Following Brettski and several other members on the forum, I decided to add a beach area to the pond. First, we dug a 6-8 inch area out where the beach would be. Using the dirt that was removed, berms were made on the sides and bottom. These pictures show the dirt before it was smoothed with a tractor.


The area of the beach measures 45 X 25 feet.


Next I laid down some heavy duty flower bed fabric which was difficult to keep in place. I didn't opt for the extra heavy duty stuff that Brettski used because I'm a little impatient and decided to use what Lowe's had. Then we poured in the sand. It took 3 dump truck loads which was approximately 30 tons. Fortunately where we live is close to the Arkansas river and they dredge this sand out of the channel and sell it for a reasonable price.


The hardest part was trying to smooth everything with a tractor. There wasn't much traction but we did the best we could.


Final view looking from the dam.


Another project completed. I still have a long ways to go but it's starting to shape up now.

I think it looks outstanding! Well done!
I take no credit for the design or technique....it was another Pond Boss engineering joint venture.
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The sand looks really good; nice stuff.

Good job and thanks for the pics. One suggestion from experience. Where the beach meets the shore add a pile of sand. Just have the truck dump it in a line covering 3 ft either side of the water line. It will slowly wash in and add to the beach and kids love to sit and play in the sand at the waters edge.

B'ski, I know it was a joint effort. I'm glad everyone pitched in with yours because it made mine a lot easier.
Ewest, the upper 10-15 feet part of the beach area will be out of the water. Are you saying to place a pile of sand on either side of this section?

Great job you might want to add a 4 inch prefforated pipe to drain any water that sits inside the bottom key it is not always nessary but some times the sand will get a smell when swimmers kick up sand from built up nutrients that wash in and settle underneath the bed the pipe will drain it off

cm I saw the boundary in pic 1 after the post. I would just pile up some sand (maybe 3 ft deep) on that part of the beach that is out of the water - sloping to the water's edge.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input!!

Good job Thanks for the pictures.

What type of sand are you using? We used mason sand as it was cheap the first time. I'm going to add more sand next year. NJ beach sand cost a bundle last year. Can't imagine what it costs to ship it this year.

I used the finer sand found in the Arkansas river. The sand company sells two different types: fine and cement sand mixed with some pea gravel. The fine stuff is not as fine as sand found along the Gulf Coast. That is good because the finer the sand, the more chance of it washing out. The sand seems to be a perfect match.