Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Soil questions First Time pond guy here Gravel question :(

Dave,

I have used Bentonite successfully to stop the leaks in my pond. But I had a sand seam I used it to seal and to enhance the clay that I have on site. But like you and Scott have mentioned that a good compact 4 6" lifts would be the way to cover the clay and not mix the bentonite with the gravel. If it was me and to do this only once I would test the clay with the bucket test and if needed I would add bentonite.

But with all that clay on site and having to be removed to make the hole you should have plenty to cover the bottom 24" thick just don't skip the compaction and separate lifts.

If you do use bentonite keep it away from the first couple of feet at the edge of the pond. The reason for this is if the water level is low and the bentonite is expose and when it does get wet it is very slippery.