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Building Concrete Ponds Takes Special Planning
To have longer-lasting landscape effects, people are building concrete ponds in their yards to serve as a centerpiece of design. They will require more planning and work than those using a plastic liner, but the end result can be a durable decoration, made to fit into the landscape.
When planning on building concrete ponds the wanted design should be sketched on paper with considerations for a water supply and electric. If the pond can be built close to the house, electric power should not be a problem. However, if building concrete ponds in a remote section of the year, an electrician may be needed to supply electric for the water pump. The amount of concrete needed will also depend on whether the walls will be solid concrete with a footer, much like the basement of a house, or poured into forms on one side using the ground for the form on the outside of the pond.
Once the plan is complete, excavation can begin and dont forget to add in the space for the concrete when digging out the hole. For example, if building concrete ponds that are planned to be 10-feet wide, with four-inches of concrete on each side the excavation will have to be 10-feet, eight inches at minimum. If forms are going to be used to create concrete wall, space will also need to be allowed for placing and removal of the form and then the space backfilled once the concrete is dry. Dont forget to run water and electric lines before the concrete is poured.
Lining Recommended To Protect Against Water Loss
Even when building concrete ponds, a plastic or rubber lining should be placed over the concrete to prevent eventual damage to the concrete as well as the water seeping through the concrete and disappearing in to the ground.
If planning to add large rocks on the inside of the pond, special protective pads can be used to prevent the rocks from damaging the liner. Additionally, building concrete ponds avails the opportunity for additional landscaping around the pond, but care must be taken with any trees or shrubs. They will continue to grow and overtime the roots could cause damage to the concrete if planted too close.
When building concrete ponds, pigment can be added to the concrete to offer a color to fit into the natural landscape or as a contrast. Remember though, that whatever color used should be one that is well liked because it will remain for as long as the concrete is present. |