Sounds like you are doing good homework. Well drained chili loam does not sound like it hold water very well. If the soil is marginal for a pond then the best soil compaction possible would produce the best outcome. Be sure you read and understand good soil compaction practices in this thread from the Archives. Remember a pond digger is not a pond builder. Vibratory sheepsfoot compactors are not built and sold if other equipment would do as good or a better job.
