A hot tub can be a great way to relax in your backyard at different times of the day or year. It can be a place to sit back during a hot day or somewhere to warm up on a cold day. Your own private pool can allow you to enjoy the benefits of swimming without feeling self-conscious in a public pool. However, it is important to be aware of potential issues when installing a hot tub or pool in your back garden if you have a septic tank.
Maintenance
Hot tubs and pools require maintenance on a regular basis. For example, hot tubs need to be drained every three months in order to keep them clean. The risk of this is that it can overwhelm your septic system, resulting in solids that flow into the drain field, clogged pipes and damage to the drain field (assuming you pour water into that area.)
How to make it work
Septic systems will struggle with the additional water with hot tubs or pools (this could be between 300 to 700 gallons), so it is important to find a way to clear water away from the septic system. Do not drain your water into local streams or ponds as this will affect the ecosystem, as the chemicals could change the pH of the body of water and could have a devastating effect on the local animals and plant life.
The method to make it work is to drain hot tub or pool water into the ground or use it as a form of irrigation. To do this effectively, stop adding in chlorine or turn off chlorination systems for two days before you drain the water. You can drain the water once it is between 6.5-8.5pH.
Also it is very important to remember that your pool or hot tub water should drain away from any neighbors’ properties. If any damage occurs, then you could be liable (and they won’t thank you for the potential additional mosquitoes!) This process also applies to filters that need to be filtered separately.
Is it worth it?
In conclusion, yes it is possible to install a backyard hot tub or pool alongside a septic tank or septic system. However, it is clear that in order to do so you need to be aware of local regulations, your neighbors and any bodies of water near your home. Before you consider investing in a hot tub or pool installation, it is worth looking into potential issues around your local area and whether you are prepared to put the time and effort into balancing out your needs, the needs of your neighbors’ and any potential problems that could happen in the local environment.