New member in SoCal

[zeuspaul]

I have been lurking for a few weeks as I work on my 800 gal, 8.5 feet diameter, 30 inch deep above ground frog pond. I have a lot of native tadpoles (Baja California Tree Frog) that need a better home.

The landscape block surround is complete. I have the underlayment and am waiting on the EPDM liner. I have a feeling installing the liner is going to be a bit more difficult than I originally thought. I may try laying the 15 foot square 66 pound liner over some 2x4 wood spanning the pond and then slip out the wood to let the liner drop into place. Is there an easier way to do this by myself? Also will the liner fit into place without folds?

 

[Lisak1]

Welcome! We'd love to see pictures of your work, if you haven't already posted them!

As for your liner: you will have folds - accept it and just work to minimize them.

I wouldn't use the 2x4 approach. I would open the liner all the way, and then fold it in half lengthwise and then in half again the same direction. Then I would lay it on one end, overlapping the edge by as much extra as I could afford. Open the liner once (now you have half the pond covered) then open it again (now it's fully opened). Or, you could use the same approach and fold it in half lengthwise and then in half width wise. Start with the "point" (the very center of the liner) in the middle of the pond and open first one direction, then the other in the reverse order of the fold. Either way, you will have some shifting to do to get the liner equally distributed.

You will make this job much easier if you have at least one additional set of hands, but it is definitely possible to do alone. Just take your time and like I said - Folds happen. Minimize, but don't think you will eliminate them completely and all will be well!

 

[Usman]

i opened it in garden and dragged it in center , but as lisa said its good too , after laying , its good to fill few gallons of water in it then adjust the bottom if its in centre , then as u fill it , b vigilant and keep correcting any big wrinkles all around , after filling its impossible to remove wrinkles , too much pressure of water , you can only maneuver the place few inches below surface so u need to do asmuch as possible while filling it gradually , some people collect all the small wrinkles at one place then fold and tape it or glue it . later on hide it with rock , plants
choose a warm day at full sun

 

[zeuspaul]

The walls are not very stable. It is difficult for me to get in and out. I have to be careful of the protective upper collar because it is not very secure. The string didn't work very well so I used an adhesive but it doesn't stick very well to plastic. Water should help with the stability of the walls and the collar but the challenge is to get the liner in first.

My better half will help me but she may have a little difficulty with the heavy liner.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am still waiting on the liner. Hopefully it will arrive undamaged. I received a notification from the shipper that there is a delay because the shipping label does not scan. I hope it is only the label that is damaged and not the liner.

 

[Becky]

Welcome to the forum! Great to have you here

 

[MitchM]

Welcome!

 

[MoonShadows]

You have the makings of a beautiful pond.

 

[Lisak1]

It worries me a bit that you say the walls are unstable - water won't stabilize. It will apply an outward pressure which could lead to big problems. And your stacked wall needs to be absolutely stable - you don't want anything to be loose. It's going to be rough to get your liner in place in the circumstances you describe.

 

[MoonShadows]

@zeuspaul I am going to be constructing my raised pond...if the snow ever melts!...and I am planning to use block to build up one side where the ground is a bit lower and create a ring around the pond that I will fill with p-gravel. Are the blocks you used the 11.5 in. x 7 in. x 4 in. Pewter Retaining Wall Block for just under $2 a piece that can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes? They are the same ones I am looking at. I like that look.

 

[addy1]

Welcome to our group of great ponders!

 

[zeuspaul]

@Lisak1 The retaining block wall wants to lean inward so I am hoping the outward pressure of the water will help counter that.

@MoonShadows I used the larger 16 inch x 9 inch x 6 inch block. I may have been better off with the smaller block as I prefer the look of the smaller ones. I was guessing the larger block would be easier to construct but strictly a guess.

 

[MoonShadows]

@MoonShadows I used the larger 16 inch x 9 inch x 6 inch block. I may have been better off with the smaller block as I prefer the look of the smaller ones. I was guessing the larger block would be easier to construct but strictly a guess.[/QUOTE]

Thanks. Now that I take another look, they do look larger. I don't think the Home Depots in this area carry that size. They do carry a block that size, but it has a hollow middle like a cinder block.

BTW...I imagine when you say the wall leans inward, you are referring to the step back created as you build the wall. I don't know if I would rely on that to hold the water. Just a thought....each of your blocks are 864 square inches. The same amount of water weighs over 31 lbs. I would imagine those blocks don't weigh more than 40 lbs. each...and that water is going to be pushing outwards.

 

[Usman]

@Lisak1 The retaining block wall wants to lean inward so I am hoping the outward pressure of the water will help counter that.

@MoonShadows I used the larger 16 inch x 9 inch x 6 inch block. I may have been better off with the smaller block as I prefer the look of the smaller ones. I was guessing the larger block would be easier to construct but strictly a guess.

whats the reason to built a fully raised pond? i think if its all above ground it needs cement to secure , what i was thinking was better is to dig half below ground and only raise one brick ring above ground that would have been very strong stable , iam wondering , have u placed soil around it after raising it all above ground?

 

[MoonShadows]

That last picture does look like the soil is built up around the block wall. If so, that will definitely help, but the soil has to be built up completely around the wall.

 

[Usman]

That last picture does look like the soil is built up around the block wall. If so, that will definitely help, but the soil has to be built up completely around the wall.

yes but another danger i see steep slope at one side , means very lose soill will b holding it there which can erode too , seems to b a small hill? cant get it much , may b larger pic can help