How to waterproof a pond. How to waterproof a pond

Ennobling the area surrounding Vacation home, many owners provide in the project landscape design the presence of a reservoir. The place and size of the future decoration of the site are selected based on the capabilities of the owner and the area of ​​land ownership. The future pond may look like a small body of water surrounded by ornamental plantings, near which it is pleasant to sit in hot weather . A large area can serve as a place for a more solid size pond that can become a favorite place for swimming not only for kids, but also for adult family members.

Pond waterproofing scheme on open ground: 1 - Base, 2 - Subbase, 3 - Mechanical fastening, 4 - Weighting agent, 5 - Primer, 6 - Reinforcing layer, 7 - Rubber coating.

In order for the device of the reservoir not to cause the site to turn into a swampy area, waterproofing of the pond is mandatory, regardless of its size.

Plastic container - the easiest way to waterproof

The only option when there is no particular need for a waterproofing device is the installation of a plastic container. The material from which the container is made is itself a reliable waterproofing. However, in this case, another problem arises - after severe frosts, the material may become cracked.

Although there is a wide range of plastic containers for creating reservoirs on sale, it can be difficult to find a design that is suitable in shape and depth. It is no longer possible to change the design of a finished plastic pond. But when using plastic mold It doesn't take long to create a reservoir. It is only necessary to dig a pit of the appropriate shape and depth and install a water tank in it.

The bed for installing the container should be 20 cm larger along the contour of the form, and 5 cm will need to be added to the required depth to fill the sand on the ground. Before backfilling with sand, the soil must be cleaned of roots and stone, and then carefully compacted. To improve waterproofing, in case of damage to the plastic mold, you can cover the soil with a layer of geotextile.

The main advantage of using a plastic container is the speed of its installation, a variety of shapes and various possibilities its use. The disadvantages can be attributed not too long term services and the impossibility of changing the shape of the purchased product.

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concrete waterproofing

The use of concrete for waterproofing reservoirs is a traditional way to create on suburban area ponds for various purposes. The service life of a well-made reservoir, the waterproofing of which is made of concrete, is estimated for decades. It is especially convenient to use concrete when creating reservoirs. large sizes, which the owners of the site often use not only as a pool, but also breed fish in it.

Of course, it is better to entrust such a large-scale work to professionals, but it is quite possible to perform the concreting of the reservoir yourself. In order for the waterproofing to be performed qualitatively, a certain work procedure must be followed. Violation of technology can lead to the fact that instead of a wonderful place to relax, a wetland area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe adjacent area will be obtained.

Scheme of the pond pit: 1 - Pit; 2 - Waterproofing; 3 - First concreting; 4 - Fittings; 5 - repeated concreting.

It is desirable that all work on concreting the walls and bottom of the future reservoir be completed during the day. If the pond is made for breeding fish, then its surface, after readiness concrete pavement, it is better to cover liquid glass, since the presence of concrete chips in the reservoir is dangerous.

Consider the technology of creating a reservoir with concrete waterproofing in the order of the stages of work.

The creation of reservoirs where waterproofing is made of concrete begins with earthworks. the walls of the pit are given a slope of about 45 °, then the soil, cleared of stones, is carefully compacted on the walls and bottom.

The next step will be laying a thick polyethylene film over the entire inner surface of the pit. Then the surface of the polyethylene film is covered with a layer of concrete with a thickness of at least 10 cm. While the concrete solution has not hardened, reinforcement is laid. As reinforcement, a metal mesh is perfect, which is pressed into the base of the concrete wall.

The reinforcement is closed with the next layer of concrete. The thickness of the finishing layer is at least 5 cm. The coating should be carefully compacted and leveled, and after it has acquired hardness, cover it with liquid glass. Now there are more modern means of finishing - a variety of coatings made of polymeric materials. The pond, trimmed with their help, acquires an original appearance.

To create a reservoir with your own hands by concreting, you will need to take care of such materials and tools as:

  • the main material selected for the waterproofing device;
  • polyethylene film;
  • geotextile;
  • shovel and construction scrap;
  • scissors for cutting film and geotextiles.

A picturesque lake or a pond in the country is a lot of positive aspects.

In addition to its pleasant aesthetic qualities and high decorativeness, the presence of a small reservoir contributes to the formation of a favorable microclimate on the site, especially for plants growing nearby.

If desired, the pond can also perform utilitarian functions: use for breeding fish, a source of water for irrigation. And the cultivation of ornamental aquatic plants will diversify the range.

However, the main issue to which this article is devoted is the waterproofing of the pond, the high role of which cannot be underestimated.

What is waterproofing for? The main ways to do it

The main purpose is to retain water in a reservoir, which is especially important if the soils are sandy, permeable, and the groundwater level is low. Waterproofing a reservoir can be different. The durability of your structure and its functionality will depend on which type you choose.

What will be the result of incorrectly performed work, as well as the wrong decision when choosing a waterproofing device technology? The answer is to the drying up of the pond, silting of the bottom, etc.

When choosing a method, you should pay attention to the size of the pond, its shape, purpose, under what conditions it will be operated, what features the design will have.

