DIY concrete pond

A concrete pond can be a rewarding project that enhances the beauty and tranquility of your backyard. All you need is some simple materials and a little bit of work to create a gorgeous water feature that will not only add aesthetic value to your garden but also serve as a tranquil haven for you to enjoy at home. You can also save money and feel proud of yourself for a job well done when you do it yourself.

Creating a concrete pond requires a few key steps, regardless of your design preference—a small, straightforward pond or a larger, more elaborate one. Every step of the process—from organizing and excavating the hole to preparing and distributing the concrete—needs meticulous attention to detail. But don’t worry, if you’re not experienced with do-it-yourself projects, you can still successfully design a pond that expresses your tastes and style with the correct help.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the process of creating your own concrete pond in this article. Everything you need to know will be covered, from choosing the ideal location and supplies to putting the finishing touches. Now let’s get started and discover how to turn a section of your garden into a stunning water haven.

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits of a concrete swimming pool:

• low material costs;
• high structural strength;
• easy to maintain;
• the ability to create ponds of various shapes and sizes;
• the structures are compatible with various engineering equipment;
• long service life.

The drawbacks consist of:

• duration of installation work;
• painstaking work;
• need to cover with frost-resistant material;
• for optimal habitat of the aquatic world and to increase the service life of the structure, waterproofing with liquid glass is needed.

Creating your own concrete pond in your backyard can be a fulfilling project that turns it into a calm haven. You can build a long-lasting and eye-catching pond that complements your decor and area with the correct supplies, simple tools, and a little perseverance. Even novices will be able to accomplish this do-it-yourself project with the help of this guide, which will take you through all the necessary steps, from preparation and excavation to concrete pouring and finishing touches.

Necessary tools and materials

The following factors affect the selection of materials used to build ponds:

• planned location;
• relief;
• service life;
• speed of construction;
• planned financial investments.

The following supplies are needed to construct a pond by hand:

• reinforcing wire;
• sand;
• cement;
• water;
• crushed stone;
• roofing felt;
• reinforced metal mesh;
• primer.

The following equipment will be necessary:

• scoop;
• stretcher;
• concrete mixer;
• brush;
• shovel;
• bucket;
• welding machine.

Stages of construction

Construction of the pond begins with determining the location. For this, it is better to contact a surveying specialist who will perform topographic and design work. It is better to arrange a pond on a flat area. It is not recommended to dig a pond under trees, as plant roots can damage the bottom of the structure, and fallen leaves will worsen the water. It is recommended to install a pond with your own hands in a place where there is a predominance of shade. It is not worth carrying out construction in places where utility lines are located. It is important to determine the level of water in the soil and the possibility of soil deformation from the temperature regime.

When installing a water-filled depression, the following steps are involved:

• At the first stage, a pit is dug.
• Next, a layer of waterproofing is laid.
• At the next stage, the first layer of concrete is laid.
• A reinforcing frame is installed.
• Liquid glass is poured.

Prior to beginning construction, the structure’s dimensions must be determined, and its perimeter must be marked with pegs. Once the area has been identified, the amount of concrete solution is calculated. Either make the solution yourself or purchase one that is already made at the store. In order to independently prepare the mixture, the following ingredients will be needed:

• cement;
• water;
• sand;
• crushed stone;
• plasticizer.

Water filtration, lighting installation, and drainage options are considered in the early stages.

Digging a pit

They start excavating the ground after doing some preliminary work. The solution’s surface is equal to and touches the bottom of the excavated pits. The next step is to pour on two centimeter-thick sand and apply a waterproofing layer around the pit’s whole perimeter.

You must set the pegs with an equal step in order to make the notch even. A half-meter from the edge, woods indicate the deepest portion of the pit. They start digging only after that. Preserve future beauty by taking care of it now. In order to accomplish this, you must leave a small space around the pit’s edge, where décor items will eventually be placed. Use a building water level to make sure the excavated elements are level. They begin to remove the soil from the pit’s center.

Laying the waterproofing

Waterproofing is started after the pit is dug. Polyethylene film or roofing felt are used for this. Starting in the center of the pit and working your way outward, apply the waterproofing material, securing the edges with weighted objects. Install the waterproofing layer so that ten centimeters of it extends past the pit’s sides. The film is laid evenly without being stretched to prevent damage to it.

Laying the first layer of concrete

The first concrete layer has to be laid next. This procedure needs to be completed in a day, but if it takes longer, cracks could start to show.

More than ten centimeters thick is the first layer that is applied. They then start to descend from the pit’s walls before moving smoothly to the bottom. The layer needs to be smooth and devoid of lumps or voids. Only after the reinforcing frame is installed on the walls—in a concrete solution that hasn’t yet set—can the bottom be leveled.

Concrete reinforcement

A metal mesh is used as reinforcement to increase the structure’s strength. First secure the reinforcing layer horizontally, then vertically. Stepping on the solution with your feet can help you assess how dry it is. The reinforcement should be submerged in a concrete solution that hasn’t had time to solidify.

