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Three Kinds of Ponds |
There are basically three kinds of ponds. The first is the molded pond These are usually solid single-unit construction and are sold everywhere. The important thing to know is that the pit that is dug for these ponds should be lined with about six inches of sand. That way, as the unit settles as you begin to fill it with water, there is some play in the earth beneath it so that the pond can be adjusted slightly before the pond is filled up.
The lined pond has one or more heavy-duty plastic
Sheets laid in a deep hole that yon have dug in the back yard. The hole should be at least three to four feet deep at the deepest end, but should slope to the ground at all sides. Make sure the bottom has been smoothed down and that no rocks or anything jagged pierces the bottom of the pond once it is established, even if you have to step in it later on.
Again, if you can, spreading a layer of sand on the bottom is a wonderful idea. The sheet you lay over the hole should leave an excess of twelve to eighteen inches on all sides. Water can then be poured in. After the sheet has taken on the shape of the pond, you should lay large rocks or slate slabs on these edges to keep the sheet from moving. The rocks also serve to hide the leftover material.
Some experts like to dig a narrow ditch around the pond, tuck the excess plastic into it with rocks or concrete and then cover them with concrete or slate slabs. Either way, anchors down the sheet.
Then there is the concrete pond. If you are ambitious enough to lay a concrete pond, you should make sure that the walls and bottom of the pond are thick and that the concrete used is not porous.
The bottom should be up to twelve inches thick and the walls at least four inches thick. The shape of the pond and what you want to do with it are up to you. Some of the simple shapes, rectangles and squares, for example, can be done by the home do-it-yourselfer.
Much more ambitious ponds can be built by contractors who specialize in such items. Ask your local pet shop owner about this if you are so inclined. Generally, anyone who wants a concrete pond wants one that will last year round. Make sure you have this in mind when choosing a site and size.
The lined pond has one or more heavy-duty plastic
Sheets laid in a deep hole that yon have dug in the back yard. The hole should be at least three to four feet deep at the deepest end, but should slope to the ground at all sides. Make sure the bottom has been smoothed down and that no rocks or anything jagged pierces the bottom of the pond once it is established, even if you have to step in it later on.
Again, if you can, spreading a layer of sand on the bottom is a wonderful idea. The sheet you lay over the hole should leave an excess of twelve to eighteen inches on all sides. Water can then be poured in. After the sheet has taken on the shape of the pond, you should lay large rocks or slate slabs on these edges to keep the sheet from moving. The rocks also serve to hide the leftover material.
Some experts like to dig a narrow ditch around the pond, tuck the excess plastic into it with rocks or concrete and then cover them with concrete or slate slabs. Either way, anchors down the sheet.
Then there is the concrete pond. If you are ambitious enough to lay a concrete pond, you should make sure that the walls and bottom of the pond are thick and that the concrete used is not porous.
The bottom should be up to twelve inches thick and the walls at least four inches thick. The shape of the pond and what you want to do with it are up to you. Some of the simple shapes, rectangles and squares, for example, can be done by the home do-it-yourselfer.
Much more ambitious ponds can be built by contractors who specialize in such items. Ask your local pet shop owner about this if you are so inclined. Generally, anyone who wants a concrete pond wants one that will last year round. Make sure you have this in mind when choosing a site and size.
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