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- Apr 24, 2017
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Hello pond aficionados!
We recently bought a house and inherited a pond. We've never had a pond before, but the previous owner gave us some basics, and I did my fair share of internet searches to keep it in working order. However, things have since gone awry, and I'm now in need of some "professional" advice.
The pond has been working nicely and providing smiles for quite a while. However, last fall, the water level began to drop more than usual. I figured there was a leak. After turning off the pump, the water level dropped to a certain level, then stopped dropping. I figured the leak must be at that level. But, it was getting cold, and we didn't have money to hire a pro. So, I simply pumped the pond as low as it would go with the waterfall pump and let it sit all winter. As you might imagine, this spring, it is a mess.
The pond had a rubber liner, and the previous owner told me there was a concrete basin beneath. After some additional Googling, I found that, rather than try and find the leak and patch the liner (or replace the liner), I could totally remove the liner and seal the concrete instead.
So, I've spent the past few days cutting out the old liner (as close to the bottom of the edge rocks as possible), removing the nasty carpets beneath, and cleaning the concrete basin. I've dry swept, power sprayed, and wet-vac'd the pond several times. However, there is still plenty of fine grit left over that I'm unsure how to remove. I assume that I cannot simply seal/paint over it. How can I really get this "clean"? How clean must it be for concrete/pond sealer to adhere and work?
Additionally, the concrete is "rough". It is more like the floor of a cave, than a smooth surface. And some parts have tiny cracks or crumbles. So, I assume I'll have to patch this somehow.
Also, I was originally thinking of just slathering on several thick coats of Flex Seal. However, after additional research, I'm finding that there are lots (and lots!) of options and debates regarding pond sealing approaches and materials. Before I was ignorant of info. Now I'm overloaded with info. Any advice?
I've included pictures to help give a better idea of my comments above.
Thanks in advance...!