Not continually overflowing suggests the springs are not high flow and basin seepage/leaks absorbs most of the spring water inflow. The best possible option for creating a low muck good quality swimming area is to drain/pump the pond down about 5-7ft. Then get a pond building contractor to come in and with an excavator or wide backhoe bucket and dip out the swimming area and relay either sand or pea gravel. Then allow the pond to refill. If the sprigs are too 'strong' dewatering may not be a good option. The contractor should be able to provide advice for the project. Other areas can also be dipped and shoreline slope steepened if the water will stay at a lower level for several weeks in August.
Trying to remove muck naturally will take a lot of time and the end result will be fair at best for creating a decent swimming area.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 07/06/12 10:17 AM.
