Swimming Pools near Septic Tanks: What You Need to Know

Swimming Pools near Septic Tanks

It is really awesome to have your personal swimming pool in the backyard. You can swim whenever you want and also enjoy a great time with the kids playing various types of pool games. Swimming also happens to be one of the best forms of exercises. It gives you a full body workout and also helps to boost your stamina.

However, setting up a swimming pool in any part of your property may not be a good idea all the time. You have to keep certain factors in mind when it comes to the proper location for installing a swimming pool.

When you decide to install a swimming pool in your backyard, you will need to get proper permits for the same. Health Department normally review the permits for 2 basic purposes. According to the Public Health Code, you need to maintain a certain distance between your pool and the septic tank. For any above ground pool, the minimum distance between the two is 15 feet. Whereas, the distance between a septic tank and any in-ground swimming pool is a minimum of 25 feet.

Is It Possible To Install A Pool With A Septic Tank Within Close Range? Factors to Consider

This is probably one of the most common questions asked by many people. Although it is certainly possible to install a pool with a septic tank within close range, there are certain factors to remember regarding this matter.

Find out the Details of Your Property before Deciding upon the Location

When you talk about the details of your property, it means the exact location where your septic tank may be situated within your property. You may seek help from your local county health department or the municipality. They will have a proper building record of your property. They will be able to tell you about the location of the septic tank along with the septic lines with the help of a septic survey.

Septic Lines and Tank

Sometimes you may be surprised when you observe the vastness of your backyard. You may think that you can install a swimming pool anywhere you like. Well, this may not be true all the time. There may be situations wherein a septic tank or lines may give you limited availability of land where you can install your pool. There are certain rules when you decide to install a pool beside a septic tank, which shall be discussed later.

Eliminating or Relocating a Septic Line

Sometimes, you may feel the need to either remove or relocate a septic line in order to get proper space to install your favorite pool. Although this is not a common incident, it is still a possibility. This process should be discussed in details with your local septic installer.

Swimming Pool Installations and Septic Systems

When you decide to install a swimming pool in your backyard, you will need to get proper permits for the same. Health Department normally review the permits for 2 basic purposes.

They check the permits to find out the distance between the septic tank and the proposed pool location.

They also ensure about the limitations created by the pool installation during the event of any repair work for the septic tank in the days to come.

According to the Public Health Code, you need to maintain a certain distance between your pool and the septic tank. For any above ground pool, the minimum distance between the two is 15 feet. Whereas, the distance between a septic tank and any in-ground swimming pool is a minimum of 25 feet.

This is the sole purpose why you need to include a site plan when you decide to get a swimming pool permit. The site plan will show the exact location of the septic tank and the proposed location for the pool along with the distance between the two. It is good for you to note that the leaching system is pretty large as compared to the septic tank and thus, needs to be shown in the site plan.

The proper location of a majority of the septic tanks can easily be determined by the “as-built” photos or drawings during the time of construction of the septic tank. However, these drawings are not to scale, even though the measurements should be correct to some extent. There may be situations when the as-built drawings of the system are not available. During such times, you may need the help of a licensed septic system contractor or pumper to locate the exact locations of the tank.

Think Carefully Before Installing a Swimming Pool in Your Backyard

If you have a pretty large backyard, then installing a personal pool will surely be in your wish list. You have a wide array of options ready for you when deciding upon the best swimming pool. The type of materials to use in making the pool, whether you want an above ground or in-ground pool, and whether you need a lap pool or one with infinity edge are some of the options for you. There are also certain factors to consider before finalizing your decision of installing a new pool.

  • Purpose of a Pool

Why do you wish to install a pool in your backyard? Do you plan to use it as a means of relaxation or do you plan to have some games and party by your pool? Do you simply wish to swim laps on your pool? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before installing a pool. If you plan to swim laps, then a not too deep pool will be sufficient. Somewhere around 4 to 5 feet will be enough. However, if you plan to jump in the pool from jumping rocks or springboards, then a pool depth of around 9 feet is needed for safety purposes.

  • Quality of The Site

When you talk about the quality of your site, it means the quality of the soil, the slopes of the ground and such factors. Swimming pools are best and easily built on a level ground. If the land slopes in the location where you wish to install the pool, the construction cost will certainly rise. Soil conditions such as unstable soil, sandy or rocky soil will also include some level of hard work to build the pool. The design, size, and shape of the pool is largely dependent upon the size of the location.

  • Above Or In-Ground Pool?

Swimming pools are either above ground or in-ground. It is good to know that in-ground pools have a permanent feel as compared to above ground ones. However, the cost of soil excavation and removal is going to be pretty steep. If your ground is steep, then making an in-ground pool will be easier, cheaper, and faster. If you wish to install a cheap swimming pool then the best option is to go for a prefabricated above ground pool made from steel with a vinyl liner or fiberglass.

  • Fiberglass or Concrete?

When it comes to swimming pool materials, two most popular materials are fiberglass and concrete. When you install an in-ground steel reinforced concrete pool, it makes your pool extremely strong. With the improvement in the quality of fiberglass, you may also use this material for a durable pool that lasts for a long time. Using concrete to make a pool normally takes around 3 months of time as compared to fiberglass that takes around 3 days. if there is bad weather it may easily hamper construction work and the formation of mold and algae is also common in porous concrete. It is also true that concrete provides more options in terms of depth, size, and shape of a swimming pool.

Choosing the Right Contractor

There are numerous swimming pool contractors in town. Choosing the right contractor is rather important to get your dream pool finished in the right manner. The best way to start your search is by asking for referrals from your neighbors or family members or even friends. Better ask those people who already have pools in their backyards. It is generally seen that word of mouth gets you a good builder very easily and the contractor also does a proper job in order to maintain his goodwill.

Common Pool Mistakes to Avoid

It is often seen that people make several silly mistakes when it comes to installing a new pool in their backyard. It is rather important that you avoid such common mistakes in order to build a good quality pool that you can enjoy for a long time to come.

Many people make the mistake of choosing a wrong location for their new pool. As a result of this, they find it pretty tough to move around easily or sometimes, they do not find any place to sit by the pool.

Many pool owners also avoid decking the areas around the pool properly in order to save some money. If the area around the pool is not decked properly, it may give rise to several problems in the long run.

When it comes to making a pool, many people try to cut corners. It is better to expect plenty of chaos and dirt during the building process.

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