The most common waterproofing methods include the following:

1. Using a special film . Suitable for ponds of any shape and size. Most cheap option material is polyethylene, but it has some disadvantages (short-lived, low elasticity, low UV resistance).

A more durable and elastic coating is a geomembrane based on low and high density polyethylene. However, the most famous and widely used option is PVC film, which surpasses previous materials in all respects. There is also a rubber-based film.

2. Application of ready-made molds made of plastic and fiberglass which you can easily find in specialized stores. The cost depends on the shape, size, volume and quality of the container material. So, a 370-liter polyethylene pond costs about 5000-6000 rubles.

3. Concrete . This is one of the most expensive and time-consuming methods, but also the most durable and strong. It can also be safely classified as traditional. However, it is worth remembering that this material is sensitive to a sharp temperature drop, soil subsidence.

In addition, not everyone can arrange such waterproofing. If you can lay a film or install a finished form without problems with your own hands, then you can do concrete waterproofing yourself if you have special skills.

4. Clay waterproofing, or clay castle device . Clay must be laid on the bottom and walls of the reservoir with a thickness of 20-50 cm, and not in one go, but in several layers.

5. Soil compaction according to the Sepp Holzer method . It consists in the fact that an excavator becomes a pit filled with water by 30-40 cm, which begins to press (compact) the bottom with a bucket.

6. From liquid rubber. This is a fairly new method, which has many advantages. Suitable for both ornamental ponds, and for swimming pools, ponds for breeding fish.

The material itself is a two-component mastic based on a polymer-bitumen water emulsion, applied by spraying. Withstands frosts down to -60˚С, service life is at least 20 years. Compared to film waterproofing, liquid rubber has a high resistance to punctures.

Before you start work on creating a pond, you should decide on the method of waterproofing, choose the option that suits you.

Do-it-yourself waterproofing of the bottom of the pond - basic rules

Whichever method you choose, there is general rules that must be observed. First of all, you need to dig a pit under the reservoir of the desired size and shape, carefully form the bowl of the pond. Then it is necessary to level the bottom and walls, fill in a layer of sand, which is compacted into the ground.

The next step depends on the selected waterproofing material.

If we use a film, then first we lay the geotextile(to protect the film from germinating plant roots, sharp stones). The edges of the film should extend beyond the pond by 50 cm, they are well fixed and masked with stones and earth. Then earth, gravel are covered and filled with water.

If you are using a preform, then you simply insert it into the pit so that the edge protrudes a couple of centimeters above ground level. Pour water into the container and use the level to adjust the location of the pond. Then the free space between the walls of the mold and the pit is covered with sand, compacted, periodically moistening it.

In the case of concrete, it is better to contact a specialist. But when using clay, the base of the pit bowl should be sprinkled with ash from insects living in the soil. Then we lay a layer of clay (10-15 cm) on the bottom and walls, which should be well tamped and covered with straw from the sun. When the layer dries a little, we lay the second one, which is also rammed.

Remember that clay shrinks up to 20% when it dries. As a result, the thickness of the clay castle will be 20-50 cm. After that, we pour crushed stone (fractions with a diameter of 3-4 cm), tamp it down. Plus we make a layer of gravel and river sand, which will serve as an additional protection against erosion of clay by water. Worth knowing what to put clay on vertical wall impossible, so the banks should be gentle.

When using liquid rubber, geotextiles are laid out first, fixing it with staples, and then several layers of liquid rubber are applied using a spray gun.

Properly executed waterproofing is the basis of a beautiful reservoir, always filled with water.

From this article you will learn:

  • How to waterproof a pond in a country house
  • How to use clay for waterproofing a pond
  • What is liquid waterproofing of a pond
  • What is vinylite and what are its advantages

Rare owner country house refuses to have any body of water on its site. If the area allows, then decorating the landscape with a pretty pond is only a matter of financial capabilities. Anyone will be pleased to relax near the cool water on a hot day or spend the evening there with a cup of tea. And if the pond is surrounded by various ornamental plants, then it will look just wonderful. On the spacious plot and a pond can be arranged more solid - one in which not only children, but also their mothers and fathers can swim. The main thing to remember is that no matter how big the pond is, it needs to be looked after. Today we will talk about various options pond waterproofing.

How is it possible to waterproof the pond in the country

If a body of water, even if it is not too large and deep, is left without waterproofing, you risk turning your site into a swampy area. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to take preventive measures.

Pond waterproofing with plastic

There is an option for arranging a reservoir, in which there is no need to deal with its waterproofing. It's about on the purchase and further installation of a plastic container. The material from which it is made has reliable waterproofing properties. It would seem that a way out of the situation has been found: to equip the pond in this way - and all problems have been solved. Unfortunately, not everything is so simple. If in your area there are very coldy, then the material of construction may simply crack.

There are a couple of other problems, although not so serious. First, despite the fact that plastic pond containers are sold in almost any specialized store, finding the right size and depth is quite difficult. Secondly, having settled on a specific option, you will no longer be able to change the shape of the reservoir. Of the advantages, in addition to the absence of the need for waterproofing the pond, it should be noted that it is possible to dig a suitable pit and immerse the container in it quickly enough.

