# 25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.188: 25 TAC § 265.188. Wastewater Disposal for Pools and Spas

> Texas · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_188

## Section

- **Citation:** 25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.188
- **Heading:** 25 TAC § 265.188. Wastewater Disposal for Pools and Spas
- **Jurisdiction:** Texas
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Texas Administrative Code / Title 25 HEALTH SERVICES / Part 1 DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES / Chapter 265 GENERAL SANITATION / 25 TAC § 265.188

## Text

(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.

## Nearby sections

- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.181 25 TAC § 265.181. General Provisions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_181.md)
- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.182 25 TAC § 265.182. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_182.md)
- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.183 25 TAC § 265.183. Plans and Instructions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_183.md)
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- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.185 25 TAC § 265.185. Pumps and Motors for Pools and Spas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_185.md)
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- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.187 25 TAC § 265.187. Pool or Spa Water Supply and Drinking Water for All Pools and Spas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_187.md)
- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.188 25 TAC § 265.188. Wastewater Disposal for Pools and Spas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_188.md)
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- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.190 25 TAC § 265.190. Safety Features for Pools and Spas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_190.md)
- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.191 25 TAC § 265.191. Lifeguard Personnel Requirements and Standards at Pools](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_191.md)
- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.192 25 TAC § 265.192. Pool Yard and Spa Yard Enclosures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_192.md)
- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.193 25 TAC § 265.193. Water Quality at Pools and Spas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_193.md)
- [25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.194 25 TAC § 265.194. Operation and Management of Pools and Spas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_194.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T25_P1_C265_S265_188. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.