What are some liner promoters and sellers saying about professional pond installations that use concrete and rebar, in addition to mortar to hold the rocks down?
(1) “A problem with concrete and mortar construction is the leaching of alkali from cement for some time after construction, which poisons the pond water with high alkalinity. It also leaves unsightly white deposits accumulations in the tanks. exit points and on the surface of rocks in the waterfall “. IS NOT TRUE!
If the concrete you use to pour the shell is a 7-bag mix of 40% gravel and a stealth fiber mix, the concrete is so dense that no leaching can even occur. Also, due to the density of the concrete, it is not only waterproof, but stronger than the normal 5-bag mix used for pouring driveways, patios, and sidewalks. Finally, if you cover the finished surface with Thoro-seal, one of several non-toxic concrete sealers, it cannot leak.
(2) “When a mortar mix is used to secure rocks in a waterfall, the water that penetrates the porous mortar joints, filters out the alkali and phosphorescence that poisons the pond. TRUE in the past, but not anymore. Normal mortar is porous, allowing water to pass through, dissolving and collecting cement residue. This had been one of my main concerns for many years. After completing a waterfall, I would have to run the waterfall for two to three weeks, shutting it down. every 4 to 5 days, and acid clean the white alkaline residue from the rocks that had accumulated.
Then when we were done we would have to acid clean and rinse the pond. Fifteen years ago I discovered a secret formula that would make the mortar mix non-porous and waterproof. It also makes regular mortar mix three times stronger. It is produced by adding a 45 # bag of thin set (used to apply ceramic tile to the wall of a shower) to two bags of mortar mix type S. Once it cures, it becomes so dense that it is totally waterproof and does not It leaches no alkali after it cures (3 to 4 days). Also, this mixture is so strong in its holding capacity that once it cures, a hammer is needed to remove a stone. In most cases, the rock is broken before it is released from the secret formula mortar.
Not only is it waterproof, it adheres very well to all rock types and texture. It will create an airtight barrier that is useful when building rock dams in the waterfall. The main feature of my special formula is that it allows much more creativity. It has the ability to raise the water level above the limits of the concrete shell without water seeping through the mortar joints, as in the case of regular-type mortar mix. This special mix is not for sale in stores, and never will be, because I give the formula for free! This discovery has revolutionized the effectiveness of mortar mix and its ability to bond, waterproof, and prevent alkali leaching.
A dramatic test
A 4,000 gallon pool was turned into a concrete koi pond with two large waterfalls, attached with my new mortar mix and an 8 ‘x 12’ island. The rocks that surround the island were also supported by the new formula. When the project was completed, all surfaces received a quick and gentle acid wash, and the pond was filled and dechlorinator was added. The next day $ 3,000 worth of my own personal koi was transferred to the concrete koi pond. They all calmly swam around the island, inspecting every nook and cranny.
None of them experienced stress and remained in their temporary accommodation for three months without incident. If that dramatic display wasn’t enough to convert skeptics, nothing will. So what is the bottom line? Pond liners cannot be guaranteed not to leak, for a myriad of reasons. Concrete and rebar ponds, if constructed correctly, will remain leak-free for decades, if not generations. You are the judge. You are the one investing your hard-earned time and money.