Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Natural blue water

It is my guess that the bottom layer of crushed limestone will soon be covered by sedimented decomposing organic materials sourced both internal productivity and allochthonous materials (originating other than within the lake) such as leaves and materials from the watershed. A large percentage of water bodies accumulate at least 1" of sedimented organic materials each year. The other important item will be the natural total hardness of the lake water. IMO better than adding crusted stone to the bottom areas adding larger sizes (3"-18") of limestone along large lengths of the shoreline which is much less likely to get buried by sediments. These wave washed lime based shorelines will more likely add the needed hardness for your objective. Reducing fertilizations of adjacent areas (lawns) and minimizing algae blooms will help a lot to maintain clearer water conditions that contribute to the natural blue water you are talking about. Also focus on inflow water has minimal suspended soil - muddy water.

Another important item is to have a deeper average depth and minimizing shallow shoreline areas that will contribute to resuspension of bottom sediments due to wave action on shorelines. Submerged plant problems will all occur in the shallow areas not the deepest areas so a large percentage of deep water is positive for your goals.