A concrete pond can be a valuable addition to your garden. Ponds are built for ornamental purposes, to draw water to use for irrigating plants, or for bathing in hot weather. Plus, adding a pond makes your garden very attractive to birds and animals in general. To build a concrete pond, follow these tips.
Steps
Step 1. Design the best shape
If you have an idea in mind, sketch a drawing. Take into account the size of the garden and the budget you want to dedicate to this undertaking, in order to determine the shape and size of the excavation. Make a cost estimate and a list of the materials you will need.
- Search online or in trade magazines for the most pleasant way to create your pond. Visit acquaintances' gardens or public areas to help you better define your idea.
- Carefully design the pond. If necessary, review the plan before digging to avoid unnecessary cost and effort.
- Evaluate the distance of the pond from your home and the boundary of your property. If necessary, contact an expert who will advise you on the limits imposed by law and municipal ordinances.
Step 2. Contact the municipality's technical office to verify that what you are about to carry out complies with the regulations, and obtain the relevant permits if required
If necessary, ask for an inspection visit so that the work is approved before implementation.
Before starting the excavation, make absolutely sure that there are no underground cables or pipes
Step 3. Excavate where you will build the pond
Remove boulders, debris and other obstacles first. Consider removing trees or shrubs so the roots can't damage the pond.
Step 4. Get all the equipment you need
If the pond you are about to build is of considerable size, you will need a portable concrete mixer to mix the concrete, or book a truck to deliver it at the right time. If the excavation is smaller, you may need a wheelbarrow, a concrete mixing tool, shovels, trowel and level.
Step 5. Store the soil that you excavate in a separate place, and in any case avoid the edges of the excavation from collapsing inside
Make sure the edge is level and even. Press the soil to the edge of the excavation, also by passing over it with a means.
Step 6. Reinforce the concrete with wire mesh
First, place a plastic sheet over the entire surface of the future pond. Then place wire mesh inside the excavation, using the stiffer type for the bottom, and possibly a lighter mesh (such as those for bird cages) for the shaped or vertical parts.
Place supports so that the wire mesh is raised and not touching the bottom of the trench. In this way, the concrete will weld around the wire mesh, reinforcing itself as a result of this inclusion
Step 7. Knead and pour the concrete
Keep the concrete dense to line the edges of the pond. For these areas you should knead the concrete by hand, to prevent it from dripping to the bottom before solidifying.
The side walls of the pond should be approximately 10 cm thick. Follow the cement manufacturer's instructions
Step 8. Level and smooth the concrete surface
Use a board or level to smooth the concrete. Depending on the humidity and temperature, the concrete begins to solidify within two hours of mixing it. By this time you should have already completed the smoothing phase.
Advice
- Insert a water circulation pump inside the pond to prevent water from stagnating and creating algae.
- Heavier equipment can be hired from building supply suppliers, who can also help you with calculations or advice.
Warnings
- Let the concrete dry completely before filling the pond with water. This can take a few weeks.
- Make sure you are able to operate the equipment you rent, so as not to take safety risks and not risk compromising the result or the equipment itself.
