Waterproof your concrete pond is essential for its long-term durability. Once the construction is finished, you must take specific measures to protect your new concrete pond from moisture, ultraviolet rays, and more. Luckily, it’s an easy task with these tips on waterproofing a concrete pond. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this process!
What is Waterproofing?
Waterproofing is the process of making something impermeable to water. Your concrete pond must be waterproofed in order to protect it from a variety of issues including structural damage. The most important step in waterproofing a concrete pond is determining where the water will flow out of the structure. Once you’ve found the outlet, you can use a few different methods to make sure it remains watertight.
Determining your Pond’s Drainage Location
The first step in waterproofing a concrete pond is locating the drainage system. It’s impossible to waterproof the entire pond, so you have to plan a route for the water to flow out. Most concrete ponds have a drainage system that’s hidden below ground. Your main goal when locating this system is to make sure it’s outside (not inside) the concrete structure. Pond drainage systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- If you’re building a rectangular or square pond, your best bet is a French drain. This is a long, shallow trench that runs below the pond’s floor. It’s the most common type of pond drainage system, so it’s easy to find instructions for how to build it.
- If you’re building a circular or oval pond, you’ll want to install drain pipes along the bottom of the structure. You can use a trench for this, or you can lay the pipes directly on the ground below your pond.
Whichever type of drainage system you decide to use, make sure it’s outside the concrete. This will help protect your pond from any potential flooding.
Sealing the Surface of Your Concrete Pond
Once you’ve determined where the water will flow out of your concrete pond, you need to seal the surface of the structure. A variety of sealants can be used for this, but liquid rubber is one of the most popular options you can use to waterproof a concrete pond. Liquid rubber is easy to apply, and it creates a strong seal that’s impermeable to water.
- You can apply liquid rubber pond sealant in a few different ways.
- You can paint it directly onto the surface of the concrete, or you can use a pump sprayer.
- Most concrete sealants need a few hours to dry before they’re completely waterproof.
- If you’re sealing a concrete pond without a liner, you should also apply a UV protection coating. These coatings are specially designed to shield concrete from the sun’s UV rays. They’re essential for concrete ponds that aren’t lined with a protective material.
- Make sure to use a UV protection coating that’s made specifically for concrete!
Installing a UV Protection Coating
Once you’ve sealed the surface of your concrete pond with a silicone sealant, you need to install a UV protection coating. These coatings are specially designed to protect concrete from the sun’s UV rays. They’re often used in outdoor construction in place of paint. UV protection coatings are easy to apply. You can brush them directly onto the concrete, or you can use a sprayer.
However you choose to apply the coating, make sure to use a brush that’s made specifically for concrete. Concrete-specific brushes are designed to dislodge the concrete’s aggregates. They’re also softer than regular paint brushes, so they won’t damage the concrete. Concrete-specific brushes are available for purchase online, or you can make your own with a wire brush and some sandpaper.
Installing an Anchor Mesh Drain
While a drainage system is essential to protecting your concrete pond, it’s also important to make sure it’s watertight. If your pond has a French drain, your best bet is to use an anchor mesh drain.
- This is a great design to rest on top of the drainage system.
- The great prevents debris from entering the system, while also allowing water to flow out freely.
- Anchor mesh drains are available for purchase online, or you can make your own.
- It’s a good idea to make your own if your concrete pond doesn’t have a French drain.
- Make sure to use a material that’s sturdy enough to hold up in wet conditions. You can use plastic mesh or metal fence tine.
Conclusion
Once the construction is finished, you must take specific measures to protect your new concrete pond from moisture, ultraviolet rays, and more. Luckily, it’s an easy task with these tips on waterproofing a concrete pond. First, determine where the water will flow out of the structure. Next, seal the surface of the concrete with a silicone sealant. Finally, install a UV protection coating and an anchor mesh drain to protect your concrete pond from the elements.