Indeed, there are some things to keep in mind important points. So, when digging a form for installing a container in the ground, do not forget to make it 20 cm wider around the entire perimeter of the reservoir. The depth of the pit should be 5 cm more - this space will be covered with sand. By the way, before filling the sand, be sure to remove all the stones from the ground and pull out the roots, then carefully tamp the ground. If you're worried that the pond's waterproofing might be compromised by damaged plastic, cover the ground with a layer of geotextile.

Among the advantages of a "plastic" pond is not only the ease of installation, but also the ability to choose a wide variety of shapes. In addition, such a reservoir can be used for various purposes. The downside is not only that it will be impossible to change the appearance of the object. Unfortunately, the service life of such a pond is not too long.

Pond waterproofing with concrete

The most commonly used material for waterproofing water bodies is concrete. If this material is used during the construction of the facility, then there will be no issues with the duration of the operation of the pond - it will be in order for many decades. Concrete is especially well suited for waterproofing large ponds, which are used not only for swimming, but also for breeding fish.

If you do not have skills in the construction business, it would be better to hire specialists for such work. But if you wish, you can do the waterproofing of the pond with your own hands. In order for the result to turn out as intended, all actions must be performed in a certain sequence and according to the rules. Otherwise, instead of a colorful reservoir, you risk getting a completely wetland.

It is desirable to concrete the walls and the bottom of the pond within one day. A reservoir intended for breeding fish must not only be waterproofed with concrete, but also covered with liquid glass, which will protect the water from concrete chips falling into it.

The stages of waterproofing a pond with a concrete coating will look like this.

You need to start with earthworks, the purpose of which is to give the walls of the pit a slope of about 45 °. Remove all stones and roots from the ground, then tamp it down well - both at the bottom of the future reservoir and on its walls.

Then close all inner surface thick pond plastic wrap. Place at least a 10 cm layer of concrete over the film. Until it hardens, reinforce it with reinforcement. For this you can use metal mesh pressing it into the surface of the material.

But the waterproofing of the pond is not over. Place the next layer of concrete on the reinforcement, at least 5 cm thick. Level and compact the entire coating. After the concrete hardens, cover it with liquid glass. Instead, if desired, you can use special polymer materials. These coatings are not only considered more modern, but also look quite original.

Before you start waterproofing the pond with your own hands, make sure you have:

  • material with which you want to arrange waterproofing;
  • polyethylene film;
  • geotextile;
  • construction scrap:
  • shovel;
  • scissors to cut geotextiles and polyethylene.

Pond waterproofing film

If you prefer the most budgetary version of waterproofing, then it can be done using a regular film. But its thickness must be at least 500 microns, while the polyethylene must be folded in half. As you understand, the material is not one of the most reliable, and therefore the guarantee for the operation of this kind of waterproofing of the pond cannot be long. The maximum service life in this case is not more than five years.

However, if you use a PVC film, then the quality of the waterproofing will be much higher. The reinforced PVC material will last even longer, which differs from the usual one by the presence of a special woven mesh inside its two layers. The PVC film has good elasticity and can be repaired. However, this material has a minus: such a film is destroyed under the influence of the sun.

Instead of polyethylene or PVC film for waterproofing the pond, you can use butyl rubber sheet, which among such materials is considered the most durable. The service life of a pond with waterproofing from such a film reaches fifty years. The work itself on arranging a reservoir with the help of butyl rubber does not present any difficulties.

Pond waterproofing with liquid rubber

Liquid rubber is positioned as the most modern waterproofing material. A pond finished in this way will be distinguished by reliability and durability. Liquid rubber has two components in its composition and is made on the basis of a polymer-bitumen emulsion. It is not afraid even of sixty-degree frosts, it is quite difficult to pierce it. Guaranteed waterproofing for ponds and other bodies of water - up to 20 years.

The technique of working with this coating is not difficult. Dig a pit of the right size, cover it with geotextile, which should be well fixed on the "banks" of the pond. Then cover the geotextile waterproofing mastic. It can be applied both manually and with a special sprayer, preferably in several layers.

After the liquid rubber hardens, a strong and rather elastic film will be obtained, repeating the shape of the pit to the smallest detail. Thanks to this, the pond will look absolutely natural, especially if you decorate it with plants. This waterproofing material is ecologically absolutely harmless.

Pond waterproofing with clay

Scientific progress has touched the most diverse aspects of our life, and construction technology has not stood aside. If the ancient Egyptians, building their pyramids, did not attach much importance to waterproofing, then the European peoples living in a fairly cold and humid area just had to think about it. For example, to protect the underground parts of structures from moisture in the same Holland is another problem!

Time has shown that clay is the best waterproofing material, at least for the medieval level of building technology.

We can say that people are lucky that it is easy to find it in low-lying areas with high soil moisture.

In such areas, until the middle of the 19th century, a simple and at the same time very reliable building practice was used. The foundations of buildings were laid out of brick or buta, fastening the material lime mortar. An 8–10 cm layer of clay was applied on top, which, in turn, was covered with natural matting. From below, drainage was made of brick rubble. If the soil was too wet, drainage pipes were used. Many cities in Europe are built in this way. If we take examples from Russia, then we can recall St. Petersburg, which was built in a very swampy area. Moreover, a huge number of basements there are located below the groundwater level, but they do not leak to this day.

