Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? Doing it myself...need some pointers

Yes. The only time that compaction won't come into play is if you have a groundwater pond that is tied into the water level of subsurface water. AND ponds like that are a PITA to manage and take care of - I have one and wish I didn't.

Proper compaction won't happen with the tracks on a dozer or excavator unless you have pottery clay type soil.

Sheepsfoot roller, pack it down in 6"-8" lifts until the sheepsfoot walks out of the ground, spread out another lift and do it again. I would start to feel comfortable after the 3rd compacted lift, and really breathe easier after the fourth lift.

No, it's not fast or easy, but spending a bit more time and $$ now to do it right will keep you from spending roughly 100% of the money again to do it correctly the 2nd time.....