Hey Guy's,

Last year I jumped straight into paying a contractor to dig me my dream .8 Surface acre Hybrid Bluegill pond. Yes I was that guy that did very little research, had no written contract and got the raw end of the deal (no one to blame but me). So all winter I have been angry at myself pumping out the rain water run-off of my $16,000 4' deep Louisiana Gar hole. Waiting on this summer so I can hopefully get it complete this year by a real contractor with a contract in place. It held water over winter, roughly 1'-2' with all the rain we had.
Yesterday I was finally able to get a soil sample done very near the pond (future house pad).
Samples were done at 4', 10', 13.5', & 20'. I wasent able to be there due to work. But I am told that "beach" sand was found at 15'. Also was told there was no clay. I relayed that info to my New Pond guy and he said "not good". "But, lets wait till the final report comes out." He Says we are looking for 20PL or greater.
What else on this $1,700 Soil Sample report should I be looking for if anything when I get it. Is the >20PL starting down the right path? The main objective of the soil sample was the house pad, but trying to see if it will help any with future pond completion.
Thanks for any feedback, one way or the other I am determined have a pond.
Chad

Chad
I am no expert but I prob would have a soil sample taken where the pond is to be located not a ways away. On my place I had tons of clay but several hundred yards away there is none. The state folks can tell you what the soil types are in that area.

Good luck

Pat W

Tell the testing people you are looking for material that will hold water, let them know you are working on a pond and you want it to hold water.
There are other test they offer that will give you that information.
With the PI the higher the number the more clay you have. In our country a 15 is good for a house pad 30 is good for a pond.
If you have paid for the soil to be tested---tell the testing company what you want and what you are doing----ask them to interpret the numbers for you.

Thank You for the information Mike. The samples taken for my house pad are it literally ±30' away from the pond. I will ask those questions when I get the report back.

Otto,

Got my report back. I have "Lean Clay" up to 8.5'. It has a PI of 18-21 depending on the different holes drilled. Great soil I am told for a house pad, questionable soil for a pond. Guess I will have to track my clay close and ensure compaction is done throughly. Hard to find a trustworthy knowledgable dirt man in my area.