Repairing a Leaky Pond: Liner Installation, Pump Replacement, and Temporary Fish Housing

Assessing the Damage

A homeowner inherited a two‑pond system with a leaking lower pond (losing 2 inches/day), a cracked filter, and a raccoon visit. The lower pond holds six goldfish, plus snails and frogs.

Can You Reline Over the Old Liner?

Yes. Measure maximum length (L), width (W), and depth (D). For ponds under ~500 gallons, liner size = (L + 2D + 1) ft × (W + 2D + 1) ft. Add an extra foot for larger ponds for overlap.

Pump Replacement

The cracked PondMaster 1500 Model 5 pump (≈500 gph) can be replaced with a compatible MagDrive 500 or similar. Only the pump needs replacing if the filter housing is intact.

Temporary Fish Housing

• Use large Rubbermaid/Sterilite totes rinsed and filled with pond water.
• Add an air stone for aeration; cover with netting weighted down to exclude raccoons.
• Fish can stay weeks in shade; a garage is safer from predators.
• Feed goldfish/pond food—fish cannot survive on algae alone.
• Keep snails and frogs in separate containers with pond water; net frog tubs to prevent escape.

Additional Tips

Clean the pond thoroughly before laying the new liner. Refer to pond cleaning guide for step‑by‑step instructions.