allierw
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Posts: 382
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Post by allierw on Jun 26, 2011 18:59:26 GMT -6
My husband and I want to build an above ground pond. We have enough room to do 5x8 and would like to do 3-4 feet tall if possible. We need it to be kid and dog proof. Digging down is not possible without heavy machinery--our yard is basically fill dirt and gravel/cement (new construction). We have a shaded area off our porch where it would be ideal and partially protected from the weather.
This is our current plan:
2x4s framed with 4x4 posts, set every 2 feet for stability using wood screws. Some kind of insulation on the inside also, then tarp lining, then the pond liner. We are going to spread sand down on the ground beforehand. For the top layer, I've read that you need to use deck wood rather than pressure treated, so the chemicals from the wood don't get into the tank when it rains.
Do you guys think it will be stable enough? I'm concerned about bowing/structural stability primarily.
Edited to add--I guess our other option is 4x4s and rebar--better idea maybe?
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Post by davidtcb1 on Jun 26, 2011 19:14:41 GMT -6
I'm glad someone started a thread about this. I'm looking forward to the results as I have been thinking about the eventual construction of an indoor version of a pond like this. Your plan looks pretty solid from what I have read and pictures I have seen on other forums etc. Have you considered plywood interior and/or exterior walls for additional form and support?
Jgentry would be a good person to talk with on this as he has an indoor pond.
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Post by davidtcb1 on Jun 26, 2011 19:19:24 GMT -6
Rebar would certainly be extra support but probably overkill. What is the finished exterior going to be? Stone work? Landscaping blocks? Landscape timbers?
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Post by glenoweth on Jun 26, 2011 19:42:28 GMT -6
sounds fun! make sure to post pics as you guys build it -=)
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Post by ree123 on Jun 26, 2011 22:30:21 GMT -6
My pond is in ground. 20'x12'x3'. Some 5000+ gallons.
I have read many many books, mag. articles, pamphlets, I.N. sites, etc... about building them and made numerous mistakes along the way. Of course, I understand you are talking about above ground, but many of the same principles will apply.
The wall must be built not to give as the water pressure will hold the liner against the sides, so re-bar might be an option as suggested. Or you could build the walls from decorative concrete blocks and some light motoring to hold in place. Just stacked wood, at your desired depth, might not hold the form correctly. Solid wood would have to be thick, and pressure treated lumbar that thick is gonna be expensive. Read, Read, Read !
Treated lumbar will last longer than deck wood and needs no maintenance, and is almost impervious to termites. And any screws need to be stainless or true outdoor deck screws or rust will eat them away in just a few years.
Maybe call and ask Aquatic Critter to go over theirs. They have one some 2 to 3 feet deep inside their store.
Great comments above, but you gotta gather lots of info. before you start.
Ask the questions re: mistakes, so others will share that info..
Good luck and look forward to updates and pic's..
Rick
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allierw
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Posts: 382
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Post by allierw on Jun 27, 2011 7:40:23 GMT -6
I am still brainstorming....I forgot to add that when we talked to a guy at the pond store, he did mention bracing on the bottom for added stability, which I think is a good idea. It would be relatively easy to anchor the bottom frame with rebar into the ground. Wood that is almost impervious to termites is definitely a must. That info is really good to know, Rick. Looking at youtube for ideas has been interesting, too. Most people dig at least 1-2 feet into the ground before they go up. We dug holes for 3 trees and had to use a pickaxe...backbreaking just for that small of an effort. Denny is going to think I am trying to kill him if I suggest a 5x8 trench.  |
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Post by jon carman on Jun 27, 2011 9:20:44 GMT -6
Sounds fun, good luck.
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Post by bgates on Jun 27, 2011 11:35:59 GMT -6
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Post by ree123 on Jun 27, 2011 20:30:37 GMT -6
EXCELLENT ARTICLE !
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Post by glenoweth on Jun 29, 2011 10:30:56 GMT -6
nice
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allierw
FORUM PARTICIPANT
Posts: 382
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Post by allierw on Jul 10, 2011 19:22:09 GMT -6
Just an update...pond is built, liner is in, it is 3/4 full and no issues so far! The worst part is going to be cutting and stapling the liner. All the wrinkles at the corners are killing me. We did 5x8, 3 feet tall and it is plenty tall. 4ft would have been too tall.
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Post by glenoweth on Jul 10, 2011 20:22:47 GMT -6
pics....
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