First off: I’m born and raised in FL I know the difference. These ARE water moccasins not just harmless watersnakes. We killed a very large one (for these snakes) yesterday. They are eating my goldfish and wild frogs faster than I or nature can replace them here in South Alabama. Not to mention I have outdoor cats that drink from the ponds edge and curious kids who like to watch the wonder of tadpoles close up and personal. At first, the pond was deep (2 feet) and steep sided….that didn’t work, it just let them dive where we couldn’t see them OR the fish we bought. Then we dug it out and expanded the pond sides making it more space with gradually sloping sides but less than a foot deep so that we could clearly see the sandy bottom and the fish we bought…..Still even though we can see them, they’re unwelcomed guests and now probably more of an issue because we now know there are more of them than we originally thought. When we kill one, another large one has replaced it within a week! Now, there are babies in the water and those are even harder to kill because they’re so small and quick. I need a pond solution and fast!
Here’s my thoughts: We have already spent nearly $1000 over the last two years trying to build a lovely water feature. I would hate to waste a brand new liner, brand new pump, not to mention all the rocks, plants and fish. But…..If I don’t find a safe solutions, my husband is threatening to fill it in. So, I need "snake proof" pond plans…if there is such a thing.
-IF I were to build a square box with sides say 2 or even 3 feet off the ground. Lay my liner inside this form and have a sort of large container garden; would this solve my problem with the moccasins?
-Are there any pond design ideas that will bar snakes from entering?
Please let me know….we love our pond, but Daddy’s more concerned with safety as all good husbands are.

The wall may reduce the problem but it won’t eliminate it as water moccasins can and will climb (You see them in trees by bodies of water quite frequently) Your best option is likely what Anon suggested which is a fine mesh net over the whole pond. Put the edge under what ever you are using to hold down the edges of the liner and preferable put the edges directly against the liner. That will keep them from going under as well. It may be a bit of a pain for you when you need to access the pond but if you can get the pond snake free it will keep them out. An added plus it will also keep leaves and what no out as well