Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Building a dam How deep is too deep?

Mark C. Keep in mind that just because a pond has cold water in the deeper zone during summer does not mean that it is spring fed. Being from PA, I will assume you know the difference in the two pond types. A spring fed pond w/ decent inflow often has out flow/seepage year round.

NOTE: The 8 to 9 ft max depth applies primarily to ponds that do NOT get snow cover for extended periods.

A spring fed pond (depending on flow in gpm) does not normally behave like nonspring fed ponds. Being spring fed, it should not form thick ice across the entire surface in winter. Areas near the spring inflow often remain ice free. If ice forms across the entire surface then spring inflow is minimal. Spring water inflow reduces the water retention time in the pond which results in flushing and good water turnover. Any thermal stratification (warm layer overlying a cold deeper layer) that develops will not be strong. Weak or no stratification is good and minimizes many typical pond problems such as summer fish kills and development of thick black, smelly sludge sediments.

Your depth is adequate if you have good spring inflow and no fish kills. Depth deeper than 8 ft are needed for reasons described above; primarily extra dissolved oxygen during winter & snow cover and water volume during low water periods.
More questions?? Sometimes I get too technical for new pond owners wrongfully assuming they understand all my jargon.