Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site Existing pond research

An already existing BOW has some large advantages: The water is already there (or should be); the dam is already built; you know fairly well what you are getting. The disadvantage is that it can be more difficult to change what already exists than doing it yourself.

That said, I'd look for a few things. First, check the watershed. Will it support the pond through droughts and/or a hot summer?

Second, check the dam. Is it eroded? Are trees growing on it? Do you observe leakage? How is the spillway, is it a bare patch of ground or something that can take a major overflow?

Third, what are the depths? If the BOW has large areas that are shallower than 4 or 5 feet, you can expect major hassles with weeds.

Fourth, is the pond easily visible to the public? Have friends and neighbors been fishing there? If so, you can expect problems if you try to clamp down on trespassing and poaching.

Lots of folks here know far more on this subject than I do, just a few thoughts. I ended up building a pond because I liked the idea of using what I've learned to create something special, but buying an existing BOW is undoubtedly faster and usually cheaper to getting where you want to be.