The concrete mixture should be 1 part cement, 2 parts clean, sharp (builders) sand 
and 3 parts crushed rock or gravel about '/y-inch size. Mix thoroughly, add enough 
water to make into a thick mud-like mass. This type of pool is the easiest of all to make 
as no forms are needed and it can easily be fitted to irregular shapes. 






































If you desire a more formal pool with straight sides, you'll need forms. They are com- 
paratively simple but space limitations of this booklet will not permit their full descrip- 
tion. You'll find them in a very valuable book, “Garden Pools, Large and Small,” by 
Ramsey and Lawrence, published by MacMillan. This book also covers the installation of 
supply and drainage pipes though in most informal pools they are eliminated, filling the pool with 
the garden hose, emptying by bailing or siphoning it out. 

The cross-section sketches at the bottom of these two pages show various ways to finish off the 
rim of a pool. Careful study of them will determine the method best suited to the type you build. By 
all means avoid concrete being visible at the margin of the pool. 
After pool has set for ten days or two weeks, wash it out thoroughly to eliminate free alkali. This 
is best done by filling with water and emptying, once or twice. Plant lilies in boxes 8 to 12 inches 
deep, 1)4 to 2 feet square; using rich soil but no fresh manures. Thoroughly rotted (2- or 3-year- 
old) is best, mixed one part manure with three parts good fibrous loam. Additional manure or blood- 
meal should be added yearly and new soil each second or third year. Avoid the use of swamp muck 
soils as they are often sour or low in fertility. 
Above, right — A tiny pool in a sunken 
garden, making a delightful picture from 
the screened porch. At the extreme right, 
outside the picture, it overflowed into a 
tiny bog where numerous aquatics were 
very much at home. Sketch plan shows the 
layout. 

Left — Pools in Japanese gar- 
dens are a study in themselves. 
Rocks, bridges, lanterns and 
shapes all have hidden meanings. 
The other pool has a most na- 
tural look. Note the tiny cascade 
fed by a stream that winds for 
thirty feet or more among the 
plants and rocks, tumbling over 
several falls with all the natur- 
alness of a meadow brook. 
Concrerfe entirely 
concealed — Slah stone 
finishes edge at the 
Cement vis/ble Rock on end surface of water 
Page 15 
