Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Questions on building a pond

Hello. I have a large ravine on the property I recently bought. My guess is that it was created by the runoff rain water from my neighbors property. I don't have any pics now or I would show you. It is pretty wide and about 15 feet deep give or take a little. I was thinking about making a pond out of part of it. I am not sure how to do it.

I guess I would simply dam up the ravine and let the rain water fill it. I would think I would also need a method of letting over flow escape. If it is just rain water that is filling it, will it be a nasty pond? I don't want a grungy, nasty looking thing. But I am not sure what would happen to it during those times where we go a while without rain and it doesn't have a fresh water supply.

Is there any place I can go to learn more about pond construction. If anyone has answers or opinions to my questions, I sure would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Bryan

NCDeere,

You have already made one great decision...you came here to ask questions. This forum is replete with all kinds of info. Suggest you start in the Pond Construction files and read, read, read. It is likely that most, if not all, of your questions have been asked and answered there...and if not come back to the full group and fire away. Many of us have made all the mistakes and we would like to see others avoid them.

Careful planning and research up front will save you big regrets and big bucks later on...but you will still probably spend big bucks, so get ready and have fun.

Welcome Brian if you go to my home page you can download the Pond Construction Guide it will give you lots of information.

http://home.hiwaay.net/~n4bk/index.htm

NCDeere,go to
http://county.ces.uga.edu/habersham/
then click recreational sport fishing ponds
Lots of good info

What are the alternatives, tap water? Most ponds are filled soley by rain water and run off. Quite a few are aided by springs or wells, but they're not the majority. Next time you are in a rainstorm, cup your hands together and collect some rain water. Ask yourself if it looks nasty.

Also, having the ravine is a great way to create a pond for less money. You simply dam the low side of the ravine. You won't have as much dirt to move as you would if you were on a flat piece of land.

Good luck with the pond. Do plenty of research before you start digging the hole.