FAQs When Building a Pond in Texas

Building a Pond FAQs

Chances are as you begin the process of building a pond, a number of questions will arise. This is a good thing, actually, because building a pond is not something that should be done quickly or without detailed planning. It would be difficult (if not impossible) to answer every question about the subject, simply because every situation is unique, but there are some common elements and questions that will come into play when building a pond, whether you are in Texas or any other state.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Pond Construction Projects

Here are a few of the frequently asked questions when building a pond.

How important is placement of the pond?
The answer to this question can be summed up in one word – “extremely”. In fact, those with lots of experience building a pond will not move one shovel-full of dirt or start up a piece of equipment without a thorough inspection of the proposed site.

Some of the key items to consider when locating a pond include: water source, topography and general layout of land, soil type, and proximity to the intended use (water livestock, fishing, retention of excess water). This question is so important that entire books and university studies have been written on the subject. Before you begin your pond construction project, talk with an expert and find out why placement is so important when building a pond.

Where does the water come from?
When you enlist the help of a professional for building a pond, one of the first steps they will take is to perform a detailed inspection of the site. During this time, they will determine where the water for the pond will come from. This might include from a well, runoff from the surrounding watershed, etc. It is important to consider that there must be enough water to supply the pond and keep the water at a sufficient level. This is important for all types of ponds – stock tanks, recreational ponds, retention ponds, and so on.

Questions & Answers for Building a Pond

What is best soil type for building a pond?
This may be a bit more difficult to answer directly, because the soil conditions can vary quite a bit in Texas (and other states). In general, soils with clay content are usually the best, though even this type of soil often requires the use of a quality sealing material like bentonite clay. If the soil has a very high sand content, the project may require additional excavation and sealing. Limestone and shale can be worked with but the contractor will probably have to address fractures that could lead to leakage in the future. Ultimately, you should work with a professional pond contractor to evaluate any soil and make recommendations before beginning your pond construction project.

How much does building a pond cost?
Again, each situation is different, so the cost of one pond will often be different from another of the same size, because of factors like soil conditions, topography, etc. A good general guideline puts the cost of a half-acre pond at around $40,000, as an average. This might range from $1.50 per square foot to more than $2.50 per square foot.

A professional with experience building ponds will be able to provide a more exact estimate during the planning and design process as well as help you understand some factors that affect pond construction cost, such as sodium bentonite cost. Keep in mind that the necessity of clearing the site of trees and stumps can also add several thousand dollars to the cost.

Can I build the pond myself or do I require professional help to build a pond?
While yes, you can often build a pond yourself, this is not always the best decision. You will need to be sure to have all the necessary paperwork in place before you start the construction project. However, a permit is not the only item that could present problems for the do-it-yourself pond builder. This is a special area of expertise, with specific steps to be taken and particular problems that may arise. Some of the most frequently asked questions come from people who dug their own pond and then needed to hire the professionals to come in and make it right. So if you are considering pond construction on your own, you should make sure that you fully understand the project before beginning. In many cases, individuals find that hiring professional pond builders is one of the best choices they can make when building a pond.

Learn More About Building a Pond

If you are thinking about building a pond in Texas, contact the experts at Southwestern Materials today. We specialize in constructing the highest quality clay bentonite ponds for any purpose. Our experts have years of professional experience and will ensure that the job is done right the first time.