Step 3 – Get The Surface Smooth

Use a trowel to get the surface reasonably smooth, taking care to level the upper rim which will form a foundation for your low brick walls. Leave the concrete to set for at least 24 hours before tackling the brickwork.

It is essential to have a good quality trowel to do any sort of concrete and plaster work”

	W. Rose RO1416-12 12" Narrow London Brick Trowel w/Plastic Handle	, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, 4-half-Stars-AMA-S
	QLT By MARSHALLTOWN 926 10-Inch by 4-3/4-Inch Brick Trowel London Pattern with Wood Handle	, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, 4-half-Stars-AMA-S
	Kraft Tool RO312-12 W. Rose Wide London Brick Trowel with Leather Handle, Standard Shank, 12-Inch	, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, 4-half-Stars-AMA-S

Brickwork

Step 4 – Mix Mortar

Lay out the first course of bricks to ensure they fit and then mix mortar in the ratio 1:3 (cement:sand). You will need approximately three-quarters of a bag of cement (37.5 kg or 82 lb 8 oz) to lay all the bricks, but only mix as much mortar as you can use in two hours.

Step 5 – Lay Bricks

Now you can begin laying the bricks in the usual way. Remember to check frequently with a spirit level to ensure that they are level and plumb. Use a builder’s square to make certain all four corners of this formal face brick pond are at right angles.

Step 6 – Builders Line

Corner blocks and a builders line will help you to keep the brickwork straight and level. Since you are laying light-toned face bricks, it is important to clean off all excess mortar as you work. Scrape the trowel upwards against the brick to do this.

Step 7 – Build Up 5

Continue to build up the walls until you have five courses, then top this with paving bricks to finish it off neatly. You could also use tiles, or larger paving slabs which would overlap the wall slightly.

Step 8 – Rake Out Joints

To achieve a really good, even finish, use a piece of metal or a jointing tool to rake out a little of the mortar between the bricks. Allow the mortar to set overnight.

Sealing

Step 9 – Make Watertight

It is essential that the concrete base of the pond is rendered. To ensure the pond is watertight, you may render the inside walls, but you will have to increase the quantities of materials listed. Ensure that the render is about 15 mm (½ in) thick.

Step 10 – Paint On Sealer

Once the render has set, you can paint on the rubberized bitumen sealer, polyurethane or any other suitable sealant. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and thin the first coat if required.

A selection of Pond Sealers for you

	Product Description	Star Rating	Check Price
	Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant - Multi-Surface Leak Repair Indoor and Outdoor Coating, Water-Based, Easy to Apply	, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, 4-half-Stars-AMA-S
	Jetcoat Cool King Reflective Acrylic Coating, Waterproof Elastomeric Sealant, 5 Gallon	, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, 4-half-Stars-AMA-S
	Liquid Rubber NeoPond Waterproof Pond Sealant - Fish and Plant Safe Waterproofing Membrane Sealer for Ponds and Water Features	, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, https://thepondprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4-half-Stars-AMA-S.jpg, 4-half-Stars-AMA-S

Filling the pond

Step 11 – Fill With Water

When the bitumen is dry your formal face brick pond can be filled with water. You can add interest to the pond by placing river rocks on the bottom and grouping plants around them. If necessary, set pots on bricks or flat-topped rocks to achieve a good balance of plant life in the pond (see later pages or ideas on appropriate plant species).

ENJOY!

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