Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Beach material question

Looking at having the pond get finished in the next couple of weeks and will be putting a beach area in for the wife who loves to swim. Question is what type of material is best for both fish since, Im sure it will be pocked with bedding gills, and for foot wear and will last a long time?

I figure there is sand, then there is Sandy Nines, 57's or pea gravel? I live in SW Ohio
and how deep should it be spread for maximum durability and for a lengthy use.

Many thanks, Salmonid

Mark try this thread.

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000127#000003

...and this summary of my geotextile -101 crash course .
...and application, about 1/2 way down within this thread .
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This still doesn't address your questions about specific medium to install for the best combo beach/spawning area. Ewest has a PC full of links for that stuff, but I'll bet sand is the winner.

BG will spawn in just about anything. Pick the beach aggregate your wife likes best between her toes.

I would save my rocks and gravel for another location for spawning and go with white sand for the beach.

Ewest, white sand is out based on cost and I do have several other good spawning areas for the gills, deliberatly built in a few shallow areas, full sun, North shore for them.
I guess what Im thinking is just plain sand, and Im guessing about 4" thick will suffice on top of hard packed clay. Thoughts, Opinions???
Salmonid

Be careful on sand selection. It's tuff to go back and change your mind. I was the same way, but fortunately I had a good dialogue with my quarry vendor. There are many different grades. If you are unsure, you know what to do...test drive.
4" is too thin. Heck, the 8" - 10" I put in is probably on the thin side. The stuff above water supports weight without sinking in alot. The stuff underwater is where you push through.

Mark take a look at the threads listed above. They should cover the subject . Sand is different from place to place. Stay away from red construction sand as it is more like mud than sand when wet.