How to Fix Concrete Ponds

Concrete ponds make a great addition to your home's landscaping. However, concrete ponds crack over time, due to expansion and contraction of the ground. These cracks can result in water leaks. Fortunately, you can purchase products at your local home improvement store that are created to cure the problem. You can choose a concrete repair mix designed specifically for use on ponds. You should pick an "elastomeric" concrete pond repair product that will stretch when the concrete expands.

Things You'll Need

• Chisel
• Hammer
• Stiff-bristle brush
• Premixed concrete repair product
• Trowel
• Paint roller pan
• Paint roller pad
• Paint roller
• Concrete pond sealer

Instructions

1. Drain the water out of the pond. Give the concrete pond walls time to dry completely.

2. Place a chisel inside the crack in the concrete. Strike the chisel with the hammer. Chisel up and down the crack to remove any loose concrete. Use a stiff-bristle brush to sweep away the debris. Repeat this process on any other cracks.

3. Open the bucket of premixed concrete repair material. Mix the material according to the manufacturer's directions. Use a trowel to thoroughly mix the product.

4. Put the repair mix on the edge of the trowel. Push the repair mixture into the crack, using the trowel. Continue until you fill the crack. Spread the material into the crack until it is even with the surrounding wall surface. Fill in any other cracks in the same manner.

5. Allow to the repair mix to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

6. Pour concrete sealer into a tray. Put a pad on the paint roller. Roll the paint roller inside the paint tray until the roller thoroughly absorbs the sealer.

7. Roll the sealer onto the concrete pond wall. Apply the sealer in an up-and-down pattern. Continue applying the sealer until you've covered the entire pond wall. Let the sealer dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take several coats of concrete sealer to seal your pond properly.

References

• Wet Web Media; Repairing Concrete Water Features; Bob Fenner
• Oregon State University; Create a Garden Pond for Wildlife; S. Lamb, N. Allen; Apr. 2002

Resources

• Langston University Aquaculture; Pond Types and Liners; Conrad Kleinholz
• Pond Solutions: Pond Armor Pond Sealant