If you look into our past even further, you can remember Novgorod. Archaeologists excavating 14th-century structures have found clay waterproofing systems underground. The basements of many ancient buildings remain dry until the waterproofing made by the ancient builders is violated during the construction of new communications. And restore it modern methods turns out bad.

For waterproofing ponds and other structures, high-quality oily clay is best suited. Take, for example, adobe floors, which are still found in village huts. If water is not spilled on such floors from above, they will be completely dry even in humid climates.

The floors in rich houses and churches were made of brick, which was covered with a 10–15 cm layer of clay on top. Moreover, the latter was first "improved", diluting it with bull's blood, threshing with chains, dousing it with pitch water or even slurry. A stone was placed on top of the floor or ceramic tiles, gluing them with the help of the same clay.

In the 19th century, compounds with stronger waterproofing properties appeared - different kind bitumen and tar. But on this building technology did not stop, and now materials are used for insulation, the basis of which is cement, petroleum bitumen and various polymers. But, be that as it may, it is too early to write off the clay completely. It is still used today for waterproofing ponds and other structures. Moreover, this happens not only in distant Russian villages, but also in many European countries.

Now, in the construction of reservoirs, in addition to clay, a film is used, but this only benefits the object, preventing the erosion of the primary protective layer. By the way, many modern waterproofing materials contain elements of clay.

For example, the American company "Akzo Nobel Geosynthetics" is known for its three-layer waterproofing mats "NaBento". Their base is bentonite clay wrapped in a geotextile shell. As soon as the sinuses of the pit are filled up, these mats expand and tightly close up all possible holes. The company's products are also used in the construction of various underground structures under difficult conditions. However, Akzo Nobel Geosynthetics is far from the only company producing clay-based mats. Many enterprises in Canada, the European Union and even China have adopted this technology.

Clay is used not only for waterproofing ponds, but also for the most common wells. Moreover, its use is mandatory, otherwise dirty surface water will enter the well through the walls.

Advantages of pond waterproofing with clay:

  • Clay can be stored forever without losing its properties.
  • A pond with clay waterproofing does not need to be repaired, as it does not “break”.
  • Clay is very plastic and finely dispersed.
  • Clay will not crack, and it is not able to erode groundwater.

It should be remembered: clay does not let water through, but the same cannot be said about moisture. If the foundation does not have surface insulation, then it will not get wet, but it will definitely become wet. Based on this, a clay castle is best used in conjunction with surface insulation.

One of physical properties clay - expansion when freezing. Under certain circumstances, this can work against you. Clay soil at a construction site implies the construction of a foundation with a smooth surface and an outer profile that does not expand upwards, otherwise, when cold weather sets in, the base may be squeezed out. But if such a castle is made in sandy or sandy loamy soil, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

To make a reliable clay castle, it must be compacted in layers in the formwork, and the latter does not have to be even.

Clay tips:

  1. The best clay should be as oily as possible, that is, with a sand content of no more than 5-15%. The color of the clay, especially for the waterproofing of the pond, does not matter. For construction, you can take loam, but its efficiency is much worse.
  2. The quality of clay can be determined literally by touch, just by crushing it in your hand.
  3. To make a clay castle good, the material must be natural humidity. Clay, which is planned to be stored for some time, needs to be poured with water and covered from above. If something can be built from clay, the material does not slip between the fingers and does not crumble in the hands, then it is ready for use. Clay, about a fifth or tenth of which is diluted with lime, improves its properties - especially when it has a high sand content.
  4. If the clay is carefully compacted in the formwork, the result will be excellent. Wooden shields installed in the pit can provide a 15–20 cm thick castle, which will have a good effect on the waterproofing of the pond. When the reservoir is not too large, and there is more than enough clay, then the walls of the future reservoir themselves can act as formwork.
  5. Clay needs to be rammed in layers, the height of each is from 20 to 30 cm. If the castle is covered with geotextile, then the waterproofing will improve significantly, since the clay will not be eroded by groundwater. Until the blind area is made, a strip of geotextile will also not interfere around the building. Backfill should be sloping away from the house. For the construction of the blind area, most often they take a mixture of crumpled clay with rubble, which is then paved on top. With a narrow pit, it is not necessary to expose the formwork.
  6. For a well, a clay castle is built in the same way as a blind area. In width, it must be less than a meter. As for the depth, it is not necessary to make it too large, 50 cm is enough. In many houses, from the well to the housing, water pipes. No matter how deep they are laid, they must also be insulated with a clay castle.
  7. Cobblestone or paving slabs can be placed on clay, previously covered with geotextile. For waterproofing the pond, a three-layer clay castle 8-12 cm thick is suitable. The procedure here is as follows: the clay needs to be kneaded so that it becomes like soft dough, then applied to the surface - horizontal or inclined. After that, the material must be carefully compacted and allowed to dry. When the consistency of the dried clay is comparable to the hardness of plasticine, you need to do the next layer of the castle.
  8. If the clay is allowed to dry out, it may crack. To prevent this from happening, it must be covered with a film or ordinary hay. A special pond film spread over clay will make your pond almost perfect.
  9. The blind area of ​​​​clay must be paved or covered with geotextiles on top.

