We build a pond or a small lake on the site with our own hands. Do-it-yourself film pond device

15 years. Regulatory term service for 50 years. Butyl rubber has even more.
No roots tear the film (unlike concrete).
It is not necessary to pour any ash, place geotextiles under the film.
And problems with cleanliness... This is not a problem of a film pond, but a problem of any pond. The right equipment must be installed and maintained.

Last edit: 11/21/17

Participant

I am a theorist. I do site maintenance. All these arguments that I said I saw with my own eyes.

Mike

Guest

I am a theorist. I do site maintenance. All these arguments that I said I saw with my own eyes.
About the fact that it is necessary to lay geotextiles - this is necessary, I agree. But I wasn't talking about technology. And what pitfalls you need to pay attention to.
The material itself - the film - is wonderful. We are talking about ordinary people who were going to make a pond. I wrote what I think and why. This is my opinion based on my life experience.
I repeat - if you like messing around - super, make yourself a pond. If not, spend that big money on something nice.
Concerning concrete - a problem who makes. Of the 10 firms, only one works on the technology to the end. I was talking about professional people who specialize in reservoirs. Nothing happens to concrete. But for this you need to do everything right and give a lot of money.

Registration: 26.01.07 Messages: 25 Acknowledgments: 77

Participant

Registration: 26.01.07 Messages: 25 Acknowledgments: 77 Address: Moscow

you found fault with the film and promoted concrete.
I suspect that you meant the wrong film and the right reinforced concrete.
So. The film must be used correctly. And using the film, any unprepared person can build a pond for himself.
I did not find fault, but warned - two big differences.
An unprepared person cannot do anything well on his own.
Leakage from film reservoirs is the same problem as poorly concreted ones.
Poor, unprofessionally made pond - no matter what materials - this is a mistake. thrown away money
If something goes wrong with the film, you can fix it or redo it at any time. What about concrete?
From a concrete pond, water must be drained for the winter. Otherwise it will break. From the film is not necessary.
In addition, a third of the reservoirs for which the film is bought are concrete reservoirs that do not hold water. Find and fix a leak in the reinforced concrete pond is extremely problematic, sometimes impossible. It is easier to lay them with a film over concrete.
It is not necessary to drain water from a concrete pond for the winter. Throw two to five empty plastic bottles, you can with sand tied to weights in the water and that's it. Also, some people throw a couple of planks into the water. When the water freezes and expands, it presses on the boards and plastic bottles and not on the walls.
If the film is decorated with stone, then repair is the same hassle. You must redo everything. (Take it apart, clean it, find the leak, and repair it and put everything back) Wow.
I am not against these technologies. I am in favor of thinking about all the + and - before people get together to make a pretty swamp on their site. And how much are they willing to invest in this effort and money.
For the umpteenth time I repeat - I like to tinker with it - super, the flag in my hands.
Most do not understand what awaits them. Decide for everyone for themselves.

Registration: 11.05.06 Messages: 1.663 Acknowledgments: 1.597

self-taught

Registration: 05/11/06 Messages: 1.663 Acknowledgments: 1.597 Address: Moscow, dacha in Yaroslavl region

Suddenly, the topic came up. In the mid-80s, I lived for some time in the Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia) in a tiny town. And in the suburbs, the residents had plots (locally, fences), no more than 2-3 acres. What were they doing there! Every inch was taken care of. Many also wanted to have a decorative pond, which, you see, is very problematic in such areas. So, many dug enameled basins into the ground and arranged them like a pond. And it looked just amazing!

Mike

Guest

Poor Germans are also given 2 acres along railways. And they are weird too. Sometimes it's very beautiful. For these purposes, an old bathtub is well suited.
But for a normal area, a larger reservoir is needed.
Dear green. In order not to break your concrete pond, you need to fill it plastic container rather than put 2-3 bottles.
But that's not even the problem.
Concrete, contrary to your delusion, absorbs water. And this water is tearing the structure of concrete from the inside.

