Hello, I am looking into building a pond anywhere from 0.5 acres up to 2.5 acres. I have a few different locations on my property that may be suitable from a topographical/drainage perspective. I will have test holes dug prior to starting any pond. I am currently talking to different pond builders.

One fellow is a dirt mover that also builds ponds. He only uses a scraper for compaction when placing the keyway/core trench. He says that with good clay a scraper alone in lifts should seal up a pond. The other 3 pond builders I've talked to use sheepsfoot rollers. I've read on here a few people using scrapers but most seem to prefer sheepsfoot rollers.

Does anyone have input on this? After digging test holes on site, if the clay is good would you have hesitations having a scraper alone used for compaction. He pulls it with a large tractor.

One of the reasons I like this individual builder is that his references like him and he is relatively affordable. He also quotes the whole job rather than hourly if you like which I do prefer I think. I was considering having him dig a 0.5 acre pond first and budget for a liner in case it doesn't hold water as a fail safe.

Thanks for any input.