At LCM Waterfalls and Ponds, one of the most frequently asked questions we get from our customers is: *Why do we use concrete in our water features and ponds?* It’s not a method used by all contractors, especially in residential builds, and there’s plenty of debate about whether it’s the best approach. Some contractors will even tell you that using concrete is a bad idea. So, why do we insist on using it?
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the reasons we use concrete, what it’s for, how it works, and address some common questions and concerns about concrete in water features. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pond construction, we believe our method offers peace of mind and long-term value for homeowners. Let’s break it all down.
At the heart of why we use concrete is one simple concept: protection. Concrete acts as a protective layer for the liner, which is the true waterproofing membrane of your pond or water feature. The liner (typically a 45-mil EPDM liner in our residential projects) is the first line of defense against leaks, but it can be vulnerable to damage from the environment, wildlife, or even human error. The concrete over the liner serves as an insurance package, guarding it from punctures and tears.
In commercial applications like zoos, hotels, and water parks, concrete is almost always used. It’s a tried-and-true method that has stood the test of time for over 100 years in large-scale projects. So why wouldn’t we bring that same durability and reliability into your backyard?
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have about concrete is its tendency to crack. And here’s the truth: **concrete will crack**. However, that’s not a problem in our builds. Why? Because the concrete is not structural; its primary function is protection. When cracks do happen, they don’t compromise the integrity of the water feature because the liner beneath the concrete is what keeps your pond waterproof. The concrete’s job is to shield the liner from damage.
We take additional steps to reinforce the concrete, using materials like geogrid—an advanced fiber mesh that strengthens the concrete and minimizes cracking. In the past, chicken wire was often used for this purpose, but we’ve since phased that out due to rust issues.
1. Protection from Punctures
Animals such as elk, deer, or even bears can wade into ponds, potentially puncturing the liner. Additionally, during routine maintenance like power washing, accidents can happen. Concrete helps prevent these punctures, giving the liner a much longer lifespan.
2. Durability and Longevity
Concrete ponds last for decades. Our mentor, who spent over 50 years building water features, used this method in commercial applications worldwide, and the structures are still standing. That same durability is what we want for your residential project.
3. Maintenance Made Easy
Ponds built with concrete are much easier to clean and maintain. Unlike gravel-bottom ecosystem ponds that can accumulate debris and be difficult to clean, concrete-bottom ponds allow for more efficient debris removal.
4. Construction Safety
When we’re building your water feature, mistakes can happen. Machines can malfunction, straps can fail, or a rock might be dropped by accident. Concrete provides an extra layer of protection during the construction process, ensuring that your liner remains intact.
Of course, no system is perfect, and there are some challenges associated with using concrete in water features:
1. Cost and Scope of Work
Yes, using concrete adds to the overall cost of the project and increases the scope of work. Applying a 3- to 6-inch layer of concrete over the liner takes time and requires skill. For some contractors, this additional labor is why they avoid using concrete. But we believe it’s a worthwhile investment for the long-term benefits it provides.
2. pH and Water Chemistry
When you use concrete in a pond, it can affect the pH of the water by leaking small amounts of calcium into the pond, especially in the first 30 days. This means you may need to monitor and adjust water chemistry before introducing fish. It’s a minor inconvenience, but one that can easily be managed.
3. Repair Challenges
Repairing a concrete pond can be a bit more labor-intensive than other types of water features. If a section of concrete needs to be broken out for a repair, it’s more work than simply replacing a liner. However, the way we build—using fabric layers between the liner and concrete—makes these situations less likely and easier to manage.
Is the concrete structural?
No, the concrete in our water features is not meant to be structural. Its purpose is to protect the liner from damage. The liner is the real waterproofing element.
Will the concrete crack?
Yes, all concrete will crack eventually. However, these cracks are not an issue because the liner beneath is still intact, and the concrete’s job is to shield the liner, not hold the pond together.
Why don’t all contractors use concrete?
Some contractors avoid using concrete because it adds cost, time, and effort to the build. However, we believe the long-term benefits far outweigh these drawbacks. The additional protection, ease of maintenance, and peace of mind are worth it.
Isn’t it harder to clean a concrete-bottom pond?
Actually, no! It’s quite the opposite. Concrete-bottom ponds are much easier to clean than gravel-bottom ponds. Gravel can trap debris and make cleaning a challenge, while concrete allows for straightforward maintenance.
We understand that every contractor has their own way of doing things. But at LCM Waterfalls and Ponds, we believe in the durability, protection, and long-term value that concrete provides. It’s not just a method we’re comfortable with—it’s a system that’s been proven to work for decades. When you build with concrete, you’re investing in a water feature that will last for generations, with less hassle and easier maintenance.
If you’re debating whether to use concrete in your water feature, consider the benefits of protection, durability, and peace of mind. And remember, while it may not be the quickest or cheapest method, it’s the one we trust to deliver the highest quality results.
At the end of the day, we want your water feature to be a beautiful, functional part of your landscape for years to come. And that’s why we use concrete.
Mon–Thurs 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat & Sun Closed