To date, clay remains a highly demanded material for waterproofing both ponds and buildings. Not only is it not difficult to find it, but it does not require any special qualifications to work. True, you have to work hard, but the result is worth it.

Liquid Pond Waterproofing

A pond without waterproofing can become a source of problems at any time. When equipping a reservoir, it is necessary to take into account many factors: the type and volume of the future pond, the surface topography, and the type of soil.

Waterproofing work is not always as simple as we would like, because you need to take into account the operating conditions of the pond, to know the features of a particular coating. In addition, all manipulations are carried out on outdoors, which means that temperature changes affect the waterproofing. You should also keep in mind the possible swelling of the soil, a change in the physical properties of the material in contact with big amount water, etc. It is worth the slightest crack or a very small defect in the waterproofing of the pond, as the entire coating can be irretrievably destroyed. That is why it is necessary to choose the material for equipping the pond in the most careful way. First of all, the coating must be not only durable, but also elastic - this is the only way it can withstand high loads without losing its functional qualities.

One of the best views waterproofing for artificial pond considered liquid rubber. She has a lot of advantages. It is reliable in operation, has a long service life, is not afraid of low temperatures down to -60 °C. Simple and easy to use. The actual waterproofing material for the pond is a two-component mastic, the basis of which is a water-polymer bitumen emulsion. As for the thickness of the coating, it will be different for each reservoir. Liquid rubber is more puncture resistant than film. She can serve up to 20 years.

How to waterproof a pond with this material? First you need to dig a pit, overlay it with geotextile, securing the fabric around the edges. The turn of liquid rubber has come. By applying it to the bottom of the future pond, you will thereby create a dense film that will repeat every bend of the bottom, moreover, without joints and seams. No additional activities are required. If placed near a pond natural stones and decorate this corner of the site with pretty vegetation, then such a reservoir can be distinguished from the real one only with great difficulty.

Another advantage of this waterproofing material is that it is absolutely safe in environmental terms. Liquid rubber does not contain toxic substances. The resulting pond can be used not only for swimming, but also to breed fish in it. Rubber emulsion does not allow the formation of fractures, does not crack when low temperatures.

If you list all the advantages of waterproofing a pond with liquid rubber, you get the following list:

  • it can be both sprayed and applied with a roller or brush;
  • all work is done in the shortest possible time;
  • liquid rubber has good elasticity even at low temperatures;
  • the material is environmentally friendly;
  • for the substrate, you can choose any configuration;
  • easy to increase strength with a reinforcing layer;
  • there are no seams and joints;
  • The material is resistant to abrasion and tear.

Why waterproofing a pond with vinylite is good

Today, people are increasingly concerned about the environmental friendliness of the materials around them. That is why lately vinylite is gaining great popularity.

This geomembrane for waterproofing ponds is made on the basis of purified polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and is completely safe for human health.

The device of a pond in the country with film waterproofing with vinylite geofilm has the following advantages:

  1. The guarantee for the material is 20 years, but it can serve more than 40 years. It is not afraid of ozone radiation and ultraviolet radiation.
  2. Vinylite retains elasticity at temperatures up to 10 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is lower, it's okay: the material does not lose its strength, there are no stresses and shrinkages. Extremely comfortable to work with, easy to cover internal corners, various kinds of bevels and slopes. The film, even after many years of use, does not dry out, and therefore does not collapse.
  3. Vinylite lends itself well to cutting into the desired pieces, which can then be glued together using any alcohol (ethyl, isopropyl, etc.). Apart from it, nothing else is needed for gluing.
  4. If the temperature is positive, then the geomembrane can be stretched three times without any consequences. When waterproofing a pond, this is especially important - in the event that the foundation pit has just been dug, and the earth has not yet settled. Vinylite can be laid without much difficulty, and due to the elasticity of the material, plant roots cannot harm it.
  5. The geomembrane can be easily attached to filtration systems, drainage, pond pumps.
  6. The quality of vinylite does not decrease with time. In addition, if necessary old film easy to cover with patches from a new one. No additional processing is required for this.
  7. This geomembrane can be used to equip a wide variety of objects, ranging from small streams to large ponds. It is suitable for waterproofing natural and decorative ponds, communal diversion ponds and even city fountains.

With Vinyl:

  • Finish the objects of storage of petroleum products - gas stations, tank farms and so on.
  • Lined with liquid and solid waste: landfills, manure storages, burial grounds, etc.
  • Waterproof canals and ponds, dams, slopes.
  • Manufacture of devices for the accumulation of liquid waste.
  • Protect roads and underground structures. Waterproofing foundations, basement buildings and roofs.

In addition, vinylite is now used in the construction of port facilities, as well as to protect various kinds of tunnels, passages and escalators from moisture.

If you want to buy a similar waterproofing for a pond, then keep in mind: the price of the product will depend not only on the size of the reservoir, but also on the thickness of the film.

Owners suburban areas can use vinylite not only for finishing ponds, but also to protect terraces, basements, and retaining walls with it. The geomembrane is very resistant to mechanical damage, and therefore is not afraid of the natural movements of the earth, it can be covered with soil both manually and using mechanical equipment. This material able to tolerate the growth of the root system of trees, currents groundwater and appearance in the soil chemical substances. Vinylite is not afraid of the growth of fungi and the rapid reproduction of soil bacteria.

