Although water features are wonderful things to have in a garden, they are very high maintenance. In fact, most ornamental ponds in most gardens leak. Don looked at a classic example. The water level had dropped and the water plants were dying back. The owners were not getting any enjoyment from the pond, because it was always half empty and they were spending their lives topping it up with water.

The most efficient method of fixing leaking ponds is to clean them out and seal them. Don tried out Drizoro products which, although quite expensive, claim to be able to do the job. The manufacturers say that these products are specially designed for the waterproofing and restoration of cement and concrete-based construction.

How it was done

1. Plants and fish were removed from the pond and placed into containers filled with water. The pond was then drained and thoroughly cleaned. (Tip: mulm from the bottom of the pond makes a good liquid fertiliser for the garden or lawn.) Instead of hiring a gurney to clean the empty pond, Don used a Neta high-pressure hose nozzle.
2. Holes in the side of the pond were sealed with Drizoro Maxplug. This product must be applied to WET surfaces within 3 minutes of mixing. It then expands and plugs the hole.
3. The entire pond was sealed with a latex-based product called Drizoro Maxseal Flex. We added oxide to the mixture to match the existing concrete. (Tip: Apply a second coat of Maxseal within 72 hours of the first, then leave for at least 72 hours before filling the pond.) The pond was filled with water.
4. Don repotted some of the water plants so that their crowns would sit at water level without the rims of the pots showing. Excess soil was gently hosed off the top of each pot.
5. Water conditioner was added to the water before putting fish and plants back into the pond. (Note: It's very important that you read the directions on the packet for curing time required before you can put plants or fish back into the water, otherwise they could die.) If you don

If you would like more information, or someone to help fix your pond, go to www.biofiltech.com.au

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