Retrofitting a pond into a greenhouse.
My yard is small & already inhabited with decks and a raised pond. The pond is 6 X 12 and
my idea is to empty the pond, use the sides as a base and add a hoop roof to it.
I found a hoop bender for “low” plant covering ( http://www.buildmyowngreenhouse.com/dy-10-hoop-bender-1-1-1-1.aspx )
and a kit of fittings ( http://www.buildmyowngreenhouse.com/8pack1teeconnectorhooptobaserail-1-1-1-1.aspx )
and an insulated covering…… ( https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003UX0PUO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1172GMIBK2MXD&coliid=I3H1KASWKIY8I2 )
The idea would be to attach the “low” hoop roof to the sides (extended)
of the pond & then create a door and window on the ends. The positive
side of this is that I already have electricity to the location for a fan or heater.
The downside is that I loose my pond………
I would cut down the sides & place 4X4s on 3’ centers, level and make a small shelf for the
6 foot (30” high) hoop assembly on top and secure with pipe clamps. Once secured, I will
cut the base pipe so as to make an opening for the door.
The Solexx comes in 49” X 146” sheets & I’ll run the first one across the top, lengthwise, while
the hoop assembly is still on the ground. I’ll leave the bottom sides loose so that once assembled
to the wooden base I can slip the next sheet of Solexx under the top like a shingle. The next layer
will be screwed into the wooden frame & will be removable during the summer months.
I will replace the pond by excavating the area with marble & the fountain to create an in-ground pond.
filling the channels of the Solexx with silicone caulk
and in between showers I installed it. I also started to seal some of the wood (specially the door frame as it is not treated lumber).
while it was drizzling I created a door frame.......
all snugged up for the approaching rains....... (after the fact)
I cut it & ran to Lowes to get some silicone caulk to seal the channels. WELL, one patch of rain hit my area just as I got home...... ;-) Now I have to wait for a sunny day to dry out any moisture in the channels.
Some of the Solexx came in......
the last hoops & perlin connected along with 2X6 center supports. An exhaust fan will be installed high between those 2X6's.......
I could have ordered a roll of Solexx but it is more expensive that way. ADJUSTMENT!! I just made the decision to order a custom roll of the Solexx long enough to reach the end of the structure. I'll use what I ordered so far to start on the end caps.......
after removing the waterfall support box I erected the back wall. It will stick out past the hoop section because of the original size of the pond.
I added front facing 2X6's to the front, vertical supports. I also started adding some hurricane clips. I need to get working on that electrical box so that I can plan the door opening.......
This morning I removed the box that had supported the waterfall. It took forever!! The deck boards were attached with screws that sink into the board. Most of them wouldn't come out so I had to pry the boards up and cut the screws off .....
attached most hoops to 1/2 of the perlin. Waiting for 4 more "T" connectors.
rerouted the electric along the east wall. (fan or heater)
the hoop bender came in.... ;-) I am winging it though as the bender is for a 6' hoop and the width is 7' on the greenhouse supports.
both side supports finished (for now) with the hoop parts arriving tomorrow......
another angle. I had to shim due to the fact that the weight of the water bowed the posts outward somewhat.
the upright extensions from the pond 4X4 stubs.
the electrical hookup for the pond & fountain.
the UV sterilizer tucked under the waterfall.
the guts of the waterfall
dismantling the pond looking west toward the fountain.
the hoops (1" conduit) will run on 2' centers. The 4X4's below on 3' centers.
These hoops are larger but the same concept.
The pond & deck as it looks now.
In preparation for the long, hot summer......... I installed a misting system for the orchids & a 60% shade cover for cooling down the greenhouse.
Q