AJ pond build

[AJ1500]

So I have asked some questions adn gotten some good info. I have been working on this project for over a year now
most of the time it was just sitting on the back burner. anyway it on to the build
We started with me having quit a few large aquariums and moved to having 1 250 or 300 gal plastic yard pond
then we got another one and I made them stacked to where one fed into the other
We loved it so much we decided to do our first inground pond
I was careful and studied our rain run off in our driveway and walkway to the porch
once I was sure the area I wanted to use would work I started digging
I decided to have a little island in the middle of it, I also wanted it to come right up to our lower deck on the porch
I wanted a small waterfall and a deep end so the fish would have somewhere to go on those real hot days
my deepest point is just under 4 feet I built in 3 shelfs for plants or decorations
so here are a couple pics of the first part of the build

 

[Mmathis]

Coming along! I'm curious -- how are you going to handle the island when it comes to installing liner?

 

[addy1]

Neat idea! To keep the liner whole, they would need to cut it like you do a gasket , sort of, find the center, cut a x the size of the island and slide it down. Easy to type, tough to do.

 

[mgmine]

I agree with Addy1 and turttlemommy, Nice idea until it comes time for the liner. What I would do is remove the island install the liner and then build a new island. Not easy but easier than having to tear everything out if your liner leaks because of the existing island. The new island would have to have a liner in it to leep the water out.

 

[AJ1500]

Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner
addy1 is right on the money, the liner is already down. I laid it out in the yard and using the measurements I used to order the liner custom made I cut a X then rolled up one side to the cut, then I folded the front to the cut. I then using a ladder because there is a 8 foot 4X4 in the island, I raised the liner over the post then lowered it down over me and the ladder to keep it off out plants. once down I just unrolled it and started working it into place. I will say it was one big PITA but it was worth it. I was worried about seaming 2 pieces together.
also I couldn't dig the island out and rebuild it, just couldn't wrap my little brain around that idea
I have a couple ratchet straps at the bottom of the island holding the liner snug (temporary only) I'm going to use the same material when I make it permanent but I will put a strap at the top and bottom of the liner on the wall for the island
so that is why I have a few what I call large folds. I have the normal structure of a rounded shape but then I have an island in the middle and both the little waterfall and the side the bog will feed into jut out some from the circle design, it's sort of a C shape rather than round

 

[addy1]

How neat! I would leave the folds up so less gets trapped under then if you tried to hold down. Or double side tape down, keep fish and debris out of them

 

[Lisak1]

We saw one pond with an island a few years ago - it was really cool! It was a great place for wildlife to hang out. Can't wait to see how yours develops!

 

[AJ1500]

I was thinking about for the big ones on the floor to do the double side tape used for repairs, only I"m concerned unless I get it sealed completely it will still collect gunk and then would be even harder to get out
I had a little frog in there swimming around this weekend while I was working on it and it shot down and under one of the folds
made me think if I could find a way to use that as a natural opening, a tiny cave if you will
maybe make something to hold them open and shape them. I think there are 3 big folds each about 6 to 8 inches deep

 

[C-Note]

I was thinking about for the big ones on the floor to do the double side tape used for repairs, only I"m concerned unless I get it sealed completely it will still collect gunk and then would be even harder to get out
I had a little frog in there swimming around this weekend while I was working on it and it shot down and under one of the folds
made me think if I could find a way to use that as a natural opening, a tiny cave if you will
maybe make something to hold them open and shape them. I think there are 3 big folds each about 6 to 8 inches deep

I definitely have some significant folds, due to having a very rectangular (well, l-shaped) pond. Corners are tough! But I always find that the smaller, younger fish like having the option to hide there at times for safety. I see my trapdoor snails head in on occasion to keep things clean. So I've learned to just embrace the folds.

 

[AJ1500]

OK you convniced me, I will leave the folds

So where were we,,, Oh yeah the liner, so here are a couple shots right after I got it over the post and back on the ground

 

[AJ1500]

next I added water and worked on the fold and got the basic shape in place
can't seem to find my pics of that part.
so then I built the little waterfall

 

[Mmathis]

next I added water and worked on the fold and got the basic shape in place
can't seem to find my pics of that part.
so then I built the little waterfall

OK, so how did you make the waterfall? I like that!

 

[AJ1500]

next up was the walkway from the driveway to the porch
then I had to extend the lower porch section to blend the whole thing together

 

[AJ1500]

after

 

[AJ1500]

so now it's starting to come together

on the waterfall, I started with the overall shape cut into the mound of dirt in pev. pics
then I went and bought 4 bags of sand topp concrete mix, I had some rip rap ( just busted up concrete) that I placed all around. then I just covered everything with the concrete, I used liquid color when mixing it to get the shade I wanted. some of it is just concrete molded into shape. It took some work and I had to keep tending to it for a bit untill it started setting good. I have to say though for my first try at it I realy like the way it turned out
Oh the liner is under it so even if it cracks or leaks it won't cause a problem with water loss