Making a Pond with No Ugly Liner at Edge

This is a simple pond for wildlife made in a similar way to my larger pools for swimming.
For a free DIY PDF visit: organicpools.co.uk
My DIY film "Make a Natural Swimming Pool" is on: vimeo.com/ondemand/organicpools

[@brianhina8538]

Awesome idea. I need to do that as an example for my Contractor of a much larger pond. He has never done one like this.

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

Hi Brian, thanks. Yes this is good for large pools too. I make most of my organic swimming pools like this.

[@francisrobinson8361]

Thanks dave!!

[@markpalmer8294]

So many great videos! I bought and downloaded (and printed because I'm rocketing toward my dotage) the book. And I'm sure the answer is in there. But just quickly, you mention this pond has no bubble pump. With a pond this size, is that okay? We're building one expressly for wildlife ... and it won't be large. We're going to be off grid, so a bubble pump means a solar panel. So when you mentioned in the narration, this pond was built without a pump I got very interested. Is the depth of the center great enough that the water recirculates naturally? love it if you'd let me know! and BTW sorry the real Dominic West wasn't available for that other video. It was clear the guy you got knew nothing about plumbing.

[@johnlarkin9594]

Loved the video, just wondered what is the best quality overliner to use.? I've bought your video on how to make an organic pool. Southampton UK

[@DavinStewart]

Thank you for the video. Wonderfully relaxing as always. I wonder how small you could make an organic pool? Is there a lower limit? Also, why no bubble pumps? Doesn't that mean the filtration will be limited?

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

Hi Davin, thank you for the lovely message. I made a pool in my greenhouse which was even smaller than this - although it was much deeper. So, I seem to be making pools smaller and smaller an not yet reaching a limit. This one didn't have pumps because the family just wanted a very simple pool they could make themselves.

[@jvincent2870]

I like to see a smaller version of the natural pool like this one! It’s closer to the size one could possibly build in a small suburban yard.

[@berryijmkerzwemvijvers]

I have made an even smaller version of the natural pool, the video is in dutch but the pictures and video should give you an idea: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHSVp614jdl0oJo

[@EastyUK]

Have you tried bentonite? or any thoughts on it as a way of sealing without a liner? I've only used it on a small spring box, though could be an interesting thing to try.

[@elaleph5512]

Muy bonita la pileta

[@danielmcardle3476]

How long would that style of construction last please? I always enjoy your work David Pagan Butler!

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

Hi Daniel, the edge could become damaged with excess traffic, for example kicking the tiles - but very easily fixed. And can easily be made solid with concrete if desired. The PVC liner is well protected from UV and should last for a decade or more.

[@excelentecongabriel6130]

hello David, I´m a new Fan! ¿why don´t use the bubble Pumps in this pound?

[@blakevanwinkle6666]

I have seen where folks have used carpet as underliner. Could one use artificial turf to do this or is it too rough?

[@karmo0o178]

they could have made it hold much more water, isn't the edging a bit too large?

[@nolan5320]

Agreed and loads shallow area which is a nest for fungi. I would have also changed the shape a bit

[@spaalqutsi]

How much would this setup cost?

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

The liner PVC was £150, gravel/sand £50 - the rest just reclaimed materials.

[@nansealove9000]

David I read you passed away. I want to buy your DVD but the only place I saw it said in wasn't in stock. Whoever is running this page I would be so grateful to be told if it is available somewhere? I am in Northern California USA. ❤

[@beelinekhan460]

he did not pass away!

[@nansealove9000]

@@beelinekhan460 GREAT, are you sure? I thought it was too unlikely that 2 people had the same name. But when i googled his name looking for how to buy the DVD an obituary came up pretty sure i am not allowed to share the web address but will try: dignitymemorial (dot) com/obituaries/ponce-pr/david-butler-pagan-9414788

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

Reports of my death are somewhat premature! Although, I am having a bad hair day. My full DIY video is on vimeo: vimeo.com/ondemand/organicpools I better keep on posting films to show I'm still alive.

[@nansealove9000]

@@organicpools-davidpaganbutler great! I already followed it. Thank you for my first laugh out loud today. 🤣🤣🤣 You take care of that hair. Btw as unlikely as it seems there is an obituary online for someone with your exact name. I found it when I was googling to try to find your DVD. Am so glad you are still alive and I presume doing well (except for your hair that is.) So kind of your to share your knowledge with the world! ❤

[@nansealove9000]

@@organicpools-davidpaganbutler I have heard from permaculturist that bentonite clay is what farmers use when the want to create a pond. My neighbor is a potter and says it is very expensive and she suggested I mix it with another clay that also expands. I cannot recall what kind. I to be as plastic free as I can be for the environment. Are you familiar with that instead of the plastic liner?

[@kennethwallace34]

Can you put fish in this pond or will it mess up the system.

[@nolan5320]

You'll then need to add a pump as a wildlife pond per se, does not use power

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

I suggest no fish. But the family want to put in goldfish - it is their pond after all. So, it will be good to see what happens.

[@HallHomestead]

Can't wait to fix my pond, it's full of duck weed

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

Duck weed is a sign of too many nutrients in the pool. The pool edge design is critical to help keep nutrients out.

[@discernment777]

Organic with plastic inside? Now thank you.

[@JeriDro]

lazy man's pond. use clay and stone

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

If you have a good clay soil, then sure.