septic system question

[jpcjguy]

Hi all,

I have a question on my septic system. I am debating on a pool for the kiddos but my septic is system is in the back yard. It is off to the right a little bit but wondering if it is a problem - I would think the worst case is that one of the leach field "fingers" could be moved. What do you all think about the "plan". Here are some pics:

Shot from road:

 

[Diesel Dan]

Don't know about where you live but around here if you tried moving a lateral line they'd most likely make you update your entire system to current regs.

We only plan on needing the pool <10 yrs and went with a metal framed soft sided Intex 24'x52" with the salt/sand system for <$1K and a wooden deck (6x10) for <$500. In a few years if I want it gone we are out a minimal investment vs our neighbors who spent $5-7K and use theirs less than us.

I would love an inground pool but can't justify the costs for this area. Especially since it does not add to the resale and is a negative in many instances.

 

[jpcjguy]

Call your county for an on lot survey/look at by an inspector.
There is no reason to listen to speculation.
I paid $80 for such a visit.
It erased a doubt.

Good advice and I plan on doing that -was just wondering if moving a drain field "finger" from the side closest to the pool to the other side is a possible option (as in can be done) or would it be ridiculously expensive.

 

[LB-1911]

Good advice and I plan on doing that -was just wondering if moving a drain field "finger" from the side closest to the pool to the other side is a possible option (as in can be done) or would it be ridiculously expensive.

You just don't move a drainfield "finger".

You need to obtain a copy of your systems As built.

Are you aware of the location of the systems reserve area?

The reserve area is a site on your property suitable for a new septic system if your current system fails. Treat this area with care just as you do your septic system. This area is not a parking lot, great place for a basketball court or hot tub and definitely not the location for your house addition. Your reserve area should be clearly designated on your "as-built" drawing and preserved for future on-site sewage system installation.

 

[kbs2244]

From the PIC I would guess that you field is in the red circle?
If so, an above ground pool would be no problem.
If you are talking an in ground have the pool contractor come out for a look.
It is his job to make this type of thing work.

 

[jpcjguy]

You just don't move a drainfield "finger".

You need to obtain a copy of your systems As built.

Are you aware of the location of the systems reserve area?

The reserve area is a site on your property suitable for a new septic system if your current system fails. Treat this area with care just as you do your septic system. This area is not a parking lot, great place for a basketball court or hot tub and definitely not the location for your house addition. Your reserve area should be clearly designated on your "as-built" drawing and preserved for future on-site sewage system installation.

Interesting. I was not aware of that - hence the post - trying to make sure I take ALL aspects into consideration. Thanks!

 

[jpcjguy]

From the PIC I would guess that you field is in the red circle?
If so, an above ground pool would be no problem.
If you are talking an in ground have the pool contractor come out for a look.
It is his job to make this type of thing work.

I am thinking inground pool. But I really am not going to place my home/yard in the hands of the pool guy without doing my own homework first.

 

[daddycreswell]

Off topic, but If I was you I wouldn't install a ingound pool. I put one in 4 years ago and it was the worst thing I could have done. Wish I would have done an above ground, it hardly gets used, we are never home with 2 sons in all sports. I have a 30k dollar hole in my back yard. I could have spent 3-5 k and tore it down when I wanted to. Live and learn.

 

[jpcjguy]

Off topic, but If I was you I wouldn't install a ingound pool. I put one in 4 years ago and it was the worst thing I could have done. Wish I would have done an above ground, it hardly gets used, we are never home with 2 sons in all sports. I have a 30k dollar hole in my back yard. I could have spent 3-5 k and tore it down when I wanted to. Live and learn.

Not off topic at all - all advice welcome. That is a good point - with sports taking so many people away from home. I have identical boys age 4 and a 1 year old daughter (we are done) and my though process is that if I am going to do it, do it early. I figure as they get older (teen years) more time will be out and about....

 

[daddycreswell]

Not off topic at all - all advice welcome. That is a good point - with sports taking so many people away from home. I have identical boys age 4 and a 1 year old daughter (we are done) and my though process is that if I am going to do it, do it early. I figure as they get older (teen years) more time will be out and about....

