Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Old pond is getting a makeover!

Hello and thanks to everyone for all the help I've read up on so far!
I have big plans for this pond and the area around it. My main goal is to clean it up enough to swim in, the next goal would be to have some fish for my boy to catch and cook. Walking into the pond from the shore isn't very appealing.

My pond is in North Texas, near Lake Texoma. Surface acres is .6 and 10ft at the deepest spots. Created by run off from neighboring properties.

These first images show us moving in the 7' firepit.

I've got the power ran halfway to the pond, then I'll install the aeration system near the dock. Looking at a two diffuser setup by BigMax or Vertex, still open to other options or opinions.

I'm not sure what the plants around the edges are but thought I could leave them if they help in any way? and just swim from the dock when I rebuild it.

There are lots of minnows but I went ahead and added 5 more lbs. Next step is Tilapia to help clean up the muck and then some channel cats for fishing. I've only caught Perch and turtles, neighbors said a lady fished out most of the monster cats.

As you can see from my first turtle trap that I have plenty of turtles, I counted 30 at one time sticking their heads up. I've decided to catch most of them and relocate them to another area.

Just wanted to introduce myself and see if I am headed in the right direction!

Earnhart, welcome to PB.

The plants in the 6th pic are rush, and water primrose. The rush is excellent at helping keep the pond banks together. The water primrose can be fun to fish, provide cover for fish fry, but can be a real nuisance plant if left unchecked. Luckily, both are easy to chemically control if that's your preference.

Thanks for the response FireIsHot! I'll leave the plants alone, the water Primrose just popped up a month ago and doesn't take up too much space.