Steps in constructing a no-cost pool out of materials on hand:
a. An old kitchen sink
b. Placing rocks that were a nuisance anyhow
c. Finished pool with goldfish, and an interested cat
Permanent Pools
Permanency increases, of course, with sound construction. Concrete laid on a gravel or cinder base and strengthened with wire-mesh reinforcement is usually considered best. But the new concrete must be cured and the alkalinity of its lime neutralized before the pool can be safely used for plants or fish. Leaving the pool open to the weather for the winter will usually accomplish this purpose. Or the pool can be drained and refilled several times, then thoroughly cleansed with household vinegar, as in the “quick cure” recommended by G. L. Thomas, Jr., of Three Springs Fisheries.
Bricks, cement blocks, tile, puddled concrete—for each type of material there are detailed procedures to be found in readily available and up-to-date reference books. Prefabricated pools can be found in the catalogues of most water-lily specialists.