Concrete Pools:
When constructing a water lily pool, there are many different sizes and shapes to consider. You can have a simple straight sided pool to an elaborate pool with pre-installed plant receptacles. A raised pool is optimal over pools placed into the ground. This way the rim offers a great seating choice, and when this is combined with moveable plant receptacles, you can be assured you will have the move stunning garden around!
The building:
Here is an example of the various type of water lily pool:
The basic water lily pool should be made with ready-mix concrete for the best results. Consult a building expert if you are unsure how much concrete you will need. If you provide them with the dimensions of your pool, they can advice you correctly.
Mid-summer is the best time to build a pool. With new methods of curing, you no longer need to wait until autumn to have the cooler air cure your pool. This way you can enjoy your pool during the end of the season bloom!
You will need to consider excavation next. The amount of work depends on your soil texture. If your soil is firm, you can build one form, but if it crumbles you will need to build and inside and outside forms, also be sure to lay planks to hold up the soil as you dig. The best depth for growing water lilies is approximately 2 feet deep. Add 2 inches to the sides of the pool, because the pool will look nice when the water is short of the brimming point. For a pool of this depth, you will want to dig one foot deeper (six inches for gravel and six inches for the concrete shell). Make sure you are check for level excavation as well.
Drainage:
Drainage is important to consider for a water lily garden. You have three drainage options to consider. You can choose to not have a drainage option, which can make the pool easier to build. Typically this is not a problem, as pools only need to be emptied once a year. However, if you are in an area prone to a lot of rainfall, you can lose plants and fish with flooding if there is no drainage. The other two options, providing you wish to have drainage are dry well installation or a complete drainage installation.
Fortification and Pouring:
After you have a design, and the drainage in place, consider reinforcing your pool. Steel is usually the best method to complete this task. You can use steel rods or a mesh to line your excavation, so the concrete will easily cover it. The corners will need the most reinforcement, the best idea is to use separate rods, bent into right angles.
Next, it is time to mix and pour your concrete. Portland cement should be used. The mixture should be one part cement, two parts sand, and three parts gravel.
Once you have mixed your cement, gently place it into the excavation site. Be careful not to throw the mixture, as this will leave you with a weak frame. Place the mixture six inches think onto the floor. After the floor, fill in your walls. Allow the concrete to set for 48 hours before you remove the molds. Finally, you should keep the cement moist for another ten days.
Copings and Effects:
Here are some ideas for pool copings and special effects that can be added to your water lily pool:
- Ornamental rims
- Moss
- Fountains and spouts
- Dripstones
- Lightning
These are features that will enhance the pool, helping you to create the look and style that is just perfect for you!