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  • Results 1 to 10 of 10

    Thread: DIY Concrete & Liner Pond

    1. #1
      JapaneseFamousKoi's Avatar
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      DIY Concrete & Liner Pond

      I'm planning on building a simple above-ground pond with concrete blocks and a liner.
      Nothing fancy; no skimmers, no bottom drains.

      Basically I just need a sturdy wall about 11x7x3.5(or 36~48") to install the liner.

      #1 Cinder blocks(8x8) or solid concrete blocks(8x8) or possibly even wood(4x4 or 4x6) which would be the most cost-efficient?
      The cinder blocks are about a third of the price than the regular blocks but I would have to mix & pour concrete, which would add to the cost. Not to mention it seems like a very time consuming task...

      #2 Is there a purpose to actually fill the 2 holes in the cinder block with concrete, other than for reinforcement?
      #3 Is the concrete that would be poured in, different than the "mortar" used to stick the blocks together?
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    2. #2
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      If you don't fill the block cells with concrete I doubt if they would hold the weight of the water with out failing for an all above ground pond.
      Will this pond hold fish? Wondering why no BD or skimmer, not a very good choice in my thinking. Are you planning on any sort of filtration?

    3. #3
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      if all you need to do is build sturdy walls four feet deep in the ground then you can dry stack concrete block and pour concrete in every other cell (the two holes in the normal block). Using wood increases flex and the issue of rot below ground but could be the next best alternative.
      Remember, block just like wood is not a true measurement. I think they are a half inch shorter and taller so it adds up, especially over long runs. Start collecting used carpet to lay over the block now.
      Edit: I saw Birdman talking about an above ground pond so I reread the intital post...And I agree with him. I was thinking you were going in the ground with this because I have 2 similar ponds but they are in the ground (with bottom drains).
      Last edited by lukef; 02-09-2018 at 09:21 AM.
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    4. #4
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      Quote Originally Posted by birdman View Post
      If you don't fill the block cells with concrete I doubt if they would hold the weight of the water with out failing for an all above ground pond.
      Will this pond hold fish? Wondering why no BD or skimmer, not a very good choice in my thinking. Are you planning on any sort of filtration?
      I am guessing this is going to be for plants. I would still plumb in a bottom drain just incase I changed it over at some time.... but if he is sure it is only going to be used as a water feature then the bottom drain adds to the failure index.
      "Those aren't poodles. They're Dobermans with afros."

    5. #5
      OCkoiFan's Avatar
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      I don’t recommend Woods
      I formed the four side walls with plywood and studs but not as professional like Russel’s
      I think I save a lot of time compare to cinder blocks
      M.Nguyen


    6. #6
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      This will be a koi pond.
      The thing is...I'll be building it on top of a concrete foundation so I don't think a BD is an option...I'll probably install a powerhead though, to keep the bottom clean.

      So you think cinder block would be cheaper thank the solid blocks, even when considering the cost to fill the cells?
      I'm guessing each cell needs about a 1 gallon bucket worth of concrete to fill...?

      And I'll consider getting a floating in-pond skimmer if I ever end up with problems with foam/bubbles. So far so good though in my current setup, thanks to the floating plants & UV light.

    7. #7
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      The concrete poured inside the block cells ties it all together, kind of like making the wall "Whole" or "One" instead of solid blocks still just being pieces.
      At the very lease use a retro drain,
      And if mortaring blocks on a concrete slab drill the slab for vertical rebar going up through the block cells. This will help keep the block wall from pushing out.
      I sell a nice little wide mouth skimmer designed to go in the space of a block if your interested.

    8. #8
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      A side-mounted, Downward-pointing bottom drain could be plumbed through one of the sides and liner. with the return plumbed at the other.
      "Those aren't poodles. They're Dobermans with afros."

    9. #9
      Grumpy is offline Senior Member
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      There are several very good building threads on this forum using blocks, mortar or adhesive, rebar, and filled cells. If you have straight walls especially, don't be cheap with the horizontal rebar.

    10. #10
      ricshaw is offline Senior Member
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      Quote Originally Posted by nishikigoi21 View Post
      I'm planning on building a simple above-ground pond with concrete blocks and a liner.
      Nothing fancy; no skimmers, no bottom drains.
      This will not be a "Koi pond" IMO.


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