Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? Leaky Pond Almost Done

As many of you know I have struggled with my 5 year old pond leaking. It was 17 feet at the dam and was beautiful when full. However, by the end of summer it was always 4 to 5 feet low. I have tried to fix it without good results. I finally bit the bullet and with the help and expertise of JBryant and his crew drained the pond and transplanted most of the adult LMB and BG to a smaller 1/2 pond right next to the big pond.

A good source of clay was found on-site so JB put 4 feet or so of clay mixed with bentonite in 6" lifts on the bottom and compacted it all with a sheepsfoot roller. It is almost done. There were numerous issues discovered with the original construction that probably doomed my pond from the beginning.

I will post a few pics of the before-when totally full, the end of season when leaking had taken over and the renovation. I don't know how to get all the pics in one frame so I will do my best.

BTW, the fish seem to be holding up OK in the little shallow pond (4'0 deep) with no cover and the high temps we are having. Thank God for a little rain and relief today.