Moving a septic tank for pool is a common concern among homwoners who are planning to install new pools in their backyards.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to relocate your septic tank elsewhere when it is sitting in a prime pool location.
The project is not easy but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done.
As is the case with most building projects at home, moving your septic tank for a pool is governed by strict guidelines.
You need to understand the code for building pools in homes with septic tanks. Your local authorities should help with that.
Most regulations claim that in-ground pools should be at least 25 feet away from septic tanks.
The best way to know if it is possible to move your septic for a pool is to do a home inspection.
Pay an expert to carry out a thorough assessment of your property.
They should check vital components in your system including the location of the distribution box, lift stations, backwash pipes, the pump housing, and any other component that the pool will interfere with.
The inspection will also determine if there’s enough space in the property to accommodate both the tank and the pool without breaking the necessary protocols.
Moving Septic Tank For Pool Cost
Moving a septic tank is quite a difficult task. First, you need to get plumbing and septic specialitsts to design the new system including soil testing to determine if it can support a septic system adequately.
You also need the necessary permits.
If the project is authorized, you need to empty the tank, carry out the excavating process, move the tank, remove old piping and install the new one, and prepare the leach field.
Here’s a table that summarizes the average cost of moving a septic tank for a pool.
Average cost table
| Lower cost | $3,850 (2,850 if there’s no need for soil testing) |
| Higher cost | $9,800 (7,800 if there’s no need for soil testing) |
| Average cost | $6,825 ($5,325 if there’s no need for soil testing) |
Factors Affect The Cost Of Moving Septic Tank For Pool
1. Location of the septic tank
If you are moving the septic tank too far from its original place, expect to cough more cash.
This is because more resources and time will be required to move the tank and reinstall it in the new location.
The new location may also need more pipes, pumps, soil testing, etc.
2. Size of the septic tank
Larger septic tank require heaby equipment and more labor to relocate than smaller tanks.
So, the bigger your septic tank, the more you are likely to incur in terms of costs of moving it.
3. Soil Conditions
If the soil in the new location is rocky or has a lot of clay, it may need more resources and time to excavate, which can increase your costs further.
Presence of obstacles like structures or trees may also trnalstes to more equipment, time, and effort, which can increase the overall cost.
4. Permits
Different states have different regulations for moving septic tanks to make room for a swimming pool. Each one attracts a different cost from the other.
5. Drain Field
If you are going to install a new drian field, you must be prepared to part with more money.
Even if your contractor chooses to maintain the original drain field, its functionality must be assessed, which means you may have to pay more inspection fees.
6. Labor costs
The excavation process, removing and lying down of pipework, and moving the tank affect the cost of moving a septic tank for a pool.
More work (especially during the excavation process) means a higher cost.
Breakdown Of The Cost Of Moving Septic Tank For Pool
On average, here is a breakdown of what you are likely to incur to move septic tank for pool:
| Project | Cost |
| Inspection and design | $500 – $1000 |
| Soil testing (if need be) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Permits | $200 – $500 |
| Emptying the tank | $250 -$600 |
| Excavation process and moving of the tank | $1,000 – 4,000 |
| Piping removal and re-installation | $700 -$1200 |
| Installation of other fixtures (indoor control panel, pump alarms, switches, etc) | $100-$500 |
Alternative Options For Moving A Septic Tank If It’s Not Possible To Move It For A Pool
When the tank itself cannot be moved, you can resort to rerouting the piping between the field lines and the tank.
Here, the old piping is removed and a new ditch is dug around the pool site to the field lines.
If the distance is extended, a pump is necessary to counter the change in grade.
Secondly, the field lines can also be rerouted while the tank remains intact.
This one is more complicated as there’s a need to install new gravel, back-fill ditches, a perforated pipe, and a new distribution box.
The new pipe from the septic tank to the Dbox will have to be rerouted.
How To Save Money On The Cost Of Moving Septic Tank For Pool
Moving a septic tank to make room for a pool is not a cheap project. Here are a few tips on how to save money while at it.
- Consider rerouting plumbing pipes instead of moving the entire system. Ask the contractor to assess if this is an option for you. If it is, go ahead with it. With a good design system, rerouting the lines should affect the septic system.
- Do your research before you settle on the septic company to work with. Compare different quotations before you choose who to work with.
- Don’t move the septic tank too far away from the original location. The further away you move things, the more materials are needed to connect the tank to the leach field and the house. Also, a far location may warrant soil testing – an extra cost.
- Check for grants or incentives: Depending on your area, there may be grants or incentives available to help offset the cost associated with septic system installations, relocations, and upgrades. Check with your local government or utility company to see if there are any programs you can take advantage of.
Related: How to Apply For Septic Tank Grant
FAQs
I. Will moving my septic tank affect the performance of my system?
It depends on its design. If it is poorly installed, its function will be adversely affected.
Most contrcators check for slopes, the piping network, the location of pumps, etc. The right design should do just fine.
II. What permits are required to move a septic tank for a pool?
You need a building permit, an electrical permit, and a septic tank permit.
Because you are making huge changes in your property, the authorities will need the outline of the site of both the pool and the new septic tank location.
If the pool is too close to the septic tank, your permit may not be approved.
Related: Do You Need A Permit To Repair A Septic System?
III. What kind of maintenance will be required after moving a septic tank for a pool?
The same kind of maintenance done on a septic system is necessary after it has been moved to a new place.
That includes pumping it regularly, using septic-safe products on it, cleaning the tank often, carrying out repairs before they escalate, and more.
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