Many times a cheaply and quickly built pond is a leaker. If you get a leaker pond it will cost more to fix it than it did to first "dig" it. Remember - you build a pond and dig a hole. Building take more time than digging a hole. Clay lifts even in a dug pond need to be properly compacted with preferably a sheepsfoot roller. Holes often leak even in good dirt. Do a little homework here about the trials and tribulations of the members here who have leaky ponds. Nightmares from hell. Carefully check the references and examine at least several ponds of the cheap pond diggers.
Ask about a "leak clause" in the contract when hiring a pond builder. Get his definition of when a leaking pond is unacceptable. FYI all ponds with out artificial liners leak that is the nature of compacted clay/dirt. The big concern is when is the leak unacceptable especially during drought conditions. FYI - Well sealed and best built ponds in our good NW Ohio blue clay will go down during droughts only 12"-14". Water loss is mostly due to evaporation.

Last edited by Bill Cody; 05/31/13 08:50 AM.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management