Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Pond Liner Questions

Considering going to a pond liner for my 2/3 acre pond after trying different remedies to stop a seam leak at the dam for the past 4 years. Like some input on the following:

1) Does a pond without a liner allow for some amount of fish and foul excretion to work its way out the bottom of the pond - and if so, then what happens when a liner that holds holds and stores all of that excretion, dying plant matter, etc.?

2) Unless you cover all of the liner with a dirt layer - 1) how do you get vegetation to grow ? 2) can the fish spawn on just the uncovered liner ?

Other considerations when using a liner also appreciated.

2) You need to cover the entire liner with a dirt layer to keep from having any holes poked in it.

I'll chime in here.
"Partial" pond liners typically don't work. If the leak can be found, if it's a seam, a good operator can rework that material, add clay and pack it tight. That can fix a leak. The biggest issues with leaky ponds is trying to find the leak. Once found, then the remedy is decided.

Other answers to your questions...fish would rather spawn on a natural substrate than a liner. If a liner is their only choice, it must be flat so the eggs won't roll off. Liners should have dirt on top, in my opinion, for fishing ponds.

Bob -

Any thoughts on this part of my question ?

1) Does a pond without a liner allow for some amount of fish and foul excretion to work its way out the bottom of the pond - and if so, then what happens when a liner that holds holds and stores all of that excretion, dying plant matter, etc.?

The way it "works it way out" is to naturally compost at the bottom soil/water interface. Most of that decomposition is done aerobically, some of it directly by dissolution. Some of that stuff just dissolves into the water and adds to the nutrient load. The more solid matter breaks down, as long as there is oxygen at the interface. Aeration expedites the process.