Mine are 11 and 13 now, they used the **** out of it when we first installed. Now I just clean it and look at it. They might get in it once a week, and that's about it. This is really off topic but when you do install one do your self a favor and find TFP.com, if you follow the pool care guide lines your pool will be crystal clear and easy to take care of. Also you I don't know what system you are looking at but I'd suggest a salt water system. I love mine.

 

[volleyball]

What do you know of your septic system? How old, how big and how often maintained?
That before you ever start digging.
I agree with the above ground pool. No fencing required. Get a small one now and see how it goes. Get a bigger one if they use it a lot, are bigger themselves and you are not tired of the expense and work to maintain. I don't know anyone who used their pool regularly for more than a few years.

 

[LB-1911]

Interesting. I was not aware of that - hence the post - trying to make sure I take ALL aspects into consideration. Thanks!

You'll be doing yourself a big favor later if you make the time now and do a site plan.

Elements of a Site Plan are property boundaries, setbacks, easements, utilities, well, septic tank(s), leach fields (to include reserve area) land topography, vegetation, proposed and/or existing structures, perimeter fences and roadways.

I would check online and see what type of information your city / county bldg dept has available online as well.

Good Luck

 

[clkimmel]

I don't think you will have a problem, check with your city about setbacks from the septic. My pool was put in right next to the leach field in the area originally designated as the reserve field. The city came out and tested a different area and moved the reserve field. All had to be done before we could get a permit.

 

[Radix2]

It seems very unlikely that your reserve area would be uphill from your current field.

 

[bushmechanic]

You'll be doing yourself a big favor later if you make the time now and do a site plan.

Elements of a Site Plan are property boundaries, setbacks, easements, utilities, well, septic tank(s), leach fields (to include reserve area) land topography, vegetation, proposed and/or existing structures, perimeter fences and roadways.

I would check online and see what type of information your city / county bldg dept has available online as well.

Good Luck

Bingo. You should have one anyway, for future reference. Usually, the person hired to map your development for septic use can provide everything you need, as he had to work within all the other boundaries.

He can also note the specifications of the system, because odds are either he or someone he knows installed it.

The stuff is available publicly, as well. You just have to find out where to go in your area.

You'll want a full site plan, just as the above post suggested. Get it all together in one place.

As for the pool, regulations will provide everything you need to know. Septic systems are taken incredibly seriously. It looks as if you may have a mound system, as well.

If this is the case, the soil wasn't very suitable to begin with. That means your reserve area is critical, and you need to be very careful around the current system.

 

[jpcjguy]

Bingo. You should have one anyway, for future reference. Usually, the person hired to map your development for septic use can provide everything you need, as he had to work within all the other boundaries.

He can also note the specifications of the system, because odds are either he or someone he knows installed it.

The stuff is available publicly, as well. You just have to find out where to go in your area.

You'll want a full site plan, just as the above post suggested. Get it all together in one place.

As for the pool, regulations will provide everything you need to know. Septic systems are taken incredibly seriously. It looks as if you may have a mound system, as well.

If this is the case, the soil wasn't very suitable to begin with. That means your reserve area is critical, and you need to be very careful around the current system.

I doubt it is a mound system - the slope is natural from the neighbors property. It is interesting to me that they did not go out the front of the house with the septic since it slopes down from the front of the house. Going out the back of the house the yard actually slopes up. See pic:

The yellow circle is where the access cover is where the guy inspected and pumped in January. So if the sewer line coming out the crawlspace into the yard has to be parallel or slope down, then my septic system is deep underground (5+ feet) from my rough estimation.

 

[bushmechanic]

Perhaps it's an illusion, then. The photographs are a bit confusing.

Either way, you'll need to get those maps together and be sure you're digging the hole in an approved manner and location.

 

[jhelrey]

Get a hot tub! Smalls kids like it because it's like a giant bathtub.

 

[Architorture]

if you want to get the most use out of the pool, put it closer to the house. as strange as it sounds, the further away from the house the pool, the less likely it is to be used. probably has something to do with being able to see it from inside.

 

[DIC]

If you could figure out how to move it you can have mine. Comes with everything pool, spa, waterfall, pumps, booster pump, heater, controls, robot cleaner, chemicals...

 

[PelicanPines]

Big hot tub with deck.... will get used a lot more....