above ground pond

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vildotcom

vildotcom

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Jun 30, 2006
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San Diego, CA
has anybody ever tried a pond with just cinder blocks sealed with drylok?

that's what i'll attempt, and to make sure it doesn't leak, i think i'll be applying many coats of drylok.

i want to have it be roughly 4x4x3= 359 gallons

i want to stay away from wood even though that would probably be easier. 4x4s w/ liner. I really hate liners but i may have to go w/ landscapers wood and liner if i get many oppositions to the cinder and drylok.

think it will work?
 
vildotcom said:
has anybody ever tried a pond with just cinder blocks sealed with drylok?

that's what i'll attempt, and to make sure it doesn't leak, i think i'll be applying many coats of drylok.

i want to have it be roughly 4x4x3= 359 gallons

i want to stay away from wood even though that would probably be easier. 4x4s w/ liner. I really hate liners but i may have to go w/ landscapers wood and liner if i get many oppositions to the cinder and drylok.

think it will work?
Click to expand...

The only problem I can think of with this option is if the ground settles and your blocks crack. Large trees will also shift the blocks resulting in cracks. Also, don't forget about the hydraulic pressures of groundwater. I use blocks all the time to build the basic shape of a pond, then I cover it over with underlayment and install a liner. I think you're going to have a hard time sealing a pond built with just blocks. More importantly, you're going to have a tough time KEEPING it sealed. My guess is that it will work for a year, maybe two, then you're going to have to redo the seal.

Just my opinion...

EDIT: Wait a minute... I just read the title of the post and realized that you are talking about building this pond above ground. This would probably work, given that you know what you're doing laying the block. What would you build the bottom with? You would need rebar or something to anchor the side walls to the floor of the pond to keep things from shifting and cracking. I still think it's too much trouble when you have good 'ol Firestone 45 Mil out there.
 
I have seen people build tanks out cinder blocks many times , I never really saw the specifics but i think the holes in the cinder blocks are filled with concrete also after the tank is built.
 
With a pond of this size why not go to the local farm supply and get a round plastic water trough?They make a great free standing pond,are cheap,fast,and easy to work with:thumbsup:
 
waterboy said:
With a pond of this size why not go to the local farm supply and get a round plastic water trough?They make a great free standing pond,are cheap,fast,and easy to work with:thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Alright Waterboy..:thumbsup:

This is the cheapest / easiest / best idea ! You can plumb your filter where you want it, move it when you want to and keep it above ground or sink it partially or all the way in the ground...and if the foundation / ground shifts, NO cracking.

You can even paint them if you want... I think they come in black, blue and grey.
 
thanks for the advice. i am rethinking my plan, sounds like a lot of trouble. i think cinderblocks + liner is good.

oh yah, the pond will be put in a middle of a little courtyard in my backyard. so it will be on concrete. i already have the fountain that goes in the center.
 
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