When mounting a geomembrane, you can not be afraid of accidentally puncturing it. Also, the material is resistant to abrasion and cracking.

How to waterproof a pond with vinyl film

When waterproofing a pond with vinylite, proceed in the following order:

  1. You make a foundation pit for the future pond, following the technical and project documentation. You can do it yourself, or you can contact a construction company.
  2. Dig a trench along the perimeter of the reservoir. It will be needed to fix the film and build an earthen rampart.
  3. Thoroughly clean the bottom and walls of the pit from the roots of trees, stones and other debris. There should not be any protrusions that could damage the waterproofing of the future pond.
  4. If the ground on the site is soft, then the base of the pit should be well tamped.
  5. Sprinkle clean sand on top. Moisturize it, but not too much.
  6. Lay geotextile on the surface of the sand. This material will give the pond waterproofing additional strength, as well as protect against pests and growing roots. In order not to carry waterproofing material around the entire pit, first spread it in free space and mark the center of the canvas. Another option is to roll the film in the form of an envelope, also choose the center, and only then lower it into the pond hole.
  7. If you plan to put terraces on the shore of a reservoir, then fix the film gradually, first on one tier, then on another, etc. You should not pull the waterproofing material strongly, you can even allow a slight sag.
  8. Align the film over the entire surface of the pit, then fix with a material gap of no more than 50 cm.
  9. The waterproofing of the pond is ready, you can fill the pit with water. The only thing is to do it gradually, controlling the tension of the film so that it does not tear.
  10. Before using the reservoir for its intended purpose, let it settle for 2-3 days.
  11. At the end of the work, strengthen the waterproofing using a pre-dug trench and special plastic pipes. Bars or other similar materials are also suitable for this.
  12. To make the pond look spectacular, decorate it with plants, figures, and other items suitable for decoration.

Such waterproofing is suitable for a pond of any size, shape and purpose. The material is sold in rolls of different widths, so choosing the right one is not difficult, both at the stage of designing a reservoir, and for a ready-made pit. Mounting such waterproofing, as you have seen, is also quite simple. And another advantage is that over time, the "layout" of the pond can be changed. This will not present any particular difficulty, because with the help of special glue one or more pieces of waterproofing can be added to the film.

Properly glue vinylite as follows:

  1. Clean both pieces of film from dust and dirt. Process them special composition to clean, then let the material dry. If the temperature is above 5 ° C, then you can start working. Otherwise, it is advisable to lay along the gluing seam warm outline and only then start the process.
  2. Be sure to overlap the pieces of the film (from 5 to 25 cm).
  3. In order for the parts of vinylite to stick together as much as possible, it is advisable to use a special glue. If you walk along the gluing contour building hair dryer, it will also improve the quality of work. The only thing is that the hair dryer cannot be held over the heated area for more than 3 seconds. As for the glue, you need to apply it to the film with a flat brush.
  4. Pass along the joints with a rubberized roller.
  5. Go over the contours of the seam again, this time with glue. If you want to check the joints for strength, do this after the glue has completely dried.
  6. The glue will dry for a day or two, provided the temperature is more than 5 ° C.

Nobody bothers to do the waterproofing of the pond with your own hands, but keep in mind: specialists will still perform this work better. And buy everything necessary materials You can with us, in the company "Sportstyle".


"Sportstyle" started its activity in 1992 and for more than 25 years has been successfully presenting its products and services in the markets of Russia and neighboring countries. The organization is also engaged in industrial waterproofing. Under the company's brand, waterproofing is produced for walls and floors, basements, pipes and water pipes, pits and ice rinks, cesspools and foundations at the stage of concreting.

One of the main activities of the company is the production of sports equipment. Our products are very popular and in demand, among them:

  • boxes, rings, bags and pears;
  • wrestling mats;
  • equipment for sports aerobics and much more.

The range of our company is not limited to portable equipment. We are happy to make tents for you summer cafes and weddings, awning garages, market stalls, awnings for cars and boats, as well as bowls for swimming pools.

You can contact us by phone 8 800 555-29-10 (calls within Russia are free), or visit our office in Novosibirsk at ul. on Frunze, 142/1 third floor, working hours: Mon-Fri from 9:00 to 17:00, Sat and Sun - days off.

Very part design suburban area without a pond seems unfinished. Therefore, many owners of private houses and summer cottages are trying to equip at least a small picturesque pond.

During the planning and site selection phase, Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to the waterproofing of the pond, on which the functionality, presentability and durability of the entire structure will depend.

Waterproofing an artificial pond is an important aspect of maintaining the attractiveness of a reservoir

Creating an artificial reservoir is a simple process that requires compliance with certain rules, the main of which is the organization of sufficient waterproofing of the pond.

The main task of waterproofing is to retain water and protect the pond from the negative effects of environmental factors. This issue is especially relevant for areas with sandy soil with high water permeability or with a low location of groundwater.

The device of an artificial reservoir is possible using one of three methods of waterproofing:

  • application special materials as a separating layer between soil and water (films, clay, liquid rubber, concrete, etc.);
  • body of water close to the maximum natural conditions without waterproofing;
  • creating a barrier mechanically(compaction of the bottom of the reservoir).

