Update.. We were at the pond all weekend. The water is perfect for swimming. Measured the waterline at 3:00 on sat and sun. Had a 1/4" drop from day to day. The last significant rainfall (2") was Thursday. Not sure if I was still getting and below ground water seeping "into" the pond.
That is a pretty significant improvement in water loss. Too early to tell. I'll be back up Wednesday and check again. If I have a 1/4" per day water loss, I'll be a very happy camper.
Yesterday morning..


9 yr old pond, 1 ac, 15' deep.
RES, YP, GS, FHM (no longer), HBG (going away), SMB, and HSB (only one seen in 5 yrs) Restocked HSB (2020) Have seen one of these.
I think that's about all I should put in my little pond.
Otter attack in 2023