How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Pond

A concrete pond is a beautiful garden feature unless it has a crack in it.

A cement pond can be a beautiful outdoor gardening feature. If the pond has a crack, however, and the water is leaking out, it may be more of a headache than a relaxing element. Repairing this type of defect is often not foolproof, and sometimes the repair only lasts for a season or two.There are some simple repair methods to get the job done and one permanent solution.

Things You'll Need

• Pump or siphon hose
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Drill
• Grinding wheel
• Broom
• Cement mix
• Water
• Bucket
• Trowel
• Waterproof masonry paint
• Rubber pond liner (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove any decorative items, plants or fish from the pond. Note that if you keep fish in the pond, you need to check all repair materials for toxicity to animals.

2. Drain the pond with a siphon hose or a pump. All areas of the crack need to be exposed and dry before repair. When the pond is drained, check the entire surface for any other cracks that may be visible with the water out of the way. Repair any and all cracks you can see as even the smallest crack can leak or widen with time.

3. Chip out the crack to make space for the cement to fill the defect. Use the hammer and chisel to open it to at least 1/4 of an inch.

4. Attach the grinding bit to the drill and grind out the edges of the crack, making it smooth so the cement can adhere to the surface. Use the broom to brush away dust and debris.

5. Mix the cement according to the package directions in the bucket. Using the trowel, fill the crack with the cement, pushing it down into the crack with the point of the trowel first, then filling it and smoothing it over. Spread cement over the edges of the area you ground out and beyond by at least an inch. Allow the cement to dry completely.

6. Paint the area with waterproof masonry paint. Check to make sure this product is not toxic to fish if you house them in the pond.

7. Cover the pond with a rubber liner as a last resort if the crack repair fails or if more cracks continuously appear.

References

• Backyard Ponds: Pond Repair Advice
• Wet Web Media: Repairing Concrete Water Features