Backwash from pools and spas

To empty all the water in your pool you will need approval from Council. It is likely an approval will restrict the time and flow that can be discharged from your pool. You can request approval by emailing WaterDA@logan.qld.gov.au. There is no application form or fee for this request. You do not need approval to empty a spa.

To make a connection, you may need one of the following approvals, permits or applications:

• If the pool or spa is on a vacant block of land, in connection with a new dwelling, your backwash connection should be part of your plumbing approval.
• If the pool or spa is an addition, a notifiable work Form 4 / 4A will need to be lodged. A QBCC licensed plumber or drainer must lodge this. You can find more information on the QBCC website.
• If you want to connect directly to Council wastewater (sewerage) infrastructure, you need to lodge a Private Works application.

Please use the following as a guide for pool backwash operations:

• a backwash cycle should not be more than 5 minutes
• you can only backwash once each day
• the flow rate to backwash to Council's wastewater (sewer) network should not be more than 6 litres per second.
• you should not backwash within six hours of a rain or storm event
• you can only discharge filtered backwash to the wastewater (sewer) network
• the pool should be designed to manage excessive rainwater. This may include a graded rainwater overflow pipe coming out of either the skimmer box or scum drain / gutter.

It is illegal to discharge backwash into a stormwater drain or a roadside gutter if your swimming pool was approved to be connected to the Council wastewater (sewerage) network. If you have any questions about pool and spa backwash, please call Council on 07 3412 3412.