Recommended Septic Clearances: Distances Between Septic System & Swimming Pools InspectAPedia® -
Setbacks and clearances between swimming pools and septic system tanks or drainfields
Setbacks and clearances for septic systems
Septic distances to other site features
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Septic tank and field distances to swimming pools: this document, which discusses distances that should be observed
between a swimming pool installation and septic fields or septic tanks is a supplement to our
chapter SEPTIC CLEARANCES which provides typical septic tank and field clearances.
In this file a detailed septic distances table describes distance requirements between septic components (septic tank, leach field, cesspools, drywells)
and other site features such as wells, water supply piping, streams, trees, property boundaries, lakes, etc.
Also see Well Clearances for required distances between wells and septic systems and
other site features. In general, septic effluent must be disposed of on the property from which it originates. However more strict clearances
and distances than this are required between various onsite wastewater treatment system components and buildings, property boundaries,
lakes, streams, wells, and so on, as detailed in the table below. Contact us with corrections or additions to this data.
Advice on Locating a Swimming Pool Near Septic System Components
Few septic authorities or codes specifically address the distance that should be maintained between a swimming pool and septic system
components like septic tanks, drainfields, or septic mound systems. But we have observed some serious problems when swimming pools
were installed near or on top of septic system components.
Problems caused by a swimming pool on top of or too close to a septic
field include damage to the drainfield, reduced ability of the drainfield to absorb effluent, redirecting water onto
and thus flooding the drainfield, and even causing drainfield effluent to leak out to the ground surface around the
swimming pool. This article discusses some of things you should consider when installing
a swimming pool near a septic system.
Other than a fifteen foot clearance specified between a swimming pool and septic components for the state of Missouri, and a 100 ft. clearance
specified between a swimming pool and a septic lagoon (an entirely different situation), we don't have much guidance in locating swimming
pools near septic components. I don-t know an official answer to this question, but here are some considerations when planning to add
a swimming pool to a property with a septic system:
Avoid septic damage from pool construction process: The distance from mound to pool must be great enough to assure that any equipment used to build the pool, say excavating machines or
trucks delivering materials, do not pass on the mound or other septic components - vehicle traffic may cause costly damage if it occurs.
Avoid a pool excavation which redirects ground water or septic effluent: If the pool is a below-ground installation, it needs to be far enough away that the hole created by the pool
does not interfere with mound operation, say by creating a path for effluent to pass improperly from the mound to the pool excavation.
Avoid an above ground pool which directs surface runoff onto a septic field: If the pool is above ground, it needs to be constructed so as to not direct surface or subsurface runoff
towards the mound where it could cause flooding of the septic field, and located so that it will not trap surface runoff or pool discharge against the mound. If an above ground pool is "up hill" from the mound it probably should be more distant from the mound than if it were
downhill. An In-ground pool should probably be more distant from the mound than an above-ground system regardless of location.
Do not empty swimming pools or backwash pool filters onto a septic drainfield: The pool drainage and/or filter backwash also need to be directed away from the septic system.
Never put a pool on top of a drainfield or mound: Never locate a swimming pool on top of a drainfield or mound: the work of installation is likely to damage the drainfield, and even a
simple, lightweight plastic swimming pool liner and above ground frame, built by tiptoeing onto the drainfield, is still a problem: the impervious area
created atop the ground where such a pool were placed prevents transpiration/evaporation of septic effluent, and is likely to also reduce the oxygen
level in the soil. Oxygen is needed by some of the bacteria we expect to help break down pathogens in septic effluent.
After also addressing the above considerations, locate a pool 25- or more from the nearest portion of the mound. That should give good working distance for installation and if surface drainage
corrections are needed between pool and mound there should be ample room to install such.
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The Septic System Information Website - Extensive, Detailed Consumer and Industry Information on Septic System Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, Alternatives for on-site waste disposal
Alternative & Advanced Designs for Septic Systems
for discussion and links to (on-site waste disposal) System Designs for Problem Sites & Soils. Books, Consultants, Engineers, Designers. Alternative septic system designs can substantially
reduce the normal required distances between septic system components and wells, lakes, streams, and property boundaries.
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