Stones are a popular material for lining backyard ponds with a few disadvantages. First, stones are tricky to clean up around while dredging the bottom of a pond. Large slabs of stone carefully fitted along the bottom of a lined pond are easier to clean and maintain than small rocks and gravel. This is because the thousands of tiny gaps between the small pieces of stone. Larger pieces have fewer gaps and seams, reducing the amount of debris that remains trapped between the slabs. However, slabs are far more expensive than most people assume and hard to fit into place without potentially damaging the liner.
If you’re looking for an alternative to rocks on the bottom of a pond, sand may work better. It’s smoother and easier to clean when dredging is necessary while still providing the weight to prevent liners from floating. Yet rocks provide a better environment for microbes that help keep water clean and healthy. While you’ll spend more time on cleaning with a rock lined pond, you’ll notice healthier fish and cleaner water in the long run than with mud or sand. Compare the costs of the materials as well and find out what’s locally available before making a final choice.
