Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Bryan from Chandler, TX

Hello all. I have been lurking here for awhile but this is my first post. I purchased a property with an old pond about that’s about .85 acres. It’s about 5ft low with max depth of 20’ when full. It’s got lots of issues. It leaks about .8” per day. Has pine trees all over the dam and the shoreline is so thick with brush I almost missed it the first time I looked at the property. It is FULL of lmb but they are all 8-12 inches. Almost no bluegill so far as I can tell. My goals are Bass fishing and Maybe an occasional swim. Don’t need monster bass but would be happy with 2-3 pounders with occasional 5 or so.

What I’ve done so far:

• Mike Otto came out for a consultation. Mike was very informative and his main suggestion was to look at digging a well which I am in the process of getting done. He suggested I remove trees under 4” diameter from the dam which I have done.

•I have spoken with TJ about soilflock which I will probably do at some point.

•I continue to clear around pond every weekend so I’m about 2/3 the way around.

• I am in the planning stage of piping downspouts from the house and shop down to the pond.

• Planning to build docks and a bridge.

I have lots of questions and plan on posting in the renovation section. Not sure if I start one thread about all my pond projects or separate threads about each subject.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
Bryan

Bryan, welcome to PB.

It is my understanding that, due to electric cost, running a well is seldom cost justified. Since you have probably(East Texas) had adequate rainfall to offset evaporation, I assume a leak somewhere. Or, lack of runoff area.

All ponds leak or that's what I understand anyway. I will lose a half inch per day during the warm months due to evaporation. And a qtr inch due to willow trees and leaks etc. So a water well is nice to have if needed.

Tracy I was really surprised once I realized how much water we lose to evaporation in the pond and in a swimming pool.

Yes, I do have a leak through the bottom. The well when completed should provide at least 25 gpm according to my driller who is local and knows my area. This should keep up with leak and evaporation, and add water theoretically. With a 1.5 hp pump running 24-7 would cost less than 100$ per month. When compared to a synthetic liner or clay liner(since I have no clay nearby) this seems most cost effective. If I can slow the leak with the soilflock then I won’t have to pump as much.