I am reconstructing my old pond. I have gotten out all the old muck and have my new liner. I have created a bench just below the water level to place rocks on. I want to protect the liner from damage from the rocks. I am considering putting carpet on top of the liner where the rocks are going to go. Would there be any adverse actions in doing so? POnd size 10,000 sq ft, 400,000 gal.

Hi Kelly, Just wanted to send a quick reply so you know you aren't being ignored. All of the experts will chime in Monday AM when they go back to work.
You'll find that things are pretty slow here on the weekends, but fear not you'll get some good answers.
My only concern about the carpet would be the glues and chemicals that were used in the making. Sounds like a good idea though.

Kelly,

I would expect the carpet to deteriorate rather quickly. The padding effect for the rocks would not last long. I would use a dense foam pad or synthetic rubber pad. The type of pad you put on concrete to walk on or in horse stalls. You can find these at Tractor Supply or Home Depot.

Tentmaker

Kelly,I have seen clear vinyl walk way (runner) mats used in koi ponds.The traffic side was installed face down and the small cleats faced up to help hold rocks in place.Carpet will not last among other potential problems and may become a problem in short order I would think.Lowes or Home Depot or any flooring place will have rolls of this to custom cut whatever length you need.Rubber mats as Tentmaker suggests should work great also.Good Luck

Kelly,

Here's an additional thought. All the ideas from others would work well too, but this might be a more cost effective approach.

You could take any left over liner that is cut and layer it where you want the rocks. It seems like you'd have ample amount of spoils that would go along way in lowering your expenses.

i think jimmy's idea would work the best (the others are great ideas too, so that noone gets their feelings hurt!) thicken/layer up the area where the rocks will be. if water already over the area you plan to put the stuff, take rocks that you (or a hired hand/teenager or whatever) can handle, wrap a bunch in the left over vinyl material, then set those down on your existing vinyl. then you can continue to add more on top of that, without injuring your main vinyl lining. mark

Great advise, thank you all. I'll post an update and possibley some photos as the project moves forward.
Kelly Braaksma

I have placed the carpet under the liner where it is not in contact with the water and it has worked and lasted very well. This gives some protection because of the padding under the liner. In order to cut the mat usually it has to be against a hard surface. Another option would be to put soft sand under the liner but sand is harder to work with because of its weight.