I need assistance with an above ground pond build.

[ZEROPILOT]

I'm wanting to build an above ground pond. Mostly because it's very hard to dig any sort of hole on my property due to the fill and rocks. (It used to be swampland)
I'd like to build a pond out of concrete blocks. Maybe 20 feet by 10 and maybe 3 or 4 feet tall. With a liner.
My question is about strength. I want to use morter. Will I have to pour cement into the blocks? Or will it be strong enough placing the blocks with the holes facing sideways and just mortar on the joints?
I'd like to avoid needing a cement truck. I have no room for one to get into my yard.
Id also like to not have to spend hours hauling and mixing bag after bag of cement. Bad back and all.

 

[sissy]

you will need rebar also .but you can rent a mixer for cement .It depends on how big the pond will be .Maybe you can hire it out by putting an ad out or by asking .Word of mouth is always great .But ask for references .I looked at getting a cement slab for behind the shed so I could do a a cover for my lawn mowers and the slab and 2 ramps for 10x 24 was 349 dollars and my neighbors used them and are happy .I want to build an insulated place behind to house both lawn mowers and that is with grading and gravel and rebar .May have wait since they are busy .Word of mouth pays off

 

[Lisak1]

@Jimmy Gibson

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I also see a lot of above ground ponds made out of big, railroad type timber.

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

Mine is above ground because of being on a hillside, so I used retaining wall blocks and drove rebar into each web then used quickcrete to fill each web. I also have one block buried all the way around. I also dug out the inside to where half of the pond is 4’ deep then slopes up to 1 1/2’ deep at the waterfall. Turned out pretty good...would have loved to had a nice flat spot for a more natural pond, but Sarah and I have enjoyed it.

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

It looks much better with plants and fish ......lol

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Nice indeed. Thanks

 

[CeeJayH]

Have a look at my showcase. UK style concrete blocks, laid flat.

No rebar, mortared together, rock solid.

Block-work underway #2

• CeeJayH
• Jun 19, 2014

 

[Gemma]

It looks much better with plants and fish ......lol View attachment 106301View attachment 106302View attachment 106303

I love your pond and I will follow what you did when I build my next one!
Can you please tell me the name of the heart shape multicolored plant next to the waterfall?
I used to have it but was never able to find it again cause I don't know the name

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

I love your pond and I will follow what you did when I build my next one!
Can you please tell me the name of the heart shape multicolored plant next to the waterfall?
I used to have it but was never able to find it again cause I don't know the name

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

It's a Chameleon plant, either @Lisak1 or @addy1 warned me about it because it's extremely invasive, but kept mine bare root in a basket so it stayed in check

 

[Gemma]

It's a Chameleon plant, either @Lisak1 or @addy1 warned me about it because it's extremely invasive, but kept mine bare root in a basket so it stayed in check

The only one I ever bought didn't survive the winter, I guess it's a good thing then

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Have a look at my showcase. UK style concrete blocks, laid flat.

No rebar, mortared together, rock solid.

Block-work underway #2

• CeeJayH
• Jun 19, 2014

Any updates?

 

[Big Red Comet]

OP is talking about 3-4 ft high - I don't think it would work to have a wall that high just sitting on top of the ground without it being fastened secure ly to the ground or footings set in the ground. The water would be pushing outward with a lot of force. Is there anyway you can build a wall and then add a couple of feet of dirt around it. Even then Id keep it to 30-36" max, not only for stability but to make it easier to view the fish. Otherwise youd have to climb a ladder!

The lovely ponds shown above don't look to be much more than 24-30". You couldn't have koi then, but not to worry. Look into goldfish - these nowadays are being bred for ponds with long flowing fins, bright colors and patterns and resemble their larger cousin the koi. Only difference is they stop growing at 10-12 inches instead of 2 or 3 feet!

 

[Sparky]

Zeropilot, did you look at my build? Nothing fancy but maybe some ideas.