A small circular garden pond in a summer cottage or garden is a classic option for many gardeners. Such a water body has many advantages, starting with the possibility of decorating it in almost any style and ending with the idea of ​​using it as a storage of water for irrigation, which is especially true on dry sandy soils. Whatever option is chosen (and, quite possibly, combination), there is one more plus: you can make such a reservoir on your own, with your own hands.

Necessary materials and tools for construction

The first thing to choose for the future pond is a well ring, which will act as the frame of the entire structure. Its dimensions can vary - the maximum diameter is 3 m and the height is 2 m. It should be taken into account that the weight will directly depend on these parameters. For example, a concrete ring of medium dimensions (diameter - 1.5 m, height - 0.5 m) will weigh at least 500 kg. That is why all work will be easier to carry out with small workpieces. You should also pay attention to such a concrete indicator as moisture absorption - the lower it is, the longer the structure will last.

Important! When using several rings in one composition at once, you should make sure in advance that they have special grooves. Thanks to them, it will be easy to connect all elements to each other, thereby facilitating installation and reducing the likelihood of displacement to almost zero.

In addition to the ring, you will also need several bags of sand concrete and 2-3 liters of liquid glass to form the bottom, as well as sealant, sand and paint for the inner walls. The further list of materials will depend on the chosen method of finishing the external sides.

For example, if preference is given to the option of facing with stone, then you will need:

• galvanized building mesh (a stone will be laid on it);
• sea ​​pebbles;
• adhesive mixture.

Of the tools you may need: a scoop, a mini-concrete mixer, brushes, a spatula, a shovel, a bucket, a side cutter (to remove the excess part of the grid, when using it in decorating).

Step by step instructions for creating

Before embarking on the direct construction of a concrete well, you should decide on several basic nuances:

• choose the optimal size of the concrete billet and determine the degree of penetration;
• to calculate the estimated costs of building materials and their delivery (taking into account the possible need for lifting equipment).

Did you know? The decorative pond is able not only to give uniqueness to the appearance of the entire plot, but also significantly improve the microclimate of the garden by increasing the level of humidity.

Pit arrangement

In total, there are 3 main ways to install a round decorative pond:

• on the same level as the ground;
• elevated - involves the rise of the walls above the surface of the earth;
• in-depth - with the formation of a gentle slope around the rim.

Before starting excavation, you should choose the most suitable option for yourself. When calculating the depth of the pit, it is also necessary to take into account the sand layer, the thickness of which will be about 10 cm, as well as the cement layer of the bottom - enough 7-10 cm.

Tamping and bottom formation with reinforced screed

To obtain a strong bottom, which will not crack even after a long time, its formation should consist of several stages. First of all, pour a layer of sand and carefully compact it. Next, before pouring concrete, to strengthen the screed, a metal mesh is placed on the sand (it can also be replaced with polypropylene fiber) and then concrete is poured. The optimal proportion for a high-quality cement mortar is a mixture of 1 part cement and 3 parts sand.

After covering the bottom with a reinforced screed, a solid and even horizontal surface is obtained - on it, after drying, the workpiece will be installed.

Concrete ring installation

When working with heavy rings, their installation may require the use of special equipment, therefore, in summer cottages it is recommended to use lighter options - about 40 cm in height and weighing up to 200–250 kg.

After installing the workpiece to the bottom, the docking place, as well as possible irregularities, are putty with cement mortar. All the free space between the well and the walls of the foundation pit is covered with earth and carefully packed. If further it is planned to cover the inside of the pond bowl with paint or film, it is recommended that you check its water tightness first. To do this, fill the ring with water and observe its level for two days. At this stage, the installation of a decorative pond is considered completed, and you can proceed to the external decoration.

Before pouring water, the structure will completely dry out from two to three weeks.

Decoration and decor

Exterior finish is designed not only to give the pond a decorative appearance, but also to protect it from wear and negative environmental influences.

Did you know? According to Feng Shui teachings, a pond located on a site will certainly bring wealth and happiness to its owner.

To add more pond to the pond, you can arrange the inner walls with:

• putties with cement mortar with the addition of the pigment of the desired shade;
• waterproof paint (for example, you can use epoxy, acrylic, chlorinated rubber, latex dispersion, etc.);
• decorative PVC film fixed to waterproof glue;
• professional coatings with liquid glass (requires certain skills and safety measures, therefore it is not recommended to carry out work in the absence of experience).

It should be borne in mind that after coating the pool can be filled with water no earlier than 2 weeks later. The surface of the bowl can be decorated with ceramic tiles, mosaics or stone cladding. When the rim of the reservoir is below ground level, a gentle slope can also be decorated with stones that are laid on cement. If the edging is on the same level with the ground, you can arrange it using stone slabs or monolithic flat concrete rings with a suitable diameter. Forged items can also be used forged items or a fountain.

The process of independently creating a decorative pond at the cottage from well rings is a laborious process, but it is quite real, even without special knowledge and skills in construction. Moreover, the design of such a reservoir will allow to realize creative potential, giving an individual appearance to the pool and the entire garden.