Raised pond using 9 inch blocks.

[nicarper]

I was looking for some advice on building a raised pond (as the ground is solid rock) out of 9 inch blocks on there flat. What would be a safe height to go up too without the pressure of the water damaging the structure. I will be using a butyl rubber liner so should not need to worry about small cracks. Any advice would be very grateful

[jason-m]

Hello and welcome to Koi quest.
This is a good article and pic/stages of an abvove ground raised pond..

[url]http://www.koicarp.org.uk/koi_pond1.htm[/url]

[andy p]

Hi mine is 2ft below ground level and 3 ft above, 9 inch blocks laid flat, been up now nearly 3 years and no problems, one wall is 17 ft long and has a window in it. I have no outer skin or facia bricks just the 9 inch.

Regards Andy.

[Capt Nemo]

Hey welcome along......


Yep Jay has done a good link for ya, and I can recommend that pond in the pictures.....


Cos I helped build it and not even my name in the print must have a word with Mr green about that......



Regarding your pond with a liner, why ?


Capt'n



.

[nicarper]

Andy what way did you incorporate the window, i think that would be pure class. I take your pond is done with fiberglass or koi kote.

[andy p]

Pond is fibreglassed, window has a stainless steel frame from springbank koi in Preston, Z frame it is called so has a 3 inch lip which sits on the inner wall. Have two lintels above the window.

Andy.

[nicarper]

Thats a class pond mate but it looks to much higher than 3 foot above ground.

[Jules]

That brings back memories Andy. How's the foster and Allan going? Did you ever sort out anything with the drains to waste?

Jules

[andy p]

Hello Jules, fostering coming to an end soon, work commitments bit too much (tied to a desk now ) hope things are good your end you seem busy enough, have not done anything as yet with the drains but am thinking of having a go if it ever drys out long enough! Airated BD still working like the day it was done (dont last do they ) nicarper maybe a tad over 3 ft will measure exact tomoz if you wish.

[Jules]

I think it is probably 45 inches above ground if emory serves me right?
Sorry to hear your hanging the tea towel up mate you had a way with those nippers. You still got that mad dog? Has it stopped piddling everywhere yet?

Do you know any good pencil strengths in your new job? Do you suffr from shiny patches in your trousers?

Happy New Year mate, good to still see you about.

Jules

[nicarper]

That would be great andy your advice is greatly appreciated.

[markam]

Hi nicarper , we would always recommend a max of 3' 6" and that is dependent on how well the base has been prepared

Where abouts in eire are you ??

Thanks Mark.

[nicarper]

Markam iam not to far from belfast. If i was to build two blocks wide (!8 inches) for the first three or four courses then this should greatly strengthen the sructure meaning i should be able to build it a bit deeper. Any more help would be greatly appreciated.

[markam]

Yeah that would make a difference you shold be able to get away with 4' easily if you double block the bottom 4 courses just make sure there all well tied in.

If theres anything you need help with give us a ring (07800915148 or 90655888) or call up and see us at farm.

Thanks mark.

[Jagger]

One thing from experience if you're using a liner.

Don't use butyl rubber.Use 1.0 mm EPDM instead.A bit harder to get around corners but lasts longer.

My last two butyl liners were eaten by caddisfly larvae and lasted 3-5 years.The newer EPDM is showing no signs of succumbing to this and was recommended by the manufacturers as an alternative to roofing liner (butyl).

Butyl liners are still used purely out of habit (50 years or so) but really shouldn't be.