Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Soil questions RPE lined but want fish habitat

So I've decided to use Western Liner to provide a 40mil RPE liner. I just don't want to worry about leaks so that is the direction I've gone.

That said, I'd like to create the best fish habitat I can so should I line the bottom with soil and work from there. In a previous thread I've asked if anyone has had success retaining soil on the 3:1 slope on the sides of the lake/pond. Whether or not that is possible, I certainly can line the flat bottom with soil to promote habitat but I'm a noice and need advise.

The liners in other than production ponds are supposed to be covered with 12" soil from bottom to top. You start at the top, do NOT drive on an uncovered liner, and work your way to the bottom. Yes to the 3:1, a customer had a pond dug last year like that. The soil protects the liner from the cover that you will be placing in the pond, and gives plants a place to root.

Make sure the bottom of the pond is rock/stick free before rolling out the liner. Can you get a 1 piece liner or one that is pieced at the factory or do you have to seam pieces together on-site? How much will the liner weigh, and will you need equipment to move it around?

If the soil cannot be cleared of rocks, some companies have a liner pad that goes down first to protect the liner from getting poked from the bottom.

Thanks, that is very helpful...