Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help My Scary Little Pond

Hey All,

I need some input on what my options are.

Around 15 years ago I was having some dozer work done. I've got a spring on the property and the overflow runs constantly, and after doing absolutely no research, I asked the guy to dig me a pond. A few times over the years there have been run off issues after dozer work. Additionally, I added around 40 walmart feeder goldfish, that have multiplied over the years.

Recently I drained the pond. It is around 70' in diameter. 12' deep (total) in the middle, with steep sloping sides. The main issue I have right now is the disgusting, smelly, chocolate pudding silt that is around 4 1/2' deep.

So. My question... My goal for the pond is swimming/ recreation. The pond is too deep. I've got a lot of rocks / boulders on the property. Also a good bit of used concrete slab. Could I add rocks and concrete to the silt in order to raise the depth to around 4', then line the pond, or do I have to remove the silt first. I'm not in a big hurry, but I am wanting to take the cheap route (if that is an option). I'll post some pics.

Find your local dirt guy who is good. Seeing it on site he will have better answers and insite.

Could you move your swimming pond location? Probly cheap er faster and cl ea ner to build a new one

Hi Lorri C and welcome to Pond Boss!

I'm sorry I have nothing to add, I just wanted to put the photo of your pond (from the gallery) in this thread so the experts & others could see what you're working with.

And no offense intended, but at this point I'm not ready to grab my trunks!

Lorri C I don't want to rain on your pond, but shallow pond = sunlight getting to the bottom = growth of either FA or rooted weeds. Do you really want a pond covered with weeds or floating mats of disgusting slimy algae to swim in? Shallow ponds are not conductive to good swimming water unless your plan is to regularly use chemicals and dye for plant life control.

But on a more positive note based on the picture, if I were 30 years younger and not happily married, I would definitely go swimming with you even in the present pond condition.

Lorri, in addition. If it were my pond........... and I wanted it for swimming.

I would have the muck dug out and keep it deep, line the bottom with your boulders and concrete, and while the pond is still dry build a very nice dock to swim from.

I made a swimming beach in our 3 acre pond. Also made a very nice fixed dock with a floating dock attached with good steps into the water to exit. All the grandkids go off the floating dock to swim. Even the smallest ones. Get them some safe floaties. The beach area turned into a disgusting FA matted mess and I dug out what I could reach with a backhoe to make it deeper.

In my un-expert opinion, if you want good swimming in shallow water, build a swimming pool from concrete or plastic.

I think you need to doze it out again, this time make sure the sides are much steeper. I don't think you want to make it more shallow as this will just add to your problem.

If it were me and swimming were my primary goal deep water and steep banks will eliminate most of the algae growth. The addition of an aerator will help also.

Steep and deep!