Registration: 22.11.06 Messages: 759 Acknowledgments: 316

blocked

Alexander

Registration: 22.11.06 Messages: 759 Acknowledgments: 316 Address: Moscow

I can confirm. A neighbor made one in the form of a bean, 1m deep. Two years later, the bottom was covered with splinters from concrete, the walls cracked.
I see two exits.
The first is not to bother with concrete, it is enough to put geotextiles on the bottom (better silver color), bring it to the sides of the reservoir. Top with sand.
Second. If you really want to make a pond with concrete walls, foresee the possibility of completely removing water for the winter, and, of course, make a cover from snow and rain. Which is generally a hassle.
You decide

Well, I don’t know, my film (greenhouse film, not special) is already 6 years old, still alive. There are no more mosquitoes than the rest, and maybe even less, because tadpoles have great respect for mosquito larvae for breakfast. And if it breaks, so I can arrange a spicy garden there or replace the film. I will solve problems as they come up, but for now I like it.

No, little greenie, you denounced the film and promoted concrete.
I suspect that you meant the wrong film and the right reinforced concrete.
So. The film must be used correctly. And using the film, any unprepared person can build a pond for himself.
But this is not possible with concrete.
If something goes wrong with the film, you can fix it or redo it at any time. What about concrete?
From a concrete pond, water must be drained for the winter. Otherwise it will break. From the film is not necessary.
In addition, a third of the reservoirs for which the film is bought are concrete reservoirs that do not hold water. Find and fix a leak in the reinforced concrete pond is extremely problematic, sometimes impossible. It is easier to lay them with a film over concrete.

I fully support my colleague. I just wanted to add to the defense of the film that a concrete pond and fish are incompatible, because it releases carcinogens and all sorts of filth, so that the fish starts to sausage.
And a really significant part of the buyers who purchase the film are those who reanimate their concrete pond.
I am telling you this as a developer.
Well, I don’t know, my film (greenhouse film, not special) is already 6 years old, still alive. There are no more mosquitoes than the rest, and maybe even less, because tadpoles have great respect for mosquito larvae for breakfast. And if it breaks, so I can arrange a spicy garden there or replace the film. I will solve problems as they come up, but for now I like it.
You probably don't have a dog. She quickly with (the greenhouse film coped
You, little greenie, are clearly a landscape worker.

Registration: 19.09.06 Messages: 91 Acknowledgments: 191

Yes, the dog is no longer available. Yes, I do not argue, the special film is of course great and when mine breaks, of course I will buy it. Just 6 years ago, I was able to find a film for the pond only in the "Business Bouquet" and it cost there like a cast-iron bridge, I did not have such free funds for entertainment.

Registration: 26.01.07 Messages: 25 Acknowledgments: 77

Participant

Registration: 26.01.07 Messages: 25 Acknowledgments: 77 Address: Moscow

You, little greenie, are clearly a landscape worker.
Many of your brothers scold the film and insist on concrete, but the clients who then turn to us tell us very unflatteringly how they convinced him to make a pond out of concrete.

Registration: 01.02.07 Messages: 97 Acknowledgments: 18

You, little greenie, are clearly a landscape worker.
Many of your brothers scold the film and insist on concrete, but the clients who then turn to us tell us very unflatteringly how they convinced him to make a pond out of concrete.
You are right, I work there. But I dissuade my clients from the reservoir. And if you read my early statements, you would understand this. I am completely against water. Only if it's not a thrill to the client himself. And then first I tell all the cons. Not a single client has yet said, "That I divorced him into something." And I will continue to stick to this plan. You won’t earn all the money, and you won’t wash off the name.
About fish and concrete. There is a company "AvantAkva". This company deals with ponds, fish and aquatic plants lots of time. I don't take care of the ponds. If necessary, I order from this company. Not a single puncture in many years. Unlike other companies (very often I call for the repair and restoration of sites after unfortunate landscapers) For the money, ready-made and mountains and ravines and forests and push everything on 4 acres.
If the task is set - to make a pond with fish - the guys take this into account and make a pond with fish (including concrete ones. The fish live. There is a guarantee and a contract for this.
I meant that for fish, concrete must be treated with special means (but not everyone can afford it), and fish and fish are different. But to dissuade customers from the reservoir is rather not better to give them a choice, laying out a complete, independent picture.
And still, under the influence of water, microcracks form in the concrete, which subsequently increase, which leads to a violation of the waterproofing, therefore, it is necessary to drain water in concrete ponds for the winter. And where to put the fish? A properly made film pond does not require draining the water, and at the right depth, the fish comfortably hibernate in it

