Yes, last year I did drain it with a couple pumps. The bottom is clay, but about half way up, the sides I believe is where he added all around the yard from the dirt he dug out of the pond. Also around the edge that goes into the woods, you can see a difference with layered dirt. Since then the pond has filled half way up again. Wondering if I got an excavator and make a tapered out around the whole pond and then maybe pulled some of that clay out and covered the tapered dirt if it would hold or if I have to get a liner. I did see a post about digging around the pond and added a trench to help with filtration. I think if I did that, then I would for sure need a liner. I really don't want to go spend a crazy amount. Also worried about keeping water in there. He did run a tube from the house that goes directly to my well at the house