Properly organized pond waterproofing provides a number of significant advantages:


The choice of materials and technology for waterproofing an artificial reservoir should be carried out based on the following parameters:

  • pond size;
  • ornate shape of the reservoir;
  • at self installation waterproofing, it is important to take into account your own skills (some materials are easy to install, and for the high-quality installation of others (concrete), you will need the help of specialists);
  • functionality and operating conditions of the reservoir;
  • cost of consumables.

Each of the waterproofing materials has its advantages and disadvantages, and the effectiveness of one or another method depends on compliance with the technology. Therefore, before starting work, you should understand the characteristics of the materials used and get acquainted with the basic rules for waterproofing reservoirs.

Waterproofing the reservoir with a film

types of waterproofing film

The film waterproofing of the pond does not require large financial investments, and the laying of the film can be done independently, without the involvement of specialists.

For waterproofing a reservoir, you can use the following types of film material:

film laying technology

The technology of laying a film for waterproofing a pond does not cause any difficulties, the main thing is to adhere to a certain algorithm.


The waterproofing film can be hidden. To do this, let the water out, fill the bottom of the pit with sand and refill the pond with water.

Using a ready-made rigid pond mold

advantages and disadvantages of the method

There are a wide range of rigid pond molds on the market. They are made of plastic (plain or reinforced) or fiberglass.

The use of a rigid form is perhaps the simplest and most fast way arranging a reservoir and solving the issue of waterproofing for a pond. You can buy the form in any large hardware store or order online delivery.


Benefits of using a rigid form:

  • ease and speed of installation;
  • can be used to create ponds, pools and drinking springs;
  • varied and interesting design forms.

The disadvantages of a rigid form, as a waterproofing material, include:

  • the likelihood of deformation after severe frosts;
  • possible cracking of the material during long-term operation;
  • change the size and shape of the pond does not work.

do-it-yourself installation of the finished form

Consider the installation of a rigid form in stages:


The use of liquid rubber - a universal method of waterproofing

Pond waterproofing with liquid rubber - relatively new and quite effective method. The material is made on the basis of bitumen, with the addition of stabilizers and polymers. Appearance the finished (frozen) layer of insulation is a monolithic seamless carpet that resembles a rubber product.

This method of waterproofing is used in many industrial and domestic areas of activity. Liquid rubber can be used to treat ponds of any size and design complexity.

Benefits of using liquid rubber:

  • the strength of the material allows you to create wear-resistant waterproofing, the service life of which is 20-50 years (depending on the composition of the mastic and the number of layers applied);
  • high elasticity;
  • the availability of "liquid" waterproofing for the pond (the price of mastic is not high, it will cost much more to buy equipment for spraying);
  • can be used in places with a harsh climate, as the material is frost-resistant and will not crack after winter.

The sequence of waterproofing with liquid rubber is as follows:


The sequence of waterproofing the pond with clay

Waterproofing a pond with clay is a rather painstaking process, but the time spent is compensated by the strength and reliability of the treated structures.

To perform work, coastal or underground clay is used, and its quality can be checked in this way: add a little water to the material, mix and twist it into a “tube”. The clay "tube" should be wound around some narrow object, such as a pen, and see if cracks have appeared. If there are no cracks, then clay High Quality and it can be used as a waterproofing material.

To prepare a waterproofing mixture, it is necessary to use clay, which is extracted from the lower layers without admixture of sand, stones and organic residues

Do-it-yourself pond waterproofing using clay can be divided into the following steps:


Waterproofing of a reservoir from concrete

Arrangement of a reservoir with the help of concrete waterproofing is the most time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive process. However, such waterproofing is considered the most durable and strong. The waterproofing of a concrete pond requires construction skills from the performer, without which there is a high probability of making serious mistakes.

"Concrete" waterproofing has a number of advantages:

  • design of structures of any complexity;
  • used for reservoirs of any purpose;
  • can be used to create a pond deepened into the ground, or a hinged bowl;
  • durability.

The disadvantages of waterproofing coating include:

  • an additional layer of waterproofing material (liquid rubber) may be required, since concrete is destroyed by constant contact with moisture;
  • significant financial investments;
  • Before frost, it is advisable to drain the water from the pond.

The complexity of waterproofing will directly depend on the scale and configuration of the structure.

Sequence of work:


Alternative Pond Waterproofing Methods

Alternative methods for waterproofing water bodies include: the mechanical method (Sepp-Holzer technology) and the use of betonite mats.

Mechanical waterproofing is carried out without involving any materials, but consists in tamping the moistened soil at the bottom of the pit with heavy equipment (excavator).

The pit is filled with water by 30-40 cm, and the excavator begins to ram the soil with a bucket until a dense top layer is formed. After that, a layer of earth can be poured into the pond if planting aquatic plants is planned.

Bentonite mats can be used as an independent waterproofing layer or as an addition to the main one, for example, with concrete. Their main advantage is the ability to expand and thereby eliminate problem areas (microcracks).

A load (stones, sand, crushed stone) must be placed on top of the mats, since when wet they can float up, violating the entire waterproofing of the reservoir.

