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Earlier editions: 20222019

Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS

3141B Wastewater Disposal — 2025 California Building Code

California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § 3141B · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission

3141B.1 General requirements.

Material cleaned from filters and backwash water from any recirculation system shall be disposed in a manner that is acceptable to the local wastewater agency and will not create a nuisance. Backwash water shall not be returned to a pool. Pipes carrying wastewater from pools including pool drainage and backwash from filters shall be installed as an indirect waste in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8 of the California Plumbing Code. Where a pump is used to discharge waste pool water to the drainage system, the pump discharge shall be installed as an indirect waste.

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3141B.2 Diatomaceous earth filters.

The backwash from a diatomaceous earth filter shall discharge into a separation tank that has been installed to collect the waste diatomaceous earth mixture. The wastewater from the separation tank shall discharge into a sanitary sewer or other disposal system acceptable to the local wastewater agency.

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3141B.3 Piping.

Sumps and drain piping shall have sufficient capacity to receive recirculation system backwash without overflow of the sump receiver. The sump shall not permit sewage to enter the surge basin or the pool in the event of a sewage backup

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3141B.4 Visual indicator.

Where direct observation of the backwash discharge is not visible to the operator during backwash opera- tions, a sight glass shall be installed on the wastewater discharge line.

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3141B.5 Prohibited connection.

There shall be no direct connection between the pool, its recirculation system or overflow drain to any sanitary sewer, storm drain or drainage system.

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