Owners of public pools in Minnesota must provide information to the Minnesota Department of Health by July 1 about their pools and the drain covers in their pools in order to renew or receive a license to operate. The drain covers must meet industry standards, be properly installed and not be broken or loose.

To help pool owners provide this information more quickly and easily, the department has created an online survey at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/pools/forms.html.

Filling out the survey will satisfy one of the requirements of the recently enacted Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act. This new state law, requiring a license and inspection of all public pools in the state, expanded the definition of public pools to include those connected with apartment buildings and townhomes, some fitness centers and more. The act was named in honor of six-year-old Abigail Taylor, who died as a result of injuries from a wading pool drain accident in 2007.

The new law also requires pool owners to make immediate and future changes to public pools to ensure the safety of pool users. Pool owners may have received information by mail from MDH or a local health agency about requirements of the new law. Some local health agencies are visiting each of their licensed pools to ensure pool owners are completing the survey.

The survey asks for very specific information about the pools, and types of drains and covers, including the manufacturer and model numbers of the covers. By requiring compliance to the law and obtaining documentation, MDH will be able to determine if the pools are upholding the requirements of the Abigail Taylor Act. The survey must be completed and signed by the pool owner or the owner’s agent, certifying compliance to the department. Owners will need to certify the equipment status annually as their licenses are renewed.

Pool owners who have questions or want more information should call the MDH Environmental Health Services unit at 320-223-7300.