Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Building a dam Pond design help.

Hi all, I'm looking at building a pond in South Louisiana. I plan on stocking the pond with bluegill and bass. I also want to use the pond for geothermal and plan to dig to 20ft (assuming the soil is ok). I've read about hypolimnetic aeration a bit and was curious if anyone had success on this? Or would it be possible to mount an aerator about 10 ft up on a platform? This would allow for aeration with the surface but wouldn't affect the deep layers much (I think). I'm trying to avoid a fish kill scenario but also have water cold enough for geothermal.

I do thermal gradients in my day job, but NOT for home geothermal systems.

Have you called a contractor yet?

The reason I ask, is that I believe that during peak summer air temperatures, your soil temperature will be lower than your pond temperature. In June, the water temps in a stratified pond will probably be lower than the soil temps. However, that may not be the case in July and August when you need maximum cooling for the house.

If you are bringing in heavy equipment to excavate the pond, it might be very cheap to install ground loops at that time.

Good luck on your new pond project!

I'm currently getting quotes. My only opposition to a ground loop is that the pond depth would be deeper than a ground loop. That would lend to better temps throughout the year. But ill ask. Thanks!

Im not sure about your area but from what I understand they have all but quit using ponds for geothermal systems here in MO.
Something about the soil hold and transfers temp a lot better then water does in the hottest of summer times and also holds tems better in the winter time.
I dont know all the ins and outs or the pros and cons, although I used to dig in quite a few services from the edge of ponds to new houses back in the day to not having or knowing anybody that has done it in a long time.

Have, however, dug in quite a few ground loops in recent yrs.

Directional boring in the loops is a pretty big thing around here recently, they can run huge loops out underneath woods or just about any surface you can imagine, without disturbing any surface vegetation.
Again, I know very little about the whole subject but my point is, do your research, dont take my uneducated word for it.
I always thought a pond water loop system should be a great idea.

We had considered going geothermal, and looked into using the pond as part of it. We were told that isn’t a good idea unless the pond was considerably larger and deeper than ours at 1/2 acre and averages 10ft when it is low in the summer.

Part of the problem is the efficiency drops in the later summer when the water temp is high, the cold bottom water is quickly lost as the loop heats it. Additionally, your pond water temp will offer no cool water refuge for fish when that happens. In the winter, ice can accumulate on the coils and lift them unless weighted, and the ice reduces efficiency.

In our case it was a double why bother, as it was too expensive to add to an old house with no vents, and the ground coil length needed didn’t even reach the pond. 1000’ from house to water. So I’m still dealing with fire wood and window AC, while occasionally playing the lottery.

Boy am I sick of fire wood.

Just need to alter your perspective ... "Boy have I done a lot of upper-body workouts and cardio days this Fall!"