Media for bottom of pool-pond conversion

[mcgregorphoto]

Hi, I am converting a 18'x33' pool with steel sides into a pond. I would like to be able to swim in it/walk on the bottom. The shallow side is 3.5' and the deep end is 6', I am wondering what media I should be considering for the majority of the bottom of the pond? I will be placing some large boulders with an excavator and hand placing lots of basketball size ones but have a lot of surface area to cover. Would 1-2" gravel work? Is it too sharp for 45mm EPDM? I appreciate it!

 

[j.w]

@mcgregorphoto

 

[mcgregorphoto]

Thanks @j.w - so much useful info here and I have soooo much to learn.

 

[TheFishGuy]

Welcome! What type of gravel were you thinking? I used 2" smooth river rock on the bottom of mine, and that stuff has been great, but I probably wouldn't choose to use a rough pea gravel on an area that will be walked on.

 

[Mmathis]

Hello and welcome! Please post some pictures of the pool now — sounds awesome!

 

[mcgregorphoto]

Thanks for your interest @Mmathis - here are the process pics. I just ordered the liner and pumps today. I found out that the 1-2" gravel that I am interested in is not crushed so should be good for the base of the pond? Also, I could also use it for a middle layer above the grapefruit size stone I am putting on my milk crates (DIY aquablox) in the 18x10 bog. Do you think I will also need 3/4 above the 2" in the bog?

 

[TheFishGuy]

Cool project! Glad to hear that the gravel is not crushed. I would recommend 3/4 inch pea gravel above the 2” stuff so that your plants can really root in and establish themselves.