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Before you attempt to lay the liner you must put in a "pre-liner" first. The best i have found is sand. If you use any thing like carpet or old newspaper it will rot and give no support, however there are some special materials available for the job. The idea of the pre-liner is to prevent the liner it self from being punctured by any sharp stones, also you can use it to ensure that the bottom of your pond is level. The next step you have two choices, you can either unfold the liner across the hole and anchor it down on the edges, and start to fill it with water and as the liner fills it will slowly pull it self into shape. (Remember to move the anchors in as it fills.) Or you can unfold the liner and make it into the appropriate shape and then fill it with water. (Please if you do this do it with bare feet.) Which ever way you do it is up to you, but i prefer to start with the first and finish with the second that way you can make neat folds for any "corners" you may have, since you can not cut the liner to fit. How much liner do I need ? No matter what shape your excavation is the calculation is the same. You must measure from the furthest points. (Imagine that it is in an invisible oblong.) It goes like this Length (then add twice the depth) multiplied by breadth (then add twice the depth) equals the size you require You then want to buy the next size up! if you are buying a "standard" size All Done? Well now that it is full it is recommended that you leave it for at least a day to give the liner a chance to finish "settling in" Now you can trim off the surplus but leave at least six inches all around. You can now decorate the edges with what ever material you have chosen. A few words of caution. If you are adding fish either leave the pond for at least a week or add a dechlorinator. If you are adding a fountain follow the manufactures instructions carefully and please use an R.C.D. Get a nice deck chair sit back and enjoy. Why not send me a picture?
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