Contemplating building an above ground pond.....

[Meyer Jordan]

3' above ground or 3' total?

That is 3 feet above ground. Typically any type of retaining wall structure over 3 feet requires, at minimum, a building permit.

 

[Gemma]

What about 3 feet down and 2 feet above? This would give you 5 feet of depth, which is plenty for a koi pond and you wouldn't have so many structural concerns about going higher.

That would work! What's the limit in size, is there a limit?

That is 3 feet above ground. Typically any type of retaining wall structure over 3 feet requires, at minimum, a building permit.

Got it, thank you!

 

[mrsclem]

Gemma- I have 2 ponds built partially below and above ground. Both were built with pressure treated lumber. one is 11x15, 2-4' deep, the other 10x10x5. We are in zone 7, never had a problem with freezing more than 10" deep. The 10x10 has 4x4 posts every 2 1/2' set in 3' of concrete and we do have some bowing of walls (6" after 6years). It can be done! I would say go all block. Our ponds are 300' from road access and on a hill so moving materials made wood the easy choice. Go for it!

 

[Tula]

Gemma, I don't think there is a limit on size, with a block pond. I'd plan for something manageable for you

 

[CeeJayH]

I built my block above ground pond a couple of years ago. I don't see why you can't excavate and go down as well, providing you but in a good concrete foundation first.

See my showcase for details

 

[Gemma]

Gemma- I have 2 ponds built partially below and above ground. Both were built with pressure treated lumber. one is 11x15, 2-4' deep, the other 10x10x5. We are in zone 7, never had a problem with freezing more than 10" deep. The 10x10 has 4x4 posts every 2 1/2' set in 3' of concrete and we do have some bowing of walls (6" after 6years). It can be done! I would say go all block. Our ponds are 300' from road access and on a hill so moving materials made wood the easy choice. Go for it!View attachment 102115

Thanks for your reply, you gave me hope!

Gemma, I don't think there is a limit on size, with a block pond. I'd plan for something manageable for you

I'm thinking 6 koi, how many gallons do you think I need?

About filtering, what are my best choices? I'm only familiar with skimmer box and waterfalls from kits

 

[Gemma]

I built my block above ground pond a couple of years ago. I don't see why you can't excavate and go down as well, providing you but in a good concrete foundation first.

See my showcase for details

Thank you! I will look at your showcase after work!
What should I put in/on the blocks to hold it together?

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

Mine is three feet above ground and another
1 1/2 ft dug into the ground for about 54" water depth and built out of retaining wall blocks. They are similar to a regular concrete blocks in the sense they have two webs for reinforcement. Mine is 3000 gallon with 7 large Koi and around 30 3" long babies...... Going great so far

 

[Gemma]

Mine is three feet above ground and another
1 1/2 ft dug into the ground for about 54" water depth and built out of retaining wall blocks. They are similar to a regular concrete blocks in the sense they have two webs for reinforcement. Mine is 3000 gallon with 7 large Koi and around 30 3" long babies...... Going great so far

3000gl is what I was hoping to be able to reach, what kind of filtration do you use?
*I'm going to search for showcase pics of your pond

 

[Gemma]

@Jimmy Gibson love your pond!
Have you posted pics of it with fish in it?

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

@Jimmy Gibson love your pond!
Have you posted pics of it with fish in it?

Savio skimmer/filter, Savio F100 waterfall/ filter, 3" Easyflo main drain, AquaUtlraviolet 54 watt UV filter and Ultima 6000 filter.

 

[Gemma]

View attachment 102134 View attachment 102135 View attachment 102136 View attachment 102137 View attachment 102138 Savio skimmer/filter, Savio F100 waterfall/ filter, 3" Easyflo main drain, AquaUtlraviolet 54 watt UV filter and Ultima 6000 filter.

Your pond is a perfect example of what I had invisioned! I'm going to show my husband pics of yours so he too can understand what I'm talking about.
Did you put anything else (sand, cement...), inside the holes where the metal rods are?

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

Your pond is a perfect example of what I had invisioned! I'm going to show my husband pics of yours so he too can understand what I'm talking about.
Did you put anything else (sand, cement...), inside the holes where the metal rods are?

I put a 3/8" reinforcement rod 18"" deep in the ground in each web and then filled with Quickrete , also I buried one block deep in the ground. Then after the wall was complete I put a skim coat of motar so it would be a somewhat smooth surface for the Underlayment and the liner to go agianist.

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

I put a 3/8" reinforcement rod 18"" deep in the ground in each web and then filled with Quickrete , also I buried one block deep in the ground. Then after the wall was complete I put a skim coat of motar so it would be a somewhat smooth surface for the Underlayment and the liner to go agianist. View attachment 102157View attachment 102158View attachment 102159View attachment 102160

Then I dug some more

 

[Gemma]

I love it! Thank you for all your help!