How to Waterproof and Insulate DIY Backyard Garden Pond:

It is fun to build a Backyard Garden Pond to let your family or guests see the fish. Ponds contain more water than aquariums so they are suitable for large fish. Fish are happier in ponds than aquariums, because there is lots of free space available for them.


Waterproofing & Insulating DIY Backyard Garden Pond
Waterproofing and Insulating DIY Backyard Garden Pond

This is the 2nd tutorial in the DIY Backyard Garden Pond series. It is about how to waterproof & insulate DIY Backyard Garden Pond. Have a look at the remaining tutorials of the DIY Garden Pond Series below:


Steps: How to Waterproof and Insulate DIY Backyard Pond:

Now in this tutorial, I have waterproofed the interior of the pond to increase the life of the pond & I have insulated the pond with Styrofoam because Melbourne weather is harsh. I have waterproofed both sides to increase the life of the pond. Watch this video if you are interested in waterproofing & insulating Backyard Garden Pond:


Waterproof And Insulate DIY Backyard Garden Pond


Step 1: Buy Stuff from the Hardware Store:


Hardware Store in Melbourne
Hardware Store in Melbourne

The first step is to visit a Hardware Store to buy the required stuff. I have purchased 8 – 10 x 40 mm Countersunk Screws, 12 mm Marine Plywood, Timber Wood, Treated Pine Deck Boards, 40 x 40 mm Dressed Pine, 250 x 300 mm Bracket, & Crommelin Liquid.

 

Step 2: Cut Plywood using a Jigsaw:


Cut Plywood using a Jigsaw
Cut Plywood using a Jigsaw

Just one piece of the plywood could fit in the interior of the pond, & the rest I had to cut myself. It is easy to avoid this problem by doing a web search about plywood, & build the pond based on the available sizes of plywood.

Use a jigsaw to cut plywood according to the required size. I have used Crommelin Liquid on both sides of the plywood for reinforcing fabric.

 

Step 3: Attach Plywood to the inside of the Pond:


Attach Plywood to the inside of the Pond
Attach Plywood to the inside of the Pond

It is time to attach plywood to the DIY Backyard Pond frame. Use screws to fix plywood to the inside of the pond frame. I have used 12 mm marine plywood in the interior of the pond to offer toughness to the pond & the pond will not be affected by moisture.

 

Step 4: Front Frame for Glass Window:


Setup Front Frame for Glass Window
Setup Front Frame for Glass Window

I have setup the front frame for the glass window by attaching plywood to the inner side of the pond. The frame I have built for the glass window seems nice.

 

Step 5: Waterproof the Pond:


Waterproof the Pond
Waterproof the Pond

It is time to waterproof the gaps of plywood. I am using Crommelin Fabric which is used as moisture resistant on the inner & outer sides of the pond to let the pond sustain moisture. Waterproofing pond will extend its life.

 

Step 6: Pond Interior Window Frame:


Setup Pond Interior Window Frame
Setup Pond Interior Window Frame

For the Pond Interior Window Frame, I am using 40 x 40 mm Dressed Pine Timber. I have added some timber on the interior of the pond for fixing the glass. Glass window will allow my family to see the fish.

 

Step 7: Corner Bracing:


Corner Bracing for extra stiffness
Corner Bracing for extra Stiffness

For Corner Bracing, I am using a 250 x 300 mm bracket. I have fixed the bracket on the inner side of each corner of the pond. Corner Bracing will make the pond stiff.

 

Step 8: Pond Exterior Window Frame:


Front Glass View Frame
Front Glass View Frame

I have cut the timber at 45 Degree, & I am using it at the exterior of the Pond Window Frame. I have built a rectangular frame by using timber at each side.

 

Step 9: Styrofoam is used for Insulation:


Pond Insulation
Pond Insulation

I have cut Styrofoam using a hobby knife & have added it to gaps between the pond frame. Styrofoam is used for insulation of the pond because Melbourne weather is harsh. Quick change of temperature can stress the fish so insulation will avoid this problem.

 

Step 10: Cover the Pond with Treated Pine Deck Boards:


Cover the Pond with Treated Pine Deck Boards
Cover the Pond with Treated Pine Deck Boards

I have covered the whole pond including Styrofoam with Treated pine deck boards. Treated pine deck boards seem beautiful & improve the overall beauty of the pond. In the next tutorial, I am going to wrap & paint the DIY Backyard Garden Pond. Check it out

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