Omar Khalid
Plastic moulded ponds are a popular choice for new pond builders due to their ease of transport, installation, and durability. However, they are susceptible to collapse due to various factors. One of the main reasons for pond collapse is inadequate support. These ponds are designed to be buried and supported by surrounding soil, and when installed above ground without proper structural support, the weight of the water can cause the edges to distort and eventually fail. Heavy rainfall can also lead to pond collapse, as water becomes trapped between the pond and the soil, causing it to float out of the hole. Additionally, the weight of large stones or waterfalls can crack the plastic, leading to leaks. Improper installation, such as not ensuring a level base or failing to remove sharp rocks, can also contribute to pond collapse over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pond wall collapse | Heavy rain, high water table, steep walls, clay soil, weight of waterfall stone, liner deterioration, soil erosion |
| Pond liner damage | Cracks, holes, leaks, white powdery substance, algae, dirt |
| Pond repair | Identify leak cause, clean liner, use repair kit, pond patch, glue, sandbags, wooden fencing, geo-grid fabric, retaining wall, extend pond above ground |
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What You'll Learn
Heavy rainfall and water pressure
Heavy rainfall can cause a plastic moulded garden pond to collapse due to the increased water pressure outside the pond liner. This can push water from inside the pond outwards, causing the pond to drain and exerting pressure on the walls, which can lead to collapse.
To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that the pond is built so that it extends a few inches above ground level. This ensures that the water pressure inside the liner is always greater than the pressure outside, thus preventing collapse.
If you live in an area with a high water table, you may want to incorporate a collar of cinder blocks around the perimeter of the pond. This will ensure that the water level inside the pond is always above ground level, reducing the risk of collapse due to external water pressure.
If your pond has already collapsed due to heavy rainfall and water pressure, there are a few steps you can take to repair it. First, you will need to drain the pond and assess the damage to the walls. If the liner is damaged, you can purchase a pond repair kit to fix small holes or cracks. For larger holes or significant damage, it is recommended to consult a professional to replace the liner.
To prevent future collapse, you may need to rebuild the pond with less steep walls or add reinforcement such as a retaining wall outside the pond or boulders against the walls inside the liner.
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Pond liner damage
Tears and holes in pond liners are often caused by sharp debris in the water, such as rocks and stones. To prevent this type of damage, regular pond maintenance and the removal of waste are crucial. Additionally, a layer of protective pond underlay can act as a barrier between the soil and the pond liner, protecting it from sharp objects and providing extra padding.
If your pond liner is damaged, the first step is to identify the source of the leak. Once the water level has stabilised, clean away any algae and inspect the pond liner for holes along the water line. Small holes or rips can often be repaired with sealant, tape, or a patch kit. For example, one product that can be used is the "Tite Seal Black Self-Adhesive EPDM Rubber Pond Liner Patch Kit". It is important to note that if the hole is large or there is significant damage, it is recommended to seek professional help to replace the liner.
In some cases, the weight of heavy objects around the pond, such as large waterfall stones or rocks, can cause cracks or collapse. To address this, you may need to remove the heavy objects or consider reshaping the pond to accommodate them safely. If you choose to repair cracks in hard plastic ponds, it is recommended to roughen the area with sand and use a product like "PL roofing goop" to fill the crack and cover all edges.
If you are experiencing collapsing pond walls, it could be due to digging beyond the "angle of repose" of the soil. To address this, you can modify the walls to be less steep, use boulders to reinforce the inside of the pond, create a retaining wall outside the pond, or construct a bond beam or collar around the perimeter.
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Wall collapse
A wall collapse in a plastic moulded garden pond can be caused by several factors. One of the main reasons is excessive water pressure, which can occur during heavy rainfall or if the pond is not properly drained. In such cases, the water pressure outside the pond can exceed the pressure inside, leading to a collapse. Ensuring that the pond extends a few inches above the ground can help prevent this issue, as it ensures that the water pressure inside the liner is greater than the pressure outside.
Another factor that can contribute to wall collapse is the type of soil present. Clay soil, for example, can be challenging to work with and may not provide adequate support for the pond walls. In such cases, it is recommended to consider a retaining wall outside the pond or incorporating a collar of cinder blocks around the perimeter to reinforce the structure.
Additionally, the weight of rocks or other decorative elements placed near the edges can also put pressure on the walls and contribute to a collapse. It is important to ensure that any rocks or boulders are placed away from the edges and that the walls are designed to withstand the weight.
