safety of all pool users by checking the overall structure and condition of the pool and pool equipment (smooth surfaces, no peeling paint, etc.)
  13. All chemical levels of pool water must be within acceptable ranges.
  14. Label and identify all piping including arrows showing directional flow.
  15. Ensure operational manuals relating to all pool equipment are available.
  16. Post or provide a certificate or proof of successful completion of a National Certified Pool Operator’s Course. This certificate must be revalidated every five years. The following agencies offer a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course:
    • Hennepin County Environmental Services: 952.351.5200
    • Horizon Seminars: 651.917.3075
    • John Moorman Associates: 612.529.8616
    • Ramsey County Environmental Health Division: 651.773.4466
    • National Swimming Pool Foundation—Plymouth: 763.559.1222
  17. Please notify the Environmental Health Division of all equipment changes or alterations to the pool such as changing the recirculation system (pump, piping, and filter system). These changes may require submission of plans and/or obtaining permits from the City. All pool equipment must meet National Sanitation Foundation (N.S.F.) standards.
  18. Please review 2003 inspections to ensure all corrections have been completed.

Call Michelle Koch at 952-939-8280 or Lisa Gyswyt 952-939-8279 to set up an opening inspection. Please call if you have any questions.