How can I create a pond without using a plastic lining?

Answer 1

If you're determined to not use either flexible plastic lining or a prefabricated, molded shell, then you're likely looking at building a pond the old-fashioned way: dig a hole and fill it with concrete.

I'd step back and think about what you really want out of your pond, and why you want to avoid using a plastic lining. For most home owners building a garden pond for the first time, a plastic liner is often the best choice. If installed and used correctly, it's just as durable as a concrete pond, so you're not sacrificing quality or dooming yourself to a maintenance nightmare, battling constant leaks, etc.

One major downside to a concrete pond is that it's a much more permanent feature, once you install it. What if you decide that the upkeep of a pond is something you really don't want to hassle with? If you use a plastic liner, removing the pond is a snap, as you simply remove the liner and fill up the hole with dirt. Removing a concrete pond is going to be infinitely harder, though. Even if you love your pond, a potential buyer when it's time to sell might hate it.

Another factor is whether you want the construction of your pond to be DIY job or not. If you use plastic liners, it's much easier to do the work yourself. Mixing up the amount of concrete required for a concrete pond is a lot of work, even if you rent a mixer, and might be beyond the capabilities of most DIYers, which would inflate the total cost of adding a pond to your yard.

Answer 2

I'm assuming that you are interested in a natural looking water garden feature. The most common types of garden ponds use a variety of different liner materials. Common choices include plastic or fiberglas molded to the shape of the pond, or flexible PVC or EPDM (rubber) liners. You can also use concrete to "plaster" your pond in much the same way that an inground "gunite" pool is made. There is another option for a natural looking pond, but it can be quite expensive. There is a product used in basement waterproofing called Bentonite. It is a clay product, also known as Montmorillonite Clay. This particular type of clay has expansive properties when it gets wet. Basically, the molecules of the clay absorb water, and expand, creating a seal that doesn't allow water to pass through. This was often used in the past for "lining" the bottom of an earth pond to keep water from being absorbed by the earth bottom. Some construction companies sell Bentonite in 4 foot by 8 foot sheets, with the clay sandwiched between two sheets of paper (Similar to drywall). The only major drawback to Bentonite as a pond liner (besides price), is that fish or aquatic mammals can root around and breach the integrity of your pond lining.

Answer 3

Very good first answer. I've crafted a pond or two in my time, and have gone the "natural" route, but it's tedious, time consuming, likely needs more maintenance, and unless spring fed; costly, and often unsuccessful.

Certainly, much like a swimming pool, you could pour concrete into a pre dug hole, or if the soil is heavily clay based it might retain some water level that allows you won't be refilling the pond on a daily basis.

That isn't to say that even manufactured liner ponds don't need attention, but they are designed for minimal technical maintenace with regard to their substance and structure. More importantly however is what you intend the pond for.

If for example it's no more than a water garden, with appropriate plant life, you'll still eventually have "LIFE" growing in the pond. If it happens that you want a school of KOI to be comfortable, and grow to "old age", a valid factor won't be so much the structure of the pond but HOW you maintain it, and/or how it sustains "Itself"

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

I'd have to mirror Steven's idea.

Growing up, we hand molded concrete, which we poured into a pre-dug hole. The concrete layer has to be thick enough to keep water from leaking out (2 to 3 inches or so thick is usually enough.)

Concrete is cheap (bags sold in most home improvement stores or hardware stores). You can integrate other stones both during or after the pouring process is complete to give it a natural look.

Concrete is easy to repair as well (more concrete :) ) Hint: wear gloves while molding the shape. Concrete can be harsh on the skin. Use of concrete is probably better if you're pond is not going to be very large.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Not as easy or effective as commercial liners, but you could pack clay into your pond. More work, but it will do the job.

Good Luck, ponds can be so enjoyable!

Answer 6

naturally with the help of nature