No liner pond?

[thepitclub]

I keep dreaming of getting started excavating for larger pond (maybe 1/2 acre?- not firm on anything yet). I checked and there are no ordinances on ponds in my area I have a million questions , but I guess I will start with liner questions. What are the pros and cons for digging a "natural" pond without a liner? I plan to do 99% of this ourselves (notice I say I plan it that way, ha ha.)- mainly because of the cost involved, and partly I always feel so accomplished when I complete projects myself. I'm not sure we can squeeze the moo-lah out for the fancy-smancy pond in my dreams (okay, I'm sure we can't, ha ha). I'd like to think this through completely before making any disasterous mistakes, and would appreciate any advice/info anyone has to offer.

Amanda

[models916]

Without a lliner, I would think you need to dig a part of the pond as deep as the water table in your area or the pond would alway empty itself. Where I live the pond would have to have a 15 ft spot. Or it would have to be layered in clay.

http://www.pondsealer.net/?src=overture&OVRAW=clay%20for%20ponds&OVKEY=pond%20bentonite%20clay&OVMTC=advanced&OVADID=2557329522&OVKWID=24228883522

[thepitclub]

That's a very good point. It's very wet here, so I'm guessing the water table would not be that far down- not sure though.

[-Greg-]

Amanda, in all of my latest research, I ran across this construction thread, it outlines all of the different liner/cement/permaflex/pond armor/etc. options...

http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26493&highlight=liner+options

Greg

[Rocmon]

I've read for a mud pond you'll need to line it with bentonite clay. If you can get truck loads cheap... If you have a marshy area or swamp that should work well too.

[LuvMyFish]

Yes you will need to use Sodium Bentonite clay to seal it. Do not use Calcium Bentonite clay.