Concrete pond construction

[gautprod]

Hello fellow pond enthusiasts,

I'm in the process of constructing a pond and would love to get some advice from those with experience in concrete pond construction. The pond has been excavated, revealing a sloping bedrock at the bottom. The sides are steep, almost vertical, and part of the pond structure is above ground, reinforced externally with a thick layer of soil and stone.

I plan to use concrete blocks for the sides, but I want to maintain the natural slope of the bedrock. To do this, I'll need to create a level base or foundation around the sides on the bedrock before setting the blocks. What would be the best approach for building the foundation? Could a circular slab reinforced with rebar work? What would be the best waterproofing agent or coating to apply to the concrete to prevent water leakage and protect aquatic life from the alkali content of the cement?

I'm aiming for a durable and eco-friendly solution that ensures the health of the pond's ecosystem. Any tips, product recommendations, or construction techniques would be greatly appreciated. I know that it would be easier to just use a pond liner but I am optíng not to.

 

[bjorn_toulouse]

Hi, I used concrete blocks for two walls in my pond, the other side was a sandstone ark. The floor I used granite cobbles and old bricks. I coated the whole lot in concrete and then painted with waterproof pond paint.

no leaks

 

[j.w]

Hi, I used concrete blocks for two walls in my pond, the other side was a sandstone ark. The floor I used granite cobbles and old bricks. I coated the whole lot in concrete and then painted with waterproof pond paint.

no leaks

So it's been a bit over a month right? Hoping it lasts for a long time w/o leaks!

 

[bjorn_toulouse]

It's a common enough way of doing it over here. The fountains and pond outside my work has used this since the sixties, repaint every 10 years.

 

[GBBUDD]

Hello fellow pond enthusiasts,

I'm in the process of constructing a pond and would love to get some advice from those with experience in concrete pond construction. The pond has been excavated, revealing a sloping bedrock at the bottom. The sides are steep, almost vertical, and part of the pond structure is above ground, reinforced externally with a thick layer of soil and stone.

I plan to use concrete blocks for the sides, but I want to maintain the natural slope of the bedrock. To do this, I'll need to create a level base or foundation around the sides on the bedrock before setting the blocks. What would be the best approach for building the foundation? Could a circular slab reinforced with rebar work? What would be the best waterproofing agent or coating to apply to the concrete to prevent water leakage and protect aquatic life from the alkali content of the cement?

I'm aiming for a durable and eco-friendly solution that ensures the health of the pond's ecosystem. Any tips, product recommendations, or construction techniques would be greatly appreciated. I know that it would be easier to just use a pond liner but I am optíng not to.

Looks as this post slipped through the cracks, poster is probably long gone

There is bed rock and then there is competent no Crasks or fissures bedrock. I am hardly an expert for your area of this big blue marble but i would imagine you have a good deal of tectonic plate shifting over there. for that reason, i would try to separate the bedrock from the side walls if I could if not hen i would tie hem in very very well so they could not shift from each other.

Concrete is only an issue for the first few weeks after placement. The leaching is minimal afterwards and should be fine after a FULL water change

 

[bjorn_toulouse]

A few weeks after mine it was full of rainwater and all sorts of blossom! I then drained it and filled again. Next year a net over the pond in spring, you live and learn.

 

[zeuspaul]

I built my 9000 gallon 9 foot deep reservoir with concrete block. I sealed t with Rapid Set mortar mix applied with a trowel. That was over 17 years ago and still no leaks.