Film pond

Film garden pond with aquatic plants

author Shulekin A., photo of the author

garden pond can be built using various materials.

My first decorative pond It was an aquarium dug into the ground. I settled two nymphs in it, the rhizomes of which were kept all winter in the refrigerator, in a bag with moss. In early spring roots were planted in plastic containers(with holes drilled in the bottom) and lowered into the aquarium.

Nymphaeums bloomed in this small garden pond all summer long. And then the containers with rhizomes safely overwintered in storage along with potatoes.
In the spring, the overgrown nymphs were removed from the containers. I divided each rhizome into several divisions with growth points.

The number of nymphs increased, and it was necessary to solve the problem of building a real decorative pond in the garden.

Garden pond device options

When building a small garden pond the easiest option is to purchase a special plastic bowl - the base of the reservoir. It remains to dig the purchased bowl into the ground and pour water into it.
This is convenient, but I wanted to have a much more capacious decorative pond in the garden.

I had no time to make a pond thoroughly (with a special film for reservoirs, with a lining of geotextile under the film, etc.). Decided to do it easier.

For construction ornamental pond dug a pit 50 cm deep in the garden. Leveled the bottom of the pit, smoothed the walls (at an angle of about 45 degrees) and lined the bowl of the future pond with an ordinary greenhouse film made of stabilized polyethylene 150 microns thick.
The walls of the reservoir at the top ended with a step for stones, with which I pressed the edges of the film.
The film was placed in the pond bed freely, with folds, to avoid excessive tension when filling the reservoir with water.
Further upper part I covered the walls of the pond above the water with black lutrasil (spunbond). The pond looks much better this way. In addition, under black lutrasil, polyethylene ages more slowly - it does not lose its elasticity so quickly.

I will sum up the results of many years of operation of the simplest garden pond using a conventional stabilized polyethylene film.
Firstly, such a design of an ornamental reservoir turned out to be quite viable. There were no problems with mechanical damage to the film (plant roots, rodents) and other horrors.
Secondly, the plastic film for the winter can not be removed. Then in the spring there will be less trouble with the launch of the reservoir, and the starting supply of water in the pond will be automatically formed.
And the last output: polyethylene film in the reservoir it serves at least two seasons, and with careful handling - even longer.
Thus, as simple option garden pond film construction is quite acceptable.

Of course, if there is a desire and opportunity, then it is better to immediately build a decorative pond more thoroughly.
First of all, when constructing a garden pond, it is advisable to use a special film for ponds. It is more reliable and durable than polyethylene.
To protect the special film from damage, it is useful to pre-line the prepared reservoir bed with geotextiles - special synthetic nonwoven fabric.
This is exactly what I did in 2007 during the reconstruction of my “Small Pond”.

Below is a series of photographs illustrating the stages of this reconstruction:

1 - a bed of a pond with steps for plants and stones;
2 - the pond bed is covered with geotextile;

3 - pond film is laid out with folds;
4 - the pond is ready.

A garden pond can be built using various materials.

My first decorative pond was an aquarium dug into the ground. I settled two nymphs in it, the rhizomes of which were kept all winter in the refrigerator, in a bag with moss. In early spring, the rhizomes were planted in plastic containers (with holes drilled in the bottom) and lowered into the aquarium.

The number of nymphs increased, and it was necessary to solve the problem of building a real decorative pond in the garden.

