Over the winter a Muskrat got under the netting of our Koi pond and tore the faceplate off the skimmer, chewed through the lighting wires as well as biting several holes in the liner. We were losing about 2" of water per day in a 10*13 pond.

We have let the pond drain down 3 times to look for holes and we have fixed everything we could find, but I still am losing about 1/2 inch of water per day without the waterfall on. Our pond installer wants to rebuild the 12 year-old pond with a new liner, skimmer, biofalls as well as expand it out 3 feet for just over $6000. That option is not in the cards this summer.

Just wondering if 1/2"/day too much water to lose? Is it worth another look for holes in the liner now or can I wait until next Spring's cleanout? I am really leaning towards just living with the water loss, put a timer on the hose to add water every couple of days and get back to enjoying the pond this summer.

All opinions/advice would be welcome!