For those planning on building a pond here is a link to a very good information page about soil compaction. After building a pond and it leaks almost always soil compaction of the dam and or side walls is/are the reason. It often costs almost as much or more to fix a leaky pond as it cost to build the pond. Do it correctly the first time and you will save money and reduce a lot of headaches.
http://extension.missouri.edu/webster/pond-seal.aspx

Page is from this thread:
http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=389185#Post389185

Discussion of homemade test to check if soil is compactable and will hold water if the pond is built correctly.
The Bucket Test
http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=466870&page=1

Proper construction equipment for good compaction
Sheepsfoot rollers can exert approximately forty times more pressure than rubber-tired equipment and are often specified where a high degree of compaction is needed. Optimal compaction is obtained by using thin layers of soil, each about 6 inches thick. Thicker layers are not desirable, as the pressure transmitted to the soil decreases with soil depth.
https://extension.missouri.edu/g1555

http://foresternetwork.com/daily/construction/construction-equipment/how-to-select-a-soil-roller/

Compaction discussion.
http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=428419#Post428419

Use of Bentonite and Polymers
https://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=529641#Post529641

https://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthre...rds=bentonite&Search=true#Post125536

Last edited by Bill Cody; 05/02/22 04:04 PM.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management