Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Soil questions Clay content

To easily determine if clay is close to adequate get some that is damp, wad it into a oval or ball and squeeze it tightly. If it holds its shape when dropped on the ground, it could be a candidate for a pond bottom. Another hint is get a bucket or similar container, put several drain 3/8" - 5/8" holes in the bottom. Put a layer of clay on the bottom around 6 " thick and compact it with a appropriate tool such as a sludge hammer or ball bat. Fill the container with water and see how long it keeps water in the bucket. It should hold water for days if it is good compactable clay.