How To Build a 
Lily Pool 
Regardless of size, a Lily 
Pool can add untold zest to the 
joy and fun of gardening. There 
probably have been many 
times when you have visualized 
a spot for a pool. 
It is important that you se- 
lect a site that will receive as 
much sunlight as possible and 
since the pool will be the most 
attractive feature of the gar- 
den, we suggest that careful 
consideration be given to the 
size and shape. 
Forms should be constructed 
for the formal pool, making the 
walls a minimum of 8” thick 
and the bottom 6”. It is not 
necessary to make the pool 
more than 24 to 30 inches deep. 
Sides and bottom should be 
reinforced with 14-inch steel 
tods and heavy mesh wire. 
Cement mixture should be 
three parts sand and one part 
cement. 
The most popular type pool 
however, is the informal or 
irregular shaped pool—describ- 
ed as kidney-shaped. This pool 
may be set in a rock garden 
or landscaped border where 
different effects may be cre- 
ated. Forms are not necessary 
in constructing this type of pool 
since the sides will act as a 
form. Excavate the soil 6 inches 
wider and deeper than the 
actual finished size of the pool 
will be. Apply first cement coat 
about 3 inches thick using 3 
parts sand and one part ce- 
ment. Place 14-inch steel rods 
—6-inch centers over the entire 
area and imbed in the cement. 
Let this coat set for 24 hours. 
Apply another coat 3 inches 
thick and cover with heavy 
mesh wire—also imbeded in the 
cement. Let set for another 24 
hours. Last and finishing coat— 
use 2 parts sand and one part 
cement and apply 2 inches of 
cement. This is the final coat 
and surface should be troweled 
evenly. When cement is dry, 
apply sealer. We recommend 
Micro-seal which is a _ pool 
paint that comes in pastel 
shades and is harmless to 
plants and fish. 
PLAN FOR POOL 
GROUND 
WATER LEVEL 