Garden pond device options

When building a small garden pond, the easiest option is to purchase a special plastic bowl - the base of the reservoir. It remains to dig the purchased bowl into the ground and pour water into it.
This is convenient, but I wanted to have a much more capacious decorative pond in the garden.

I had no time to make a pond thoroughly (with a special film for reservoirs, with a lining of geotextile under the film, etc.). Decided to do it easier.

For the construction of a decorative pond, I dug a pit 50 cm deep in the garden. I leveled the bottom of the pit, smoothed the walls (at an angle of about 45 degrees) and lined the bowl of the future pond with an ordinary greenhouse film made of stabilized polyethylene 150 microns thick.
The walls of the reservoir at the top ended with a step for stones, with which I pressed the edges of the film.
The film was placed in the pond bed freely, with folds, to avoid excessive tension when filling the reservoir with water.
In the future, I covered the upper part of the walls of the pond, which is above the water, with black lutrasil (spunbond). The pond looks much better this way. In addition, under black lutrasil, polyethylene ages more slowly - it does not lose its elasticity so quickly.

I will sum up the results of many years of operation of the simplest garden pond using a conventional stabilized polyethylene film.
Firstly, such a design of an ornamental reservoir turned out to be quite viable. There were no problems with mechanical damage to the film (plant roots,) and other horrors.
Secondly, the plastic film for the winter can not be removed. Then in the spring there will be less trouble with the launch of the reservoir, and the starting supply of water in the pond will be automatically formed.
And the last conclusion: the plastic film in the reservoir lasts at least two seasons, and with careful handling - even longer.
Thus, as a simple option for a garden pond, a film construction is quite acceptable.

Of course, if there is a desire and opportunity, then it is better to immediately build a decorative pond more thoroughly.
First of all, when constructing a garden pond, it is advisable to use a special film for ponds. It is more reliable and durable than polyethylene.
To protect the special film from damage, it is useful to pre-line the prepared reservoir bed with geotextile - a special synthetic non-woven material.
This is exactly what I did in 2007 during the reconstruction of my “Small Pond”.

Below is a series of photographs illustrating the stages of this reconstruction:

1 - a bed of a pond with steps for plants and stones;
2 - the pond bed is covered with geotextile;

3 - pond film is laid out with folds;
4 - the pond is ready.

Plants in a garden pond

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To lay the film for the pond, choose a sunny warm day - it will be more plastic. Unfortunately, when unfolding it, it is not possible to avoid wrinkles. It's better to have a few large ones than many small ones. It is easier to press them with stones or stick them to the main part of the film.

Do not cut or cut the material, lay it in one sheet, otherwise the waterproofing properties will be violated and you will have a water leak. It's best to purchase a roll of film slightly larger than necessary, and then fold or trim the excess film when it's installed. It will generally be more reliable and cost effective. effective option. Smooth out the film on the bottom of the pond. In places of folds, the film is crushed by stones, but in such a way that it is not damaged.

If you want to finish the bottom of the reservoir with stone, be sure to lay another layer of geotextile over the film.

Smooth out the film on the bottom of the pond. In places of folds, the film is crushed by stones, but in such a way that it is not damaged.

If you want to finish the bottom of the reservoir with stone, be sure to lay another layer of geotextile over the film. Once the film is in place, place a hose over it and start running water slowly, guiding the film into the pond, placing rocks and smoothing out creases.

If the film is supposed to be decorated natural stone, it is again necessary to lay a layer of geotextile on top of it to protect the film from mechanical damage. In no case should this layer be wrapped over the edge of the reservoir, but should be cut off just below the expected water level in the pond, since due to capillary phenomena, the geotextile will, as it were, draw water from the reservoir.

For calculation right size pond films, web length: L1 + 2H + 1 m for fixing the film along the banks, web width: L2 + 2H + 1 m for fixing the film along the banks, where: L1 is the length of the pond, L2 is the width of the pond, H is the maximum depth of the pond.

calculating the right size of the pond film

Consider an example: For a garden pond 5 * 4 m, having a maximum depth of 1.5 m, then the length of the canvas will be 5 + 2 * 1.5 + 1 = 9 m, the width of the canvas will be 4 + 2 * 1.5 + 1 = 8 m.