The number of presented options for waterproofing the pond once again confirms the importance of this issue. Timely and competently carried out waterproofing will preserve the attractiveness of the reservoir, as well as save their owners from possible problems.

A picturesque pond in a summer cottage is a secret dream. But in order for a pond or other body of water to have a well-groomed appearance, we use not only Bosco Kerama Marazzi tiles, first of all we do the waterproofing of the pond. Mandatory waterproofing of the pond should be thought out, because the event is quite expensive and time-consuming.

There is a pond in the count's park, where lilies bloom

Starting to design and create a pond in the country, you need to successfully choose its location. The ideal location for the pond would be a place located at the lowest point of the site.

It is desirable that the future pond be naturally lit during the day. If possible, it is necessary to exclude the presence of large trees with a powerful root system near the pond. Of course, it will be necessary to make high-quality waterproofing of the pond with your own hands. What materials can be used to waterproof a pond? Let's start with the fact that initially it is necessary to prepare a pond pit.

For this, a foundation pit of the estimated depth is dug, the walls of which are processed from impurities and roots of trees or shrubs. Then, a sand and gravel cushion about 10-15 cm thick is poured onto the bottom of the pit, and the bottom is tamped with special rammers.

And finally, the choice of waterproofing material is made with its subsequent installation. Until the moment when lilies bloom in the pond, there is very little left ...

Types of waterproofing of reservoirs

There are the following types of pond waterproofing: flexible and rigid.

flexible waterproofing

A prominent representative of flexible waterproofing are film materials and butyl rubber. A flexible waterproofing coating is preferred for areas with rocky terrain. The thickness of the film must be selected depending on the depth of the created pond.

So, for example, for a pond or reservoir with a depth of 1.5 m, the film thickness of the waterproofing layer should be 1.5 mm. For shallower ponds, 0.8 mm foil can be used. Ready-made polyethylene ponds are made from 130 to 800 liters in volume.

rigid waterproofing

Rigid waterproofing is a dense coating of the bottom and banks of the pond. Therefore, ready-made forms (containers) are used for waterproofing. Ready-made pond shapes are made industrial way fiberglass. When choosing ready-made forms of a pond, it is preferable to choose structures with ready-made terraces designed to decorate a reservoir. The technology for the construction of such a hydraulic structure is simple.

Exaggerated technology can be imagined as the installation of an old cast iron bath, which was in use, at their summer cottage. The difference will be in the size of the container, and of course, in the price. It is not difficult to buy such a ready-made "hyper-rigid" waterproofing for a pond. Rigid pond baths are produced in volumes from 600 to 900 liters.

What waterproofing materials can be used

clay waterproofing

The simplest and "ancient" solution to the problem of pond waterproofing is considered to be pond waterproofing with clay. Waterproofing a pond with natural clay can safely be called “natural”, because the advantages of a clay bottom are obvious. The frost resistance of clay allows you to save the pond in winter, and in summer you can plant plants in clay soil.

The waterproofing of the pond with clay is done manually with the application of two layers. Clay for waterproofing should have a plastic consistency, be easily applied to the walls and bottom of the pit, and prevent cracking. But clay, clay, and the next round of development of waterproofing materials offered their new brainchild - film and polyethylene.

pond waterproofing film

Whatever the name of the film and polyethylene LDPE and HDPE, PVC, the film always remains a film - a lightweight and durable waterproofing material, incredibly easy to use.
It was the film that was and remains the material due to which the flow of water from a pond or other body of water is excluded. Pond waterproofing will be intact long time. For 10-15 years, you can safely relax near the pond, built with your own hands.

By the way, compared to expensive membranes and elite-propylene rubber, the price of waterproofing for a film pond is minimal.

For waterproofing a pond using a film, it is necessary to make a preliminary calculation of the dimensions of the material:
the width is equal to the width of the reservoir plus twice the depth plus 1m
length equals the length of the pond plus twice the depth plus 1m

The film is laid on the bottom of the prepared pond pit and the edge of the film is reinforced with stones. The process of simple and affordable waterproofing using a film is completed by decorating the edges of the pond with tiles, stones or shell rock.

liquid rubber waterproofing

The technology of waterproofing with liquid rubber can be safely considered progressive. See for yourself: on open ground prepared excavation, a geotextile membrane is laid out, onto which liquid rubber is sprayed on top. The sprayed rubber primer gradually impregnates the geotextile layer and transforms into a kind of substrate.

The result of spraying is a monolithic seamless membrane, which excludes the possibility of leakage. It remains the case for the spectacular decoration of the shore of a pond or reservoir.

Pond waterproofing - profitable and convenient

Regardless of the material chosen, the pond waterproofing process is as follows:
preparatory work: manual soil removal
leveling and compacting the bottom and walls of the pit
geotextile and film laying
reinforcing the edge of the pond wall film
filling the pond with water.

Recall that the excellent water resistance of the pond will depend on the quality of processing of technological seams, therefore it is preferable to entrust geomembrane welding to specialists. It has been verified that the use of a geomembrane for the construction of ponds is economically beneficial.

At the same time, not only material costs are reduced, but the construction time is also reduced. And this really means that next summer you will definitely have a pond in your summer cottage.

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