Laying the second layer of material

Proceed to lay the second layer after finishing the first phase of pouring and assembling the reinforcing structure. Like the first, the second layer is laid continuously. This is accomplished by applying a five-centimeter-thick layer of concrete solution to a previously wet surface. When their edges are pressed with a moisture-resistant film, the second layer’s edge should stick out more than the first’s. It’s crucial to level the bottom well and wall surfaces after applying the second layer.

Filling the bowl with silicate glue

Three days after laying the second layer of concrete, they begin pouring silicate glue, or liquid glass, into the ponds. Glass in liquid form has superior adhesive qualities. Use a sodium silicate aqueous solution to obtain it. Since concrete chips can release harmful elements that could endanger the aquatic life in the future pond, you cannot apply the glue right away.

Apply a two millimeter layer of silicate glue evenly using a wide brush. Moving downward, begin with the walls. Silicate glue must also be applied all at once. The surfaces must be completely cleaned before applying the layer. Additionally, you can apply sealants or primers to the pond surfaces, but keep in mind that these substances pose a risk to any additional aquatic life. Another material that is used to create ponds is liquid rubber, which is immune to mechanical forces and resistant to freezing.

Decoration and maintenance

The decorating phase of pond construction is an interesting one. The pond’s tiled bottom, which can be either plain or colored, has a lovely appearance. The water may have a blue hue if the bottom is composed of white tiles; this will also make the water appear transparent. Skilled artisans experiment with different colored glass patterns. There’s plenty of space for creative people to add their own touches to the pond, so they should be happy to do so.

The pond’s installed fountain is lovely. Crushed stone, tiny pebbles, and different types of pebbles are scattered around the pond’s edge to give it a natural appearance. In addition, you can fill them with different sized and shaped stones, grass, and wild flowers. There are a lot of small trees, firs, and thujas that you can use to enhance the pond’s area. Colors can be added to the palette by planting flowers in specialty baskets. Seven days after construction, it is advised to add fish and frogs to the water area.

A filtration system or individual filters are used to keep the water clear and uncontaminated. Throughout its whole service life, the pond needs to be kept clean; if you intend to breed aquatic life, this needs to be closely observed. Make use of UV sterilizers, backlights, and pump-equipped filters. These gadgets will enhance the pond’s surroundings and stop water blooms from happening. Since the water in the pond shouldn’t freeze in the winter, it is drained during this time of year. This is crucial for buildings with vertical walls.

Installation instructions

When building a pond, you should adhere to the installation guidelines in order to achieve the intended outcome. First, dig a pit with different tools. Level the surface and tamp the bottom well after finishing the work. Tamping is done with a heavy object or a specialized unit. As soon as the walls take on a thick, uniform structure, complete their leveling. They then start to lay waterproofing and fill the sand to a three-centimeter thickness. Subsequently, the first layer is installed using a concrete solution.

The entire process should take no more than a single day, starting from the walls and working their way down. Reinforcement is added to the concrete in two layers while it is still soft. When the first layer of concrete has solidified, they start to pour the second. The density of the solution’s hardening is determined by looking for dents after walking on it. The hardened concrete shouldn’t have any traces on it.

Skilled constructors advise soaking the surface before adding each concrete layer. After three days, the concrete is strong enough to be painted with a wide brush containing silicate glue. There should be only one layer that is level and free of holes and bumps.

Protection and safety

Prior to making the decision to construct a pond, you should be aware of all the responsibilities involved and the animals that will be using it. For instance, the presence of exotic fish necessitates covering the pond with covers made especially for this because these fish are erratic by nature and do not adapt well to temperature changes. Strong frames are used to secure them around the edges. In order to prevent aquatic life from sailing during heavy precipitation, safety equipment or filters are installed.

They employ special fencing around the water supply to shield kids from potential hazards. It can also be embellished, for instance, by draping flowers or curling grass over it. The fence is robust and designed to be collapsible.

Creating a concrete pond on your own can be a fun project that completely changes your outdoor area. You can design a stunning water feature that will improve the look of your garden and serve as a home for fish and aquatic plants with careful planning and attention to detail. You will be able to design and build a long-lasting and useful pond by following the instructions provided in this guide.

From the time you dig the hole to the time you pour the concrete, always remember to take your time. To make sure your pond is constructed to last, patience and accuracy are essential. It’s crucial to take into account the local climate as well as the requirements of the plants and animals you intend to introduce. Your pond will remain healthy and flourish with proper maintenance, such as cleaning and water quality monitoring.

More than just a building project, building a concrete pond allows you to express your creativity and take pleasure in the tranquil atmosphere that water creates in your garden. The knowledge and abilities you gain from this process can be used in subsequent projects, regardless of whether your goal is to add a straightforward water feature or a more intricate design. Thus, prepare your design, gather your tools, and relish the process of realizing your idea.

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