A rock pond can enhance nearly any type of landscape.
A concrete rock pond helps add aesthetic appeal to nearly any outdoor space. Ponds can be used as garden centerpieces, landscaping accents or stand-alone features. Concrete is a good choice for a pond that will sit on porous soil, because it will not sink with the weight of the water. Although building a concrete rock pond is an ambitious undertaking, it can be accomplished over several weekends if you have plenty of helpers.
Instructions
1. Dig the hole for the pond with a shovel. The diameter of the hole should be 8 inches longer than the planned interior size of the pond, and 8 inches deeper than the bottom finished surface of the pond. Span 2-by-4-inch lumber across the hole, and place a carpenter's level on the boards to make sure the top surface of the pond is level.
2. Line the hole with 4mm plastic sheeting to strengthen the pond. Line the plastic sheeting with light-gauge woven wire fence and fasten the sections of fence with wire ties.
3. Pour 3 inches of crushed limestone gravel in the bottom of the hole. Pack it down with a tamper. Fill in 1 inch of construction-grade sand. Pack it down and check to make sure it is level.
4. Attach 2-by-4-inch lumber sections to the top lip of the pre-made rigid pond liner. Span the lumber across the hole so the liner is suspended over the hole. Four inches should be between the bottom of the liner and the layer of sand. Four inches also should be between the sides of the liner and the sides of the hole.
5. Mix ready-made concrete mix in a concrete mixer. Pour it in the space between the hole and the liner. When the space is filled, insert lengths of rebar into the concrete at 6-inch intervals. Level the top of the concrete with a trowel. Allow the concrete to cure for at least one week. Place rocks in the pond liner and along the surface of the concrete. Fill the pond with water.