To rebuild a collapsed wall, it is generally necessary to drain the pond and assess the damage. Depending on the extent of the collapse, you may need to excavate the affected area, replace the soil, and consider adding reinforcement such as geo-grid fabric or boulders to support the new wall. In some cases, expanding the pond's footprint or making it slightly bigger can also help distribute the weight more evenly and prevent future collapses.
It is important to note that repairing a collapsed pond wall can be a complex task, and seeking professional assistance may be advisable, especially if there is significant damage or if you are unsure about the necessary repairs.
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Soil type
The soil type is a critical factor in the construction of a pond. The type of soil in and around the pond will directly affect its performance and vitality. The soil type will control the water retention and drainage, as well as the water's colour and clarity. The composition of the surrounding soil will also impact the water's acidity, which is an important consideration if you plan to have fish or vegetation in your pond.
There are three basic types of soil: sand, silt, and clay. Sandy soils have large, loose particles, which means they drain very quickly but struggle to retain enough water for a pond. Sandy soil will also settle at the bottom of a pond, keeping the water clearer. Silty soils have medium-sized particles and retain water better than sandy soils, but they move and flow more easily when saturated, increasing erosion and causing a greater buildup on the pond's bottom or edges. Clay soils provide the proper density and compaction to retain water most easily while still supporting healthy water that allows enough sunlight to reach the depths to nurture aquatic plants.
If your soil is too sandy, you can import clay to the area or mix in sodium bentonite, a natural sealant that expands when wet to fill in porous soils. If your soil is too densely packed with clay and you want a healthier, clearer-water pond, you can amend the soil structure without losing the ability to dig a pond. Ideally, the best soil for an earth-bottomed pond will have at least 30% clay. If you're not sure about your soil composition, you can get a soil analysis from local agricultural offices, nurseries, or landscaping centres.
Additionally, the type of soil will determine if you've dug beyond its "angle of repose," which can cause the pond walls to collapse. In such cases, you'll need to reinforce the walls by making them less steep, adding a layer of geo-grid fabric, placing boulders against the walls inside the liner, or building a retaining wall outside the pond.
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Repair options
If your plastic moulded garden pond has collapsed, there are several repair options you can consider. The specific repair method will depend on the extent of the damage and the type of pond you have.
First, identify the cause of the leak. If the pond has collapsed due to a crack or hole in the liner, you can purchase a pond repair kit to fix it. These kits are suitable for small breaks in the liner, but if there is a large hole or considerable damage, it is recommended to consult a professional to replace the liner.
There are various types of repair kits available, including:
- Liner patch or EPDM seam tape: This method involves coating the liner with liquid EPDM or lining it with an EPDM liner, which is guaranteed to be leak-free.
- Pop-riveting and "welding": You can pop-rivet a piece of plastic and then "weld" it with Plastex 3000 resin. Alternatively, you can use a welding kit designed for kayaks, such as the KC Welder Pro, to fill the repair area with new plastic material.
- Tite Seal Black Self-Adhesive EPDM Rubber Pond Liner Patch Kit: This kit, available on eBay, claims to work on Polyethylene ponds and involves melting a glue stick over the crack.
- Roofing goop and liner: Clean and sand the area, then apply roofing goop and a piece of liner to cover the crack.
If your pond has collapsed due to issues with the surrounding soil or walls, you may need to take a different approach:
- Geo-grid: Dig out the collapsed areas, replace the soil, and add a layer of geo-grid fabric every 12-18 inches.
- Retaining wall: Build a retaining wall outside the pond, behind the liner, using landscape retaining wall blocks or CMU with rebar and solid grouted.
- Cinder block collar: Construct a collar of cinder blocks around the perimeter of the pond to ensure the water level is always above ground level.
- Expand the pond: Make the pond a little bigger to accommodate the failing walls and steep soil angle.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic molded ponds are designed to be buried and supported by the surrounding earth. If the pond was not installed in the ground, the weight of the water may have caused the collapse.
It is important to follow the installation instructions that come with your pond. Before installation, rinse the pond to remove any chemicals from the manufacturing process. Dig a hole slightly deeper and wider than the pond, fill the bottom with sand to create a level base, and place the pond liner into the hole.
Plastic molded ponds are fixed in shape and cannot be extended. They are also susceptible to heaving, which occurs when there is not enough water in the pond to weigh it down, making it difficult to drain. Heavy rain can also cause the pond to float out of the hole.
Small holes and cracks in the pond liner can be fixed using a repair kit. If the damage is extensive, it is recommended to consult a professional to replace the liner.
