SECTION 265.188. Wastewater Disposal for Pools and Spas

(a) Filter backwash wastewater disposal. Filter backwash, cartridge wash water, and drainage water that is not reused in the pool or spa must be discharged or disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the TCEQ or local regulatory authority.

(b) No direct connection. No direct mechanical (hard) connection may be made between the pool or spa, the drains, the chemical treatment equipment, or the system of piping and the sanitary sewer system, septic system, or other wastewater disposal system.

(c) Pool and spa backwash. Backwash water and draining water must be discharged through an air gap formed by positioning the discharge pipe opening at least two pipe diameters above the overflow level of any barriers that could cause flooding and submergence of the discharge opening or by other means in accordance with TCEQ requirements. Splash screening barriers are permitted, as long as the barriers do not destroy air gap effectiveness.

(d) Wastewater post treatment. Filter backwash water and circulation system drainage water must be treated either chemically or through use of settling tanks to eliminate or neutralize chemicals, diatomaceous earth, and other contaminants in the water that exceed discharge limits set by TCEQ or the local regulatory authority.

(e) Other wastewater or drainage water disposal facilities or lines. The location of other wastewater disposal facilities or lines must meet applicable standards of 30 TAC Chapter 307, Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, Chapter 308, Criteria and Standards for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Chapter 311, Watershed Protection, and Chapter 315, Pretreatment Regulations for Existing and New Sources of Pollution, or the local regulatory authority.

Source Note: The provisions of this §265.188 adopted to be effective January 1, 2023, 47 TexReg 8668