No sheepsfoot roller was used on my first pond, but the core was compacted with one on my second pond. Both hold water great. I now own a small (4'x4') pull-type sheepsfoot roller so new ponds and wetlands (we are building a new wetland now) will bet compacted. We are fortunate that we have good clay. We will also compact the raised pad for a new barn (being built with the wetland spoil). My 38 HP tractor is not really big enough to tow the roller, but the small dozer has no trouble.