Swimming Pools & Spas in Minnesota (2026)
26 rules on the books across Minnesota, 14 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Pool Permits
Building and electrical permits required before installing a pool, including the depth and size thresholds that trigger them, and where above-ground and inflatable pools fall in or out of the rules.
Minnesota: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsThe Minnesota State Building Code requires construction permits for residential and public pools statewide. Local…
Read full rule →Anoka County
Some RestrictionsIn Coon Rapids an above-ground pool, spa or hot tub whose sides or attached fence reach four feet in height needs no…
Read full rule →Carver County
Some RestrictionsCarver County has adopted the Minnesota State Building Code for all construction in the unincorporated area (§ 150.01)…
Read full rule →Dakota County
Some RestrictionsDakota County does not issue backyard residential pool permits; your city building department does. The county's role…
Read full rule →Hennepin County
Some RestrictionsBefore building or remodeling a public pool in Hennepin County, plans go to the state Pool Engineer first: the…
Read full rule →Maple Grove
Some RestrictionsMaple Grove regulates above-ground and portable pools as 'swimming pools' once they hold more than 18 inches of water…
Read full rule →Minneapolis
Some RestrictionsSetting up, rebuilding, or altering a portable or above-ground pool worth more than $100 requires a City of Minneapolis…
Read full rule →Olmsted County
Some RestrictionsIn the townships Olmsted County zones directly, a private swimming pool is an accessory use allowed in any residential…
Read full rule →Saint Paul
Some RestrictionsBuilding a residential swimming pool in Saint Paul requires a building permit from the building official under Section…
Read full rule →Woodbury
Some RestrictionsWoodbury requires a building official permit before anyone constructs, alters or repairs a private swimming pool…
Read full rule →Wright County
Some RestrictionsA pool in Wright County needs a building permit before you dig. Minn. Stat. 326B.121 makes the State Building Code the…
Read full rule →Stearns County
Light RestrictionsStearns County does not require a construction site permit to build a residential swimming pool. The only building-side…
Read full rule →Fencing & Safety Requirements
Mandatory barriers around pools, spas, and hot tubs, minimum heights, self-latching gate specs, and the alarm, cover, and anti-entrapment rules that ride along with them.
Minnesota: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsMinnesota Department of Health rules under Minn. R. Chapter 4717 govern public pool operation including water quality…
Read full rule →Bloomington
Heavy RestrictionsBloomington regulates swimming pool enclosures under City Code Sec. 14.443 (public/licensed pools, Chapter 14 Article…
Read full rule →Dakota County
Heavy RestrictionsResidential pool fencing in Dakota County is set by your city under the Minnesota State Building Code, which requires a…
Read full rule →Scott County
Heavy RestrictionsEvery residential pool needs a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Minnesota struck…
Read full rule →Wright County
Heavy RestrictionsWright County backyard pools need anti-entrapment drain covers under the federal VGB Act plus a compliant barrier…
Read full rule →Anoka County
Some RestrictionsGates must open outward, be self-closing, and self-latch. If the latch release is under 54 inches from the bottom of…
Read full rule →Hennepin County
Some RestrictionsHennepin County adopts state pool safety law, including the Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act, and requires a county…
Read full rule →Maple Grove
Some RestrictionsEvery pool deeper than 18 inches in Maple Grove must be enclosed by a climb-resistant fence at least four feet tall…
Read full rule →Minneapolis
Some RestrictionsOutdoor residential pools in Minneapolis must be enclosed by a fence, wall or barrier at least four feet tall with…
Read full rule →Olmsted County
Some RestrictionsA below-grade pool in the townships Olmsted County zones directly must be enclosed by a fence at least 5 feet high that…
Read full rule →Ramsey County
Some RestrictionsRamsey County Public Health enforces fencing for PUBLIC pools under Minn. Rules 4717.1550: fences must be at least five…
Read full rule →Saint Paul
Some RestrictionsAny pool open to the public, members, apartment residents, or hotel guests in Saint Paul needs a Sec. 360.01…
Read full rule →Stearns County
Some RestrictionsEvery swimming pool in unincorporated Stearns County must be enclosed by a wall or fence at least six feet high with a…
Read full rule →Woodbury
Some RestrictionsEvery private pool in Woodbury needs a fence or wall at least four feet high with no gaps over four inches, and any…
Read full rule →