San Diego Joe wrote:

Jim Elbrecht wrote:
-snip-
I'm thinking about an 8x10 or so pond liner- depth of the pond to go
from 2-4 inches on one end to 18inches or so on the deep end.

Sand or gravel on the bottom of the shallow end.
This will all drift to the deep end. I would personally avoid putting sand
or gravel on the bottom. Very hard to keep clean.

Good point. I forgot about gravity. Any thoughts on keeping the
liner from being slippery to make wading more pleasant? Pavers on
the bottom?


Will you EVER want fish? If so you should take into account fish protection
from predators before you dig.

No fish in this one.

-snip-
[though there will be running water from a bucket over the well to the pond
through
a trough over the flower bed.] I'll use one pump to fill/cool off the
pond- and another to skim & filter.
If you go self contained you'll only need the one pump. If you use the well,
it sounds a bit as if you will be circulating water in two different
locations. One the 'self contained' part and the other circulating through
the well. I'm thinking you will be somewhat contaminating (okay contaminate
is way too strong a word...) your well water with pond water.

Plan two eliminates re-circulating into the well. I was thinking
I'd need one pump to get water from the well [handier than a hose from
the house supply- and much softer, chlorine free water] and another
for my filtration and moving water. Will a single pump also
draw from the well when needed? Say a max of 15' of head for the
well water.


How many cardinal sins have I committed so far? g [BTW- I'm in NY zone
5-6ish and the site will be in full sun only about 5 hours on the longest
days. It is on the west side of a deciduous tree.]
How close to the tree? Leaves will fall in the water and need to be removed
or you will need to net in the fall.

Oh I'll have leaves-- and mulberries, and red maple blossoms,
catkins, and seeds, and cottonwood puffs. I fight with a pool
in a similar location. A powerful skimmer and frequent raking is
a must. In the fall I might rig a screen for it.
[open to suggestions on pump/skimmer style or brands]

Thanks for the feedback-

Jim