How to Move a Septic System to Put in an Inground Pool

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Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

  • Backhoe

  • Shovel

  • Level

Inground pools can be placed on the same property as your septic system.

You move into or own a home with a septic system and decide to install an in-ground pool. The best location for the pool, however just happens to be where your septic system is located. Assuming you have the property to accommodate both of these systems, they are very compatible, but the septic system will need to be relocated to accommodate the pool. Depending on which elements of the system need to be moved, this task can be accomplished with little difficulty.

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Step 1

Determine which components of your septic system must be moved. There are three possible scenarios. First, all components of the system must be moved. Secondly, only the field lines need to be moved. Thirdly, only the plumbing between the tank and field lines need to be relocated. Each of these offer different challenges and requirements.

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Step 2

Reroute the piping between the tank and field lines. This is the simplest problem to solve. Remove the old pipe and dig a new ditch around the pool area to the field lines. If this is an extended distance, the added distance or change in grade may require you to install a pump in the septic tank. In this case you will need only a 2-inch pipe from the tank to the distribution box. You will also need to route electrical power to the septic tank to power the pump.

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Step 3

Relocate the field lines. If the tank can remain in place but the field lines must be moved, this will require more work and more materials. Mark out the location for the new field lines and use the backhoe to dig the ditches. The new field lines need to be the same size or larger than the existing lines. Install new gravel, perforated pipe and a geotextile material, then back-fill the ditches. You will also need to install a new distribution box and route the pipe from the tank to the new distribution box. The gravel from the existing field lines can be removed when the hole for the pool is excavated or left where it is.

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Step 4

Relocate the entire system. First, dig the new hole for the septic tank, the ditches from the home and from the tank to the field lines, as well as the field lines. Have the septic tank pumped out, then relocated to the new hole. Install new piping from the house to the tank, and from the tank to the field lines. Install field lines of the same width and length as the existing field lines. The gravel from the old field lines and old PVC pipe can remain in place with only the materials directly affecting the pool installation needing to be removed.

Tip

Install the drain for your pool away from the septic system. Your pool will occasionally need to be emptied. When this time comes route the water as far away from the septic system as possible. That much water being introduced into your septic system all at once could be very harmful and cause back-ups or even system failure.

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