Building pond #2

[RobAmy]

This is how hubby plans on doing the footings....any thoughts?

View attachment 111804

The footing looks good. I assume this is all below grade except for the cap? Seeing your in zone 5b I would not want to see any less then 2ft below grade for frost issues.

 

[Gemma]

The footing looks good. I assume this is all below grade except for the cap? Seeing your in zone 5b I would not want to see any less then 2ft below grade for frost issues.

The pond will be part in ground, and part above ground.
He plans on digging a 2' deep trance to set the footings, would you go deeper?
Also we are not sure if we should have a shelf or not. Does having a shelf improve the strength of the wall or it doesn't make a difference?

 

[poconojoe]

A lot of work and you haven't even started the pond yet! Pace yourselves. But, can't wait to see your progress.

 

[Gemma]

A lot of work and you haven't even started the pond yet! Pace yourselves. But, can't wait to see your progress.

The weather hasn't really been on our side, hopefully once we get going it will move fast

 

[poconojoe]

Yeah, our weather has been very wet lately. But sometimes a damp soil is easier to dig.

 

[RobAmy]

The pond will be part in ground, and part above ground.
He plans on digging a 2' deep trance to set the footings, would you go deeper?
Also we are not sure if we should have a shelf or not. Does having a shelf improve the strength of the wall or it doesn't make a difference?

A wider base does improve the strength but if you do not want a shelf just go 12" block instead of 8" with the rebar and it should be fine. 2ft for your zone should be fine.

 

[Gemma]

Thanks @RobAmy , you've been very helpful!

 

[CliffandJoann]

I'm not sure of your explanation...but make sure your waterfall 'faces the house'
and not in the corner...this is good fung shui and insures that money will
always flow into the house. Water represents wealth, without it, there is no
wealth.

Are you re-building another deck?
You said you want to see the pond from the house.
When we built our pond (before building the lower pond viewing deck) we
layed out the pond shape with a garden hose.

I was surprised at how much the deck covered the pond view from
both the house and the upper deck that is only three feet above ground.
the lower deck is about one foot above ground. (the lower pond deck
is another thing we lowered not to obstruct the pond view from inside
the house.
Is this clear or is it mumble gumble?
Joann

 

[CliffandJoann]

Gee, I typed out a big thing and it disappeared

Not sure of your discription of the waterfall placement.
Are you doing another deck? To you have a drawing
of your future pond.

It's important that the waterfall faces the house.
This is good fung shui...water represents wealth, in order
for money to continue flowing into the house you need the
water to flo towards the house, not away from the house...

When we built our pond, we first layed it out with the bright
orange water hose...we were surprised at how much of the
front of the pond was obstructed from the lower pond deck
that is only one foot off the ground...

So, we then moved the pond out a few more feet.
(I hope this is clear). Also, I saw that the kidney shape was a little
boring, so we just made some in and out -- subtle bumps outs all
around ( as well as a shallow beach section)

 

[CliffandJoann]

Ok, sorry for the double post...

 

[CliffandJoann]

Why are you making it partially above ground? The reason I ask is -- you asked
about shelves...we have shelves all around except for the beach section.
the shelves were built to hold rocks and plants so that no liner shows on the sides
of the pond all around. I'm not sure how you can do this on a partially raised pond.

Is it your goal to have a formal pond, or a more natural like pond.
I think a partially raised pond is more formal.

 

[Gemma]

I'm not sure of your explanation...but make sure your waterfall 'faces the house'
and not in the corner...this is good fung shui and insures that money will
always flow into the house. Water represents wealth, without it, there is no
wealth.

Are you re-building another deck?
You said you want to see the pond from the house.
When we built our pond (before building the lower pond viewing deck) we
layed out the pond shape with a garden hose.

I was surprised at how much the deck covered the pond view from
both the house and the upper deck that is only three feet above ground.
the lower deck is about one foot above ground. (the lower pond deck
is another thing we lowered not to obstruct the pond view from inside
the house.
Is this clear or is it mumble gumble?
Joann

We are about to start building a second pond!
My existing pond is on the side of the house, I can see it from the kitchen and living room. The new pond will be in the backyard and I'll be able to see it from the house as well.

I don't know fung shui but still I don't understand your point cause the way I see it, the waterfall is not like a river, it keeps recirculating the same water

 

[CliffandJoann]

yes it does, but should be recirculating towards the house, not away from the house.

 

[Gemma]

Are you doing another deck? To you have a drawing
of your future pond.
)

I had a high and lower deck, we removed the lower deck to put a pond in its place
Sorry I don't have a drawing but weather permitting we should start laying it out soon and then I will take a pic

 

[Gemma]

@RobAmy , the area slopes down about 2', are we still ok digging the footings 2' deep all the way around, or do we need to do them differently on the lower end?