Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Soil questions Backhoe Digging vs. Core Sampling

Question from a new guy loving everything I'm learning from this website, and information I've gotten from members. Info on my pond is in my Intro.

I'm working on the first two most important parts of selecting a pond site (in my situation): potential well output and soil condition. I've heard it's highly advisable to have a couple holes dug with a backhoe to clearly see what kind of soil there is to work with. I'd pick the dam site and the middle of the pond if I only dug two.

Question: What are the pros and cons of using core sampling instead of a backhoe to dig and refill holes? I'm already assuming the cost and effort may be similar. I'm leaning heavily toward backhoe work because that was the advice I received, and it doesn't seem like it would be hard to find someone to do it.

And by the way, I'm thinking it might be valuable to have a septic system professional on hand who can "read the dirt" when the test holes are being dug.

More than likely either will work and I expect a backhoe might be cheaper. Core sampling will go deeper than a hoe generally digs. But I would want more than one test hole. However, due to seams in the soil, there are no sure things when building a dam.

Thanks Dave.

Be aware also that a good contractor will dig test holes for you before beginning free of charge as part of the job. They don't want to dig a pond that doesn't hold water. Perhaps find the spot you want, then find the pond digger. Then they can read the soils for you.

Good advice. Makes sense. Thanks.

Dave sums it up pretty good.

I would think a little bit of the choice would depend on how deep you are going to have to dig the pond. A backhoe won't necessarily go as deep as what you might need. Then who knows what might be beyond it's reach?

Good points, fish n chips. Thanks.

Maybe I'll have the contractor I intend to use dig a couple of them free holes in the hopes he finds everything he needs. But if there's any question after that, look at paying for some core drilling.

I'd have some serious considering to do at that point too--if it came to drilling--unless I found that a pond liner isn't a bad alternative.

Due to the cost, a pond liner should be a very last resort. And, they can be punctured.

You might have a problem getting a good pond builder to dig some free holes. The right guy is usually in demand. And, you want an experienced pond builder, not a good dozer driver.

I think they are not really free holes, you already have an agreement in place. It is more for seeing if the project can move forward or not and if the project would be within budget. In my case, I had already settled on the digger, he just needed to know where the good material for making the dam was. If he found nothing or the soil was poor, he would have offered some alternatives like a clay lined pond with clay brought in.

Some NRCS offices have a core sampling tool. It all depends on your county's office. My county only has a core sampling tool that will sample the surface. 2 counties over they have a core sampling tool that will go down 20'.

Call your counties NRCS office and check. They'll come out and advise you about your pond for free. They can help with sizing the pond, overflow pipe sizes, emergency spillway sizes, etc.

Many thanks esshup, liquid squid, Dave. Really appreciate the advice. GREAT idea to see what the local NRCS office can offer.