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Building an in-ground pond, How to sheet #310 Are you ready to take your outdoor living
area and kick it up a notch? Check out this weekend project on Allan Block
today we will show you how to enhance your yard with a beautiful pond like this one using
the Courtyard Collection from Allan Block You can find this how-to sheet and the location
of your nearest Allan Block Dealer by visiting us at allanblock.com
click on the videos and animation tab and then on Courtyard Collection to find this
weekend project Tools you will need include, a shovel, hand
compactor, wheelbarrow, measuring tape, a level, a dead blow hammer, safety glasses
and work gloves The courtyard collection has five basic block
shapes for this project we will be working with AB
York Blocks and Wall Caps The first step is to clear away the existing
landscaping for the location of the pond choose the location of your pond by using
a stake and a tape measure to determine the best placement
Once you have determined the placement of your pond,
place a stake in the center of the pond, attach a string and use it to mark out the location.
Temporarily place one course of York Blocks with their short sides facing in to make sure
the size and location are correct. In this example our pond will be eighty two inches
across and will use twenty seven blocks per course. Ab York Blocks have a long side and
a short side. Once the blocks are in place, use a shovel to mark around the outside of
the block. Then remove the blocks and dig a twelve inch deep hole to accommodate the
pond. Dig an eight inch wide by three inch deep trench in the location where the blocks
will be placed. Fill the trench with three inches of sand and compact with a hand compactor
to create a leveling pad. If your pond includes a decorative sculpture or fountain, you will
also need a leveling pad under its location. Level the entire area making adjustments where
needed. A straight two by four and a level make easy work of leveling the site. Temporarily
place the first two courses of blocks on the leveling pad. Level and adjust each block
from side to side and front to back. Building the first two courses at the same time will
ensure proper alignment. The blocks must be level before the liner can be installed. To
prevent damage to the liner. Check the placement of the block using a two by four. Carefully
remove the blocks to put the pond liner in place. When installing the liner, be sure
to press the sides of the liner into the outside edges of the pond. Carefully replace the first
two courses of the blocks only making minor adjustments. Install an additional course
making sure to offset the vertical seams from the blocks below. Fold the liner up over the
top of the blocks. Then backfill around the outer edge of the pond to be level with the
top of the blocks. Trim the excess liner at the top of the blocks. Then put the last course
of blocks into place. If your pond needs electricity chip off the bottom edge of one block using
a hammer and chisel to make room for the power cord. Finish your pond with Wall Caps. Install
all the wall caps to ensure a proper fit. To secure them in place, remove two or three
at a time and glue them into place using concrete adhesive. Complete your pond with decorative
rock, fountains and landscaping, add water and enjoy! Find hundreds of additional ideas
for your yard from simple Do-It-Yourself weekend ideas. To big projects which may require the
help of a certified Allan Block Contractor. You can watch videos, download free instructions
and helpful tips all at allanblock.com