Concrete pond construction might sound like a tremendous undertaking, but it can be done, and the rewards will be well worth it.
Concrete ponds are more permanent and less slippery than ponds lined with rubber or PVC. Furthermore, they permit flexibility in design and imagination, allowing for things like stone edgings, walls, and waterfalls. Concrete ponds will also certainly attract attention, and when properly constructed, they can provide a lifetime of enjoyment.
Remember that a concrete pond can be as large or as small as you prefer. It can range from just a couple feet of space to several feet wide and deep. The dimensions of the pond will most likely depend on how much land is available to work with, how hilly or rocky it is, and how large the construction budget is.
This type of pond is especially good in regions where the winters are mild and the ground does not freeze since this reduces the risk of the concrete walls cracking. However, living in a colder climate should not prohibit anyone from constructing a pond from concrete. A simple solution to any potential cracking issues is coating the dry concrete with concrete pond sealer, which will be discussed later.
The most important thing to remember is that taking any shortcuts when tackling this kind of project can eventually lead to disaster. A poorly constructed pond can result in expensive costs for maintenance, repairs, or total replacement that will far surpass the initial costs incurred for its construction. You may be better using a flexible pond liner if your home is rented or you do not have much time on your hands.
Regardless of how large you decide to build your pond, the concrete needs to be poured at a thickness between four and six inches. Once you have calculated the dimensions of your pond and have outlined the area, then all soil and any rocks need to be dug out. Once the digging is complete, forms need to be built and placed in the area where the concrete is to be poured, and a properly fitted reinforcement bar needs to be put in place so that the walls do not cave in.
When ready to actually pour the cement into the area, be sure you are able to complete this step in one day. However, if the pond happens to be very large, it is acceptable to pour it in sections. Be sure to pour cement into the bottom of the pond first, then on the sides, and finally, pour the cement for the top of the pond.
Once these initial steps have been completed, the cement will need to cure for several days under a plastic covering. If the concrete is treated with muriatic acid, this will help to prevent high pH levels in the water later, which is particularly beneficial if you are constructing a concrete fish pond. As stated earlier, after this acid treatment, be sure to apply several coats of concrete pond sealer, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. This process can give you a much longer-lasting result than a flexible pond liner ever could. And although all this is time-consuming at least you get a free workout!
Once all steps have been completed and the concrete is dry, the pond is ready to be filled with water and the creative process can begin. Let your imagination run wild as you construct edgings, place various plants around the pond, and stock it with fish if you desire. Your new pond will be the ideal place to relax after all your hard work and enjoy the beauty of your own creation.
