Good concrete pond construction means not taking shortcuts. Improper methods can lead to more money spent on maintenance, repairs, or replacement than on the cost of the initial construction. A pond made of concrete materials should last for a very long time if you follow the correct specifications and building instructions.
In a concrete pond, the acceptable concrete thickness specification is four to six inches. The area should be adequately prepared for the pouring of concrete by excavating soil and rock materials at the desired depth. Thereafter, the forms are built and put in place along with the reinforcement bars preparatory to the pouring of the concrete mix.
For digging out the area for concrete pond construction, you will need shovels, picks, a crowbar, and, of course, a wheelbarrow. Some other necessary items include a carpenter's level, string, stakes, sheets of plastic, and a long two-by-four.
Concreting should be finished in a day, otherwise the work area should be divided into sections and concrete poured section by section. Concreting should start at the floor and followed by the sides. If shelves have been dug out, pour cement there, next. Finally, pour cement for the top of the pond and for any coping that may be involved.
After you have completed these first steps of your concrete pond construction project, you need to let the cement cure for several days under plastic. Treatment with muriatic acid is also recommended to avoid pH levels that can prove harmful to fish and plants. After the acid treatment, apply several coats of paint made for pools or masonry sealant, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
Building a concrete pond is an excellent learning opportunity. It's best to start with a smaller pond, then if you meet with success, you can then move on to a larger project. Once you have gained confidence in your capabilities, you can afford to be ambitious and work to find your niche in the business. Just remember that the learning process is always the first step towards bigger things.
In a concrete pond, the acceptable concrete thickness specification is four to six inches. The area should be adequately prepared for the pouring of concrete by excavating soil and rock materials at the desired depth. Thereafter, the forms are built and put in place along with the reinforcement bars preparatory to the pouring of the concrete mix.
For digging out the area for concrete pond construction, you will need shovels, picks, a crowbar, and, of course, a wheelbarrow. Some other necessary items include a carpenter's level, string, stakes, sheets of plastic, and a long two-by-four.
Concreting should be finished in a day, otherwise the work area should be divided into sections and concrete poured section by section. Concreting should start at the floor and followed by the sides. If shelves have been dug out, pour cement there, next. Finally, pour cement for the top of the pond and for any coping that may be involved.
After you have completed these first steps of your concrete pond construction project, you need to let the cement cure for several days under plastic. Treatment with muriatic acid is also recommended to avoid pH levels that can prove harmful to fish and plants. After the acid treatment, apply several coats of paint made for pools or masonry sealant, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
Building a concrete pond is an excellent learning opportunity. It's best to start with a smaller pond, then if you meet with success, you can then move on to a larger project. Once you have gained confidence in your capabilities, you can afford to be ambitious and work to find your niche in the business. Just remember that the learning process is always the first step towards bigger things.
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