Pond/Pool in backyard

[Vodin]

OK long story in a short statement. Tempered glass if suspended horizontally and supported on both of the short ends can it suspend itself?

If I build the pond in my back yard it will be classified as a pool. I wish to 'cover' the pond with the tempered glass and have the glass plates act like a drawer. Where it can be slid to cover the water and uncover the water.

I seek the wheeled railings to do this. The glass sheets way ~350 lbs a piece and there will be 4. 1 per rail and 4 rails high.

Any suggestions will be appreciated. This is what I envision
___
<-->___
<-----> ___
<---------> ___

[Sniper-T]

got pics of something to envision?

[Vodin]

The temperd glass is 1/2" thick 3'10" wide and 7' long. Each panel weighs ~350 lbs. I want 3 of the panels to slide out to cover a 12' long pool. Each of the 3 moving panels (1 is stationary) will be positioned above the other. Think steps.

I want to build it where each panel has its own track to be pulled out on for a total of 3 tracks.

Need to brainstorm a method that will provide this. Since it will be in CO I will need to have each panel at a slight angle for the snow water to roll off into the pond. So there will be no additional weight on the glass.

[Sniper-T]

My roof is 47 degrees.. and I get 5+ feet of snow piled up easily. unless you are going to heat it... you are subject to a build up of snow. and weight! the glass can handle it... the tracking system will need to be bitchen!

[Sniper-T]

been thinking on this. do you have cabinet makers in your area? if so, befriend one!

I think what you may need are something like this:

http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=46578&cat=3,43614,43616

The problem I foresee, is that you would need to have one sliding off the previous, off the previous... which creates a weight issue. unless you can have a caster system on the sides to help support the weight.

like this:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=70064&cat=3,51976

know what I mean?

[Vodin]

Ok the brainstorm at this point is:

This is what will transport the glass panes back and forth.

http://www.barndoorhardware.com/flat-track-hardware/standard-flattrack/

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/Basement%20AP/US20090000204A1_zps0599cba4.png (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/Basement%20AP/US20090000204A1_zps0599cba4.png.html)

The attachment will be to the short ends of the non corrosive frame around the pane.

These are the panes

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/Basement%20AP/IMG_2643_zps56f37024.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/Basement%20AP/IMG_2643_zps56f37024.jpg.html)

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/Basement%20AP/IMG_2638_zps181c367c.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/Basement%20AP/IMG_2638_zps181c367c.jpg.html)


http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/Basement%20AP/IMG_2670_zps6dc26676.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/Basement%20AP/IMG_2670_zps6dc26676.jpg.html)

The glass will be at a slight angle so snow and rain would be able to run off. The pane will be able to travel to its destination. Pane #1is hard mounted. Pane 2 travels to its position from under pane 1 etc...

Width of the panes will be the issue for moving more than one pane. All this is hindered by keeping out raccoons from eating the Channel Catfish and trout.

Thank you for the input it is impacting my ideas and is appreciated.

[Vodin]

The panes are on average about 350 pounds each.

[Sniper-T]

each of the hinges I referenced is good for 200lbs. together, they are good for 400. you're covered there, offsetting them inside a bit, with a caster system wide, will double or triple their capacity....

I can sketch up a detail if you like, I cannot seem to find anything online that matches my minds eye. This will prob. open a whole new can of worms, but I think it'll get you rolling...

can you explain what kind of pond you are planning? size? depth? edging plans? a formal pool is easier to work with for what you want than mine would be...

eta: btw, your pic is designed for a vertical set up and will not work horiz.

[Vodin]

The link before the pick is the proper reference. There will be 3 on each side of the panel at every ~1'3" for a total of 6 casters.



Dimensions of the pond ~8'x12' and ~5' deep. My house lot is 46' wide and 90' long with a house on it. The pond will have structures beneath the liner so there will be dips and curves for the fish to have area to defend.

This is the current photo. The large pond will be restructured to accommodate the glass panels the small pond will be converted into a waterfall. All of this is due to the requirements that my city has in effect. Any water that has a depth greater than 24" is considered a pool and there by falls under different regulations. So I will.

[Vodin]

Quick sketch

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/Ponds/IMG_2672_zps4be50572.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/Ponds/IMG_2672_zps4be50572.jpg.html)

[Sniper-T]

yep... exactly what I was thinking...