Frequently Asked Questions

Complete List about Construction

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Q: What should I do with any excess soil from the excavation?
A: Always plan to have more soil than what you may envision since estimating the amount can be very difficult and soil compacts greatly so once un-compacted or excavated it tends to more than originally thought. Most home owner pond builders try to incorporate the remaining soil into a "berm" at the pond edge usually to create "heighth" for a waterfall. This idea may work though it is advisable to compact the soil as it is placed (each layer) by "tamping" to avoid the potential for future "settling". Other possible uses include using for "leveling" areas othe lawn or landscaping, filling in low spots and/or animal holes, or creating new "raised" flower/ vegtable gardens or landscaped areas. The bottom line is to plan for lots of excess soil, have a wheelbarrow or other mode of transport for placing it and remember to "compact by tamping" if used in the pond construction.

Q: How can I determine the amount of leftover (excess) soil?
A: Figure out the approximate number of cubic feet of soil to be excavated. This formula is length x width x depth (in ft.)= # cubic feet. This amount (volume) will increase to double, triple, or even more once excavated. So simply take the cubic feet of soil to be excavated x 2 or 3 to determine an approximate amount of remaining soil. Remember this amount can vary based on the soil type and other factors so plan for a "high-side" estimate.

Q: Do I have to use underlayment?
A: It is always advisable to put a layer of something between the pond liner and the excavation to protect the liner from damage from items or sharp points under it. Lilypons recommends a layer of clean (masonary grade) sand around an inch deep to be placed on all horizontal areas of the excavation, such as the bottom (floor) and any "shelves", etc. Use a fabric-type material on all remaining vertical points (walls) of the excavation. Actual pond liner underlayment is available, and many types of material may be substituted. Materials such as old carpet or padding (remember to check carefully for tacks), old blankets, cloth, plastic sheets, etc. will work. Some literature describes using layers of old newspapers or packing the sand onto the vertical walls. Neither of these options work well.

Q: How do you "place" the edging or waterfall rock?
A: Obviously this step in pond construction at least seems one of the most challenging for an amatuer pond builder. It is certainly a bit physically challenging though probably not as difficult as first percieved. Start with careful selection of the rock size and type. Choose types that look like natural rock native to your region. Rocks that are more flat than round tend to be easier to build with, but try to include various shapes for a more natural look. Avoid rocks with naturally sharp edges though as contact with the pond liner could spell trouble. Size selection is critical. Consider your (or your helper's) physical abilities and limits. Remember that larger rocks create visual "drama" that lots of smaller rocks will not. So the key is choose rocks of varying sizes and shapes and be sure to include some larger ones and some large flat ones for stable edging points and/ or waterfall spillways. Once the rock is purchased and transported/ delivered to the site the first step is to remove as much as is practical from the pallet. (Normally rock are sold stacked/ secured on wooden pallets.) Scatter the so each one is visible. The rock can be very dirty/ dusty so it can be washed/ hosed at any point of building with it or upon completion. Then simply place one rock at a time and try to stabilize each rock so any wobble is minimal. Remember when you "stack" to gain height that only the front edge of the bottom course(s) is visible. Always try to "overlap" the "seams" of the lower course as you build to create stability. There will always be some gaps and crevices so just try to minimlize them by having some smaller pieces and/or some 1-3" round gravel ready for this purpose. Use some black expanding foam to put under rocks in the waterfall to create dams to divert flowing water over the rock instead of under it keeping it visible. Overall take your time to ensure each rock is stable, safely placed and visually pleasing.