Build a beach at your pond

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Radio interview source: Bob Lusk, editor, Pond Boss magazine

We have a nice pond, but no beach to sit on and bask in the sun. Snapping turtles have taken up residence at our pond, and I won't fight them for sunning space. However, if we were to build a beach, it would be on the north end, where the ground gently slopes into the water. We wouldn't even have to grade it.

The best site for a pond beach is one that is convenient to get to, and has clay soil to hold the sand. Before adding even one grain, though, put down shade cloth to route moisture and gasses into the ground and prevent the sand from pushing into the clay.

Bob Lusk is a pond expert, and says to determine how much sand you'll need, measure the area. Plan on a sand depth of at least 6 inches, but no more than 18 inches. Calculate that to cubic feet or cubic yards, then head to a sand and gravel company.

"The best kind of sand to buy is called beach sand or mortar sand, like what masons use to mix mortar with," Lusk says. "That's an outstanding sand for beaches and it's easy to get."