Is Your Swimming Pool Near a Septic Tank and Why It Matters

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Installing a swimming pool can give you a great place to cool off while adding value to your property.

However, you will often need to work around any existing construction, like a septic tank. If you’re installing swimming pools near septic tanks, here’s what you need to know. 

As long as you follow the restrictions, you can install a septic tank and a pool on the same property. Generally, an above-ground pool must be 15 feet away from the septic tank. An in-ground pool will have to be at least 25 feet away. 

As you can imagine, the septic tank can add a little more complexity to the project. But, if you follow a few regulations, they should be able to co-exist without any significant issues.

Let’s look at everything you need to know about putting in a pool near a septic tank. 

Can You Put A Pool Near A Septic System?

A pool can be a great relaxing place on a lazy summer day. But, installing one can be a big job. You will need to follow multiple regulations to be safe to use.

In this area, many people are concerned about how they might be affected by having a septic system on their property. So, can you put a pool near a septic system? 

In the clear majority of cases, you will be able to install a pool near a septic system. However, there are a few regulations that you will need to follow first.

These will vary, depending on the type of pool system that you are installing. 

There are two types of pools that you can choose from. You can either have an above-ground pool, or an in-ground pool. 

An above-ground pool, as the name suggests, sits above ground level. For this reason, you will often need a ladder to climb into the pool.

Because of their simple design, you will be able to assemble the pool very quickly. 

The second type of pool is an in-ground system. In this model, the pool is sunk below ground level.

This makes it easier for you to get in and out of. However, they are generally more difficult to install and maintain. 

As you can see, the two types of pools have different pros and cons. Different regulations also govern them. 

Can You Have An Above Ground Pool With A Septic Tank?

The above-ground pool can be a great idea, as it is easy to construct and often attracts a lower price than in-ground options. But can you have an above-ground pool with a septic tank? 

Yes, you will be able to install an above-ground pool if you have a septic tank. You need to make sure that you meet various regulations. 

One of the most important is ensuring the pool doesn’t interfere with the septic tank systems.

You need to have at least 15 feet (4.57 meters) away from the septic system.

As we’ll discuss later, in the model, you generally don’t need to consider where the septic lines are when installing an above-ground pool. 

Can You Have An In-Ground Pool With A Septic Tank?

In some cases, you might want to consider installing an in-ground pool. This is one of the most popular types of pool systems.

However, this is more complex to install than an above-ground system, coming with more regulations that you need to follow. So, can you have an in-ground pool with a septic tank? 

You will be able to install an in-ground system, as long as you keep your distance from the septic tank. You will need to be around 25 feet away.

This will give you enough space to install the pool equipment, like the filtration system, without interfering with the septic tank.

Can You Put A Pool Over Leach Lines?

One of the most important elements when considering pool installation is the location of the leach lines.

These are used to carry waste to and from the septic tank. As you can imagine, severing these lines can cause much damage. So, can you put a pool over leach lines?

This often depends on the type of pool that you are planning to install. For an above-ground pool, you generally don’t need to worry about this too much.

But for an in-ground pool, the location of the leach field is very important, often limiting where you can put the pool. 

You can put an above-ground pool on top of the leach field because you won’t need to dig into the ground to install the pool. This means that you won’t be at risk of puncturing a leach line. 

However, if you intend to dig more than 30 inches (76 centimeters) into the ground, you will be at risk of puncturing a leach line. 

This means that installing an in-ground pool is more difficult. If you hit a leach line, you can do a lot of damage to the septic system.

You will often need an expert to help you fix the problem. This can be very expensive. 

Finding The Location Of The Leach Lines

To ensure you don’t hit the leach lines, you will need to know where they are located. Because they are buried underground, they can be very hard to spot.

However, they take up more space than the above-ground components of the septic tank. 

The best way to find out where they are is by referring to the site plan. This should tell you where the leach lines are.

For this reason, these plans are a key part of the regulation process. This can make it easier for you to find the location for your pool. 

In some cases, this can leave the pool in an inconvenient location. Because of this, you might want to consider relocating one of the leach lines.

This can be done, but it will require a lot of time and effort to ensure it’s been done properly. 

Building Your Swimming Pool Near Main Line Sewers

Sometimes, you might not have a septic tank instead of connected to the main sewer line.

This will eliminate many of the concerns around septic tanks and give you more flexibility about where you can build the pool. 

You can divert the main sewer lines if necessary, making it easier to build the pool.

However, this can be expensive, as you need to hire skilled plumbers to ensure it’s done correctly.

You will also have to make sure that you are consulting with the council getting approval for the diversion. 

Final Thoughts

You will be able to build a pool around a septic tank. However, you will need to ensure that the pool doesn’t interfere with the sewage system.

This means making sure that the pool is kept away from the septic system.

You will also need to ensure that you are careful about the leach lines, using the site map to ensure that they aren’t disturbed during the installation process.