Swimming pools and spas
Making aquatic recreation safer for all
Swimming pool and spa safety is not only a contemporary issue with recent state and federal
legislation, but a regulated program in the City of Bloomington. The City licenses a total
of 176 public swimming pool and spas. From construction guidelines, plan review and
routine inspections the City of Bloomington works with pool operators to ensure public pools
and spas are maintained in a manner that minimizes public health risk. Also, the City
reviews plans and grants construction approval of residential pools and spas to ensure the
structures conform to City Code requirements.
The following links and resources provide information for pool contractors, public pool
operators and interested citizens:
Abigail Tailor Pool Safety Act
On June 29, 2007, six-year-old Abigail Taylor of Edina, Minnesota, was injured when she sat
over an open drain hole in a wading pool at the Minneapolis Golf Club. Part of her intestinal
tract was torn out by the pool drain. Tragically the girl has died of complications.
In May 2008, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed into law the "Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act." Listed
below are the most important points of the new state mandate:
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Daily inspection: The pool operator is required to conduct a physical
inspection of the drain covers and grates on a daily basis. The daily pool log must reflect
this inspection. If at any time an outlet cover or grate is missing, broken, or loose the
pool must be closed immediately.
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Installed to manufacturer's specifications: All drain covers and grates
must be installed with screws that meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
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Annual certified form: Each year, all public pool owners must certify to
the commissioner on a form that:
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All outlets have been stamped by the manufacturer that they meet ASME/ANSI
standards.
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All covers and grates have been inspected to ensure that they have been properly
installed and are in working condition.
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The City of Bloomington will be sending out a separate form to address this
requirement.
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Effective January 1, 2009: All public pool construction plans submitted for review
must be certified by a professional engineer registered in the state of Minnesota.
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Effective January 1, 2009: All public pools with the deepest part being less than
4 feet must have one of the following:
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An unblockable suction outlet or drain.
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At least two suction outlets, connected in parallel with suction outlet covers that
meet ASME/ANSI standards.
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A gravity outlet or drain.
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Failure to comply with this regulation will result in immediate closure of
the pool and the City of Bloomington will not renew your license.
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Effective January 1, 2011: All other existing pools must have the following:
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An unblockable suction outlet or drain.
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At least two suction outlets, connected in parallel with suction outlet covers that
meet ASME/ANSI standards.
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A gravity outlet or drain.
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Failure to comply with this regulation will result in immediate closure of
the pool and the City of Bloomington will not renew your license.
Additional information
For more information, contact:
Lynn Moore, Environmental Health Division Manager
PH: 952-563-8934, Fax: 952-563-8949
E-mail: envhealth@ci.bloomington.mn.us
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