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I am looking to create a trough-like basin for two water features I want to place in my yard. I don't consider this to be in the landscaping/gardening department since I am working with concrete. My overall dimensions will be approximately 3ft wide and long by about 14" in height. Inside in the center of the trough I'm going to place a water pump so that a spring will shoot up about ten to twelve inches into the air to create that relaxing sound of splashing water. This will be a modern austere look/style.

It'll sort of look like this: enter image description here

Taken from this website: https://www.amazonasmagazine.com/2020/01/09/build-a-lightweight-waterproof-concrete-basin-for-ponds-and-plants/

In the link above the author of that DIY article states this could be used for a pond or aquarium. But then in the Q&A at the bottom he sort of contradicts himself by responding to someone who is asking to make a pond. Well, the contributor is asking to make a very large version on this. Devin Biggs, the author of the online article, responds back by expressing doubt that an 8ft long by 3ft wide version of a foam core concrete basin would hold up to the constant pressure of the weight of the water inside.

This makes me sort of doubtful that even my small dimensions would hold up over time. But then again, I have no idea and have limited experience in working with concrete. Does anyone know if using pink insulation foam board to create concrete troughs will hold up over time? I live in the desert so it'll never freeze. So there is no issue in freezing with water expansion; causing stress on the structure. I like this idea because it will be lightweight and I'd be able to move this, if I so choose.

Otherwise, if making one in solid concrete with rebar and wire enforcements for strength and longevity is the way to go I'll stick with that.

Any feedback?

Machavity
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Adrien
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1 Answers1

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For consideration

stock tank

Once you buy the water trough you are done. They come in a range of sizes. They will hold water a long time. They are not expensive. In the desert where you live there will be a store for people who keep animals and you can look at troughs there.

If the trough you like stands too high, set it down into the ground a few inches. If you are digging the chic look of concrete you can stack cinderblocks around the trough to occlude it from view. Or you can use rocks you find on your land, or salvaged bricks or timbers or stucco it or whatever you like. All the trim will be purely decorative which frees you up as regards choices.

Willk
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