It follows from the calculation that you will need a pond film measuring 9 * 8 m. S = 72 sq. m.

The most accurate calculation will turn out if the pit is ready, you can measure it with a tape measure, laying it first along the longest and deep place reservoir + 1m * , the same for the widest and deepest place + 1m * .

* allowance for subsequent fixing of the edge of the film, if the depth of the reservoir is less than 1 m, you can reduce the allowance to 0.6 m (0.3 m for each edge).

So, decide on the dimensions of the film, then we do sand cushion at the bottom of the reservoir 5 cm and lay the substrate-geotextile. We cover the bottom and all walls with a special non-woven material to prevent damage by small stones (or roots) under water pressure.

Almost every owner of his site wants to make it exquisite. A decorative natural pond is the most popular way of arranging a reservoir. It blends well with the landscape, is easy to install, self-cleaning and does not require complex care. If desired, you can have fish in the pond and decorate it with water lilies. Soft construction in the form of a film for a pond will help to quickly implement such an idea.

Benefits of using pond film

The film for the pond has several advantages compared to other methods of creating a pond:

forms a reservoir of any shape;
prevents flowering and rotting of water;
maintains stable pond boundaries for a long time;
allows you to save on water consumption, due to the exclusion of its seepage;
does not allow insects and other harmful bacteria to enter the reservoir;
it is applied on any bases: soil, concrete, plastic;
facilitates the care of plants and water resources pond;
allows you to secure movement thanks to the anti-slip coating;
if necessary, the reconstruction of the reservoir requires minimal effort and time.

Types of films for the pond

PVC film for pond

Cost-effective material for reservoirs and ponds in the country. Suitable for sealing by gluing or welding. Thickness - 1 mm. It can be used for large scale structures. The guarantee for the material reaches 15 years.

Butyl rubber filmepdm

Consists of two layers, is a waterproof material based on synthetic rubber. Thickness - 1 mm, elasticity up to 400 percent. Warranty - about 50 years.

Polyethylene film

It is the cheapest and most fragile material that protects water structure. It is used at temperatures from minus 60⁰С to 50⁰С. Usually the thickness of such material is 0.5-1 millimeters. Possesses high density, without perforation, there is a reinforcing layer. Guarantee period about 3 years old.

Material on PVC based with gravel installed with waterproof adhesive.

Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each option below.

Characteristics of different types of films for the pond, which one to choose

The most popular pond films are PVC and butyl rubber materials. The first option is cheaper, the second is more expensive, but more durable. Also some

PVC film for pond

Advantages:

environmentally friendly;
strong and elastic;
two membrane layers, high tightness;
resistant to high temperatures and root systems.

Disadvantages:

wet soil;

Butyl rubber film for pond

Advantages:

modern material;
high strength;
affordable installation;
resistant to various influences of nature;
it is possible to partially repair;
environmentally friendly, does not harm living organisms;
allows you to apply any finish;
takes any form of a reservoir, is able to change;
additional equipment provides, if necessary, compaction of fragments where equipment is connected;
durability up to 50 years.

Disadvantages: no.

Polyethylene film

Advantages:

cheap;
to be replaced in case of violations;
prevents decay;
light in weight;
it is possible to attach in the course of welding works.

Disadvantages:

short in operation;
affects the turbidity and flowering of the reservoir.

Decorative film with gravel

Advantages:

aesthetic appearance of the decorative material;
allows you to create illusory compositions.

Disadvantages:

wet soil;
last no more than ten years.

How to build a pond from a film with your own hands

Tools and materials for installing a pond in the country

Installation of natural natural pond in the country with their own hands is carried out using the following tools:

level (measuring tool);
strong thread for drawing borders;
wooden supports;
watering hose;
shovel.

To build a pond yourself, prepare the materials:

film for a garden pond;
geofabric, concrete as protection of the pond from the root system, sharp objects;
sand for the initial layer;
well pump with a capacity depending on the size of the reservoir;
water purifying filter;
stones for decoration;
ornamental vegetation to decorate the reservoir.

How to calculate the amount of film and how to choose the location and shape of the pond

To build a pond from a film, you need to take material with a margin.

Pond foil calculation: adding the width, the length of the planned pond and the depth dimension multiplied by 2, plus 600 millimeters for a margin (allowance).

When choosing a place where the pond will be located, you need to consider:

The territory must be provided with maximum lighting, it is not recommended to plant shrubs and trees near.
A pond is best arranged next to water and electrical resources;
Do not place the pond near shrubs and trees, as their roots can damage the film coating over time;
The pond should naturally fit into the landscape of the site.

The film of a decorative reservoir allows to form and pick up any form, and also the size. A pond with rounded lines, without pointed elements is easy to install, clean, and also looks beautiful.

The water structure is usually equipped with areas for plants.

The depth where fish breeding is planned should be at least 55 centimeters.

Step-by-step installation of a film for a pond, video

Short step by step plan installation of a pond with a film looks like this:

Site marking;
Pit preparation;
Tamping the bottom and walls of the future pond;
Preparation and laying of the film on the bottom;
Laying sand or gravel on the film;
planting plants (if applicable);
Filling with water from a hose;
Decoration coastline around the pond (stones, boulders)

For a detailed installation of a film for a pond, see the video:

Material manufacturers and price overview

The most common manufacturers of pond film:

Italian firm Agrilac is engaged in the production roll material made of PVC with waterproofing properties. This product is among the highest quality and publicly available. The cost varies from 150 rubles per square meter.
Polish organization IZOFOL, producing materials with waterproofing. An important aspect in the production of such a film is its quality, so it is considered one of the most popular. Price from 250 rubles per square meter.
The most common among German companies producing waterproofing sheets for reservoirs is WTB ELBEsecur. Buyers are offered a limited choice of PVC material, but this does not affect the production of a very durable product. The German film is reliable even under serious loads. The cost of such material starts from 250 rubles per square meter.
One of the largest European group of companies engaged in the production various components for a garden and a kitchen garden, is gardena. The administrative complex is located in Germany. The cost for the material is 170-210 rubles per square meter. They produce very high quality products.
Another one from German manufacturers- This Heissner. Engaged in production chemical materials, and also produce PVC products. It is recommended to stop at the products of these manufacturers only if there are no other options.
Models of the elite group are used in decoration various stones natural origin. Regardless of manufacturers, the cost of the material starts from 750 rubles. per square meter.

When choosing a material, it is necessary to demand warranty certificates and service guarantees from a specialized company.

Do-it-yourself natural pond without film

Without film possible alternative options water sealing:

Bentonite mats- one of the varieties building material, which is based on granular clay, located between two layers of synthetic fabric. In contact with the liquid, the clay layer turns into a gel-like substance. Bentonite bundles fix the elements of the joints. It doesn't take much time for installation work. Such material is able to withstand several dehydration cycles.
Polyurea spray technology. The hardening of the material occurs within a few minutes, when used, it can cope with heavy loads. Waterproofing work is carried out by a qualified specialist.
Spraying liquid rubber one of the most expensive and modern options. The service life of such material is unlimited. The canvas is stretched by 450 percent. Environmentally friendly product, resistant to corrosive changes, temperature changes. During installation, it is necessary to be able to use modern equipment, as well as to have technological knowledge.
plastic containers up to 50 cubic meters - an expensive material, heavy in installation work. However, a non-specialist can install such a pond on the site. Service life is not limited, does not provide for individual care.

plastic mold pond

For summer residents there are no restrictions in the arrangement of the site. To turn ideas into reality, there are various hermetic materials with exceptional technical parameters. It remains to choose the most suitable option and decorate the site with a pond.

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