Bentonite is a type of clay that is commonly used to maintain existing ponds and construct new ones thanks to its unique properties. At Diversified Ceramic Services, Inc., bentonite is one of the refractories we provide, and we are familiar with its application in ponds.
Here are some of the most common ways bentonite is used to maintain and create ponds today:
- Bentonite is known for its ability to expand when it’s wet, which then forms a gel-like barrier that effectively seals leaks. When mixed with soil at the bottom of a pond and at the sides, it then creates a waterproof layer. This is beneficial when installing ponds in places with clay-rich soil that won’t naturally retain water very well.
- During the initial construction process for a pond, bentonite can be added to the pond’s side and base to ensure that it continually retains water. This is usually done by spreading a layer of bentonite on the bottom and then compacting it into the soil. When the clay particles come into contact with water, they swell and fill any gaps in the pond’s sides and bottom.
- As time passes, a pond’s liner can develop leaks due to erosion, natural setting, and other different factors. You can use bentonite to patch these leaks. For most maintenance projects, bentonite is applied to the affected area in slurry form, so that it can seal the leaks and restore the pond’s ability to hold water.