How to Install a Concrete Pond Coating
Planning to install a pond on your property?
Before you do, make sure you apply a coating to the concrete so the water stays in one place. Here are the steps leading up to and directly after its application.
Begin with Digging the Pond
Depending on the size of the pond you have in mind, you may be able to do this with nothing more than a shovel.
On the other hand, you may need an industrial piece of equipment or even decide to hire someone to get the length, depth and shape that you want.
No matter what look you’re going for, a high-quality concrete pond coating will have no problem doing its job, so don’t worry about that when you’re thinking about the shape.
Pour Your Concrete
Some people like to test the soil at this point. You can pour some water down to make sure it doesn’t immediately drain, but the truth is that concrete will provide the barrier you need to keep the water in place – at least after the concrete pond coating is applied.
Let the Concrete Cure
Even when the concrete is dry, you don’t want to simply begin pouring in water. Instead, you want to wait until it cures. Initially, there may be some residual moisture. It usually takes about four weeks before the concrete is free of this moisture and ready for its coating.
If you use an accelerator, though, you can shorten this amount of time to about seven days.
Clean the Concrete
The next step before applying the coating is to clean the concrete. Any little piece of debris could later cause a crack after the coating is applied and the water is poured in, so take your time with this step. You should vacuum out the pond basin and scrub it down with a brush, liquid soap and warm water.
Apply Your Concrete Pond Coating
You can now apply your concrete pond coating. Do this with a paint roller, but you may also want to use a brush to make sure you get every little crevice and angle. Be certain you apply a consistent layer throughout, as well. You may find that you actually need to go back to the store and get more coating for this, but it’s worth it.
Pour in the Water
Check the label on your coating to see how long you need to wait before it is dry and ready for water.
If you intend on having plants in your pond, put them in before the water. Plants can add to the look of your pond and also help keep it oxygenated and clean. They also may be required for feeding the type of fish you intend on keeping in your pond.
As the concrete is obstructing their roots, you’ll also need soil or pots for these plants. It depends on which kind you’re going with, so just check beforehand or they probably won’t last very long.
Once the water is in and settled, you can add fish.
Every week or so, take a lap around your pond to look for signs of leaks. Your coating should keep this from happening, but it’s always best to be certain.
That’s all there is to applying a concrete coating that will lock your pond’s water in and ensure the surrounding property is not encroached upon.
