Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - fish pond incorporated into deck?
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cheese
09-11-04, 11:45 PM
Hello!
I am about to attempt (I think) to incorporate a plastic fish pond insert into my back deck. Has anyone ever tried this?
My plans are to build an irregular-shaped "box" with no bottom that is larger than the pond, to hold the dirt in. I am going to keep the dirt filled area about a foot from the edge of the home at the closest point. Then, I plan to fill the "box" with dirt around the pond insert almost up to the height of the deck. Then I will install the decking up to the edges of the dirt filled area, and trim along the cut edges with a roll of lanscaping border. Then plant tropical plants and small palms around it, with a small waterfall at the end and small garden lights.
I have never seen this done, so I'm going at it with no reference. If anyone has done this, or something similar, please let me know if you have any helpful hints, ideas, or critisizm.
Thanks!
I am about to attempt (I think) to incorporate a plastic fish pond insert into my back deck. Has anyone ever tried this?
My plans are to build an irregular-shaped "box" with no bottom that is larger than the pond, to hold the dirt in. I am going to keep the dirt filled area about a foot from the edge of the home at the closest point. Then, I plan to fill the "box" with dirt around the pond insert almost up to the height of the deck. Then I will install the decking up to the edges of the dirt filled area, and trim along the cut edges with a roll of lanscaping border. Then plant tropical plants and small palms around it, with a small waterfall at the end and small garden lights.
I have never seen this done, so I'm going at it with no reference. If anyone has done this, or something similar, please let me know if you have any helpful hints, ideas, or critisizm.
Thanks!
YellowTang
09-12-04, 05:11 AM
I was trying to uderstand what you were writing and I think I got it. I take it as you are going to cut a pond shape hole in the deck and under the deck you are going to build a sqare box larger then the hole from ground to deck and fill it with dirt.
It sounds great and I wish now that I would have thought of it. I can see it working as long as the bottom of the pond is evenly supported with dirt. If you use wood beams to support the pond they could pinch the liner and the pond will leak. Also make sure all the dirt is compresssed and you will need drainage holes in the box. I think other then that you will be good to go, just make sure that box is stong, real stong.
One other thing and you probable know this but no fish will live though a winter in that pond, being it is above ground it will be a block of ice in the winter, you could either go with no fish at all or bring them in for the winter.
One more thing to think of before doing this is ponds are not a real cheap hobby, Most people think all you do is buy a pond and fill it with water and thats it. There is more to it then that but thats a whole new subject. just something to consider. Good luck, the idea sounds great.
It sounds great and I wish now that I would have thought of it. I can see it working as long as the bottom of the pond is evenly supported with dirt. If you use wood beams to support the pond they could pinch the liner and the pond will leak. Also make sure all the dirt is compresssed and you will need drainage holes in the box. I think other then that you will be good to go, just make sure that box is stong, real stong.
One other thing and you probable know this but no fish will live though a winter in that pond, being it is above ground it will be a block of ice in the winter, you could either go with no fish at all or bring them in for the winter.
One more thing to think of before doing this is ponds are not a real cheap hobby, Most people think all you do is buy a pond and fill it with water and thats it. There is more to it then that but thats a whole new subject. just something to consider. Good luck, the idea sounds great.
Hellrazor
09-12-04, 05:59 AM
If the pond freezes solid in Ga, we are in deep trouble up here in the NE.
YellowTang
09-12-04, 06:16 AM
Mybad, I didn't think to look where he was from.
cheese
09-13-04, 01:46 AM
Hey, thanks for the advice!
You got it...almost. The deck doesn't come right up to the pond. The hole in the deck is much larger than the pond, and dirt is between the deck and the pond. (it will soon have rock and plants) . I just built it today, but not done yet. I framed the boxed in area, filled it with dirt and used the water hose to compact it. I placed the pond in and kept adding dirt around it while soaking it with the water hose to make sure it contacts the sides of the pond well. It is now about 10" from the top, and I will fill the rest of the way with gardening soil and peat, and then plant small palms and tropical plants. Basically, it is a raised garden with a pond in it. It's turning out nice so far, but lots of work! I'll try to get pics.
You got it...almost. The deck doesn't come right up to the pond. The hole in the deck is much larger than the pond, and dirt is between the deck and the pond. (it will soon have rock and plants) . I just built it today, but not done yet. I framed the boxed in area, filled it with dirt and used the water hose to compact it. I placed the pond in and kept adding dirt around it while soaking it with the water hose to make sure it contacts the sides of the pond well. It is now about 10" from the top, and I will fill the rest of the way with gardening soil and peat, and then plant small palms and tropical plants. Basically, it is a raised garden with a pond in it. It's turning out nice so far, but lots of work! I'll try to get pics.