Irrigation ponds are typically quite large, and grow even larger as irrigation systems get bigger over time. It’s important to keep your nightly draw at six inches or less in order to reduce muddy, exposed banks.
How Big Should my Irrigation Lake Be?
Let's say that your nightly water usage is around 440,000 gallons, or one acre-foot of water. In this instance, you should have an irrigation lake that is at least two acres. If any smaller, your lake should use armor like riprap on its banks to prevent mud and assist in reducing erosion from waves. However, riprap isn’t exactly aesthetically pleasing.
Irrigation Pond and Lake Liners
BTL Liners crafts reinforced polyethylene (RPE) and reinforced polypropylene (RPP) liners that are fish and plant safe, which makes them perfect for golf course ponds of all applications. BTL has provided durable and puncture-resistant liners for golf course ponds across the United States and around the world. We recommend the AquaArmor, as it is the strongest, most UV-resistant pond liner in the industry.
Irrigation Pond Requirements
Irrigation ponds are often required on flat sites. This requires golf course landowners to craft drainage outlets that lay close to every fairway. Moving surface drainage across land needs a 3% slope minimum. Likewise, drain pipes need a minimum of .25%. Water remains at 0%. Long and linear lakes that parallel fairways can create shorter flow distances for both. However, this makes for a significant amount of water hazards.
Floodwater Detention
Urban planners and developers alike consider golf course ponds to be outstanding floodwater detention areas for nearby neighborhoods and even as components of regional plans. These floodwater detention ponds typically have a deeper “freeboard,” or the elevation difference between normal water levels and the tops of their banks.
Water Feature Management
Remember, every golf course water feature requires management. The cost of management often depends on how manicured the edge of your water feature looks. Manicured turn banks can be expensive, while a more natural look can help reduce costs. Keep in mind that lake edges can erode or require repairs on account of wave action, while streams could be subject to cave-ins or erosion. Likewise, pond maintenance often includes removing debris that may rapidly accumulate in the downwind side of your water feature and controlling any aquatic plants. Off-stream ponds also need periodic dredging to increase water storage and restore pond depth.
AquaArmor by BTL Liners ensures that your golf course water feature stays in the best shape possible. By bringing forth the best in UV protection, fish safety, tear resistance and incredible durability, AquaArmor ensures that your water feature is safe and effective while withstanding the test of time.
