Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Soil questions small clay "garden" pond

I would like to put in a small pond in my parents garden as cheaply as possible. I was thinking about something 8' square upto 10' square, and 4' to 6' deep. I priced liners at $0.42 a square foot that would cost over $200. This plus the cost of pumps, filters, plants and a dozen b.gill would be out of my budget. But there is one thing I can get for free, clay. The gravel pit has plenty of it, all I would half to do is haul it. Probably by hand
Can small ponds be built with a clay liner? If so how much clay and how thick is required? Are there special concerns with clay? like tree roots? or muddy water?
Thanks, I haven't been able to find any answers to these questions, and I appreciate all input from the best pond website in the world.

A liner will be cheaper, more effective, and less trouble in the long run. Do not put in the pond until you have enough money for a liner. Clay, when the correct consistancy & moisture content, needs to be minimum 12" thick which includes adequate mechanical compaction.

If you go to Lowes, they sell black (and clear) plastic sheet of 4ml and 6ml thickness, its perfectly adequate for a small pool, if you had any doubt about its ability to be durable, you can always put two layers down. It's on a roll, 10' x 100' about $15 and $25

Birds landing hard on it might puncture it, however with careful protection its no biggy. At that price, its fairly easy to re line it in future years....

Regards, Andy