Where can I get a 12' fiberglass shallow pool/pond?

Zeke · 02-28-2011, 06:15 PM

Like this:

Really more like this:

Or another title for the thread is "How can I build this easily?"

id10t · 02-28-2011, 06:32 PM

Get a stock tank the appropriate size and either dig it in or build up around it. Mom has a 10' metal one one that is buried level with the ground, has lasted 10 years w/o issues.

Zeke · 02-28-2011, 07:23 PM

Good idea, price is right. Too deep though. I could use it as a form.

I found these:
Fiberglass Ponds

I could cut the round one in half and glass it to the ends of the rectangle (8' x 5'). Seems a bit of money compared to what a few yards of concrete would cost. Still need forms for that.

nota · 02-28-2011, 07:34 PM

cheapest way is plastic like vapor barrier a couple of layers
or get fancy and use heavier stuff like kiddy pool liner
hide the top under rock or tiles
and sand or dirt in the bottom for the plants

Zeke · 02-28-2011, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nota

cheapest way is plastic like vapor barrier a couple of layers
or get fancy and use heavier stuff like kiddy pool liner
hide the top under rock or tiles
and sand or dirt in the bottom for the plants

OK, where to get info? I've been all over the Net and found little on the fountain style that could be a handsome wading pool for kids and yet be a nice yard feature the rest of the year.

There are larger pools with liners and abs plastic fish ponds. Those don't work for me. I can do some nice masonry above ground and key it into the form. I want that Roman form, not some fried egg shape.

id10t · 02-28-2011, 07:59 PM

DIY Projects and Ideas - MonsterFishKeepers.com

Search thru there for the various ways folks have contained water...

daepp · 02-28-2011, 08:05 PM

Hey Milt - the Lowes stores in and around the I.E stock all sorts of shapes and sizes of those.

nota · 02-28-2011, 08:11 PM

I just did it

in south fla lots of coral rock right under topsoil
so I dug out the sand pockets and did minimum rock bashing

I used 3 layers of plastic dropcloth sheets after smooth the rock
used the rocks dug or chipped out to anchor the plastic
extra rocks to make a water fall to aireat the water for fish

Tom '74 911 · 03-01-2011, 04:04 AM

If you haven't already, try a landscaping place or wholesaler for more info. That's who does most of that kind of work around here.

Zeke · 07:16 AM

I guess I should have been a little more clear about the intended use. It's for little people (grandkids), not fish, not plants. I just want a formal shape like the Roman shape pic'd above.

But, I want to classify it as an above ground pond. As I understand it, anything spa like that is less than 50% in the ground is considered above ground and movable for tax purposes. I realize the insurance liability. A large bucket of water is a liability for an insurance company.

MotoSook · 08:24 AM

Try your agricultural supply retailer. I've used a lot of poly-tubs for containment. Tubs are feed or watering tubes used on farms. Heavy duty and aren't deep enough to worry too much about the grand kids. You won't GE fancy shapes though.

Zeke · 03-01-2011, 08:22 AM

Hey Souk, if I wanted a cattle trough in my back yard, that would be perfect. Come on guys, give me some credit. I'd like to have something that is pleasing in an architectural/landscaping sense.

I know we have some architects and designers here. Meanwhile, I'll stop at a couple of spa shops. We have 3 within a mile, can you believe that in this economy?

MotoSook · 03-01-2011, 08:26 AM

I assume you are going to dress it up and only use the tub as a liner. You can get creative and buy more than one and make a circuit with what ever classified features you what.

deanp · 03-01-2011, 10:09 AM

If you are going to use it as a wading pool you will need to consider a filtration system at the bottom. You may want to consider an EPDM liner for the rectangular section and one of the round tubs cut in half for the rounded ends. Investigate whether you can bond the EPDM to fiberglass, I know you can bond it to itself.

From there you can partially excavate the wading/reflecting pool and build up the outside retaining wall using landscape stones, field stone, etc. The liner will go partway up the built wall and then tuck in between two layers of the block.

You can install a bottom mount fitting for the plumbing in the EPDM liner.

After that you can put crushed colorful stone or river rock on the bottom to dress it up. I don't think you'll find any other color than black. River rock would probably be more forgiving on the feet of your grandkids.

Check out landscape supply houses and water garden supply houses for more ideas.

The projects you've posted have been beautiful, I am sure you can come up with a creative solution for this.