Water gardens

Concrete pool

Concrete pool for a pond?

Every one knows what concrete is but it is not often used in the garden for water features. WHY?

Well concrete believe it or not if made into a "bowl" filled with water will leak. The way round this is when it is being mixed to add a waterproofing compound or when finished to use a sealer. It also needs to be moulded into shape, or a mould made and the concrete poured into it. Either way it must be left for at least 7 days to thoroughly dry.

If the concrete is too thin it will not stand the weight, or if too thick and not supported will break under its own weight, the way round this is in construction steel reinforcing should be introduced. (Chicken wire or similar mesh has been used successfully in SMALL projects)

All that said concrete is very useful since it can be moulded into any shape, making holes in it is very easy, since at the moulding stage you put in a pipe of the required diameter so saving drilling later on.

If it is a simple "bowl shape" required you can always dig a hole in the ground line with a polythene sheet, fill with concrete, leave to dry.

If you are not sure then please consult a professional. In no way should you use the last method for building something large. also bear in mind concrete is heavy, so consideration should also be taken as to how are you going to move your creation once you have cast it.

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