How to Seal a Leaking Cement Pond
Most homeowners install cement ponds with the thought that they will be a long-lasting, durable landscape addition. For the most part, they are, but cracks can develop, necessitating a fix. The numerous repair methods to choose from vary in requisite skill level, effort and difficulty. Do-it-yourself methods are an investment in time that reap lasting rewards. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Circular saw with diamond blade
- Brush
- Cement joint compound
- Environmentally safe waterproof mortar paint
- Polyethylene caulk
- Trowel
- Plastic spoon
- Cement pond thinner/cleaner
- Cement pond primer
- Neoprene rubber pond coating
- Paint brush
- Shovel
- Sand
- Garden hose
- Plastic pool liner
- Edging materials
Instructions
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Patch Repair
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1
Locate the crack and use a circular saw with a diamond blade to cut the opening to be at least 1/4 inch wide and 1/4 inch deep. Brush out the cement dust and debris with a small brush.
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2
Fill the crack with cement joint compound. Smooth it over with a small trowel. Let the joint compound dry for the label's recommended time.
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3
Paint the repaired area with environmentally safe waterproofing masonry paint. Allow 48 hours for it to dry and cure. Refill the pool with water.
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4
Fill the crack with a polyethylene caulk and smooth with plastic spoon as an alternative method to using joint compound. Allow the caulk 24 hours to dry and refill the pool with water.
Neoprene Plastic Coating
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5
Clean the cement pool surface with a thinner/cleaning product, available at any home improvement outlets. This product prepares the surface for the application of the paint.
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6
Paint the surface with one layer of fish pond primer. This will firmly bond the finish coat with the cement.
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7
Add three coats of neoprene rubber pond coating. Allow an hour or two between each layer for drying. Mix in a small amount of thinner to the finish coat product, which makes it an easier consistency to work with.
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8
Begin adding water to the pond 24 hours after the last coat dries. Wait to introduce fish for 72 more hours.
Rubber Liner
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9
Use a shovel to dig down to the desired depth. Stair step levels as you go deeper to create shelves to grow needed plants on. Dig the center two to five inches deeper than needed to allow for an insulating sand layer.
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10
Use a shovel to place a layer of damp sand over the interior surface of the pond. This will minimize settling.
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11
Lay the liner out, and smooth and form it to the pond hole. Place heavy objects or stones around the edge of the liner to hold it steady when adding water. Create an edging using stones, smooth rocks or traditional brick. Add fish as soon as the plastic lined pool is filled.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Patching generally lasts two years. The rubber coating and plastic liner can last much longer. Information about cold weather care for your fish and pond is available at Houseandgardenliving.com.
Follow label directions on all products regarding the reintroduction of water and fish. Until they are completely dry, many chemicals